Nature

‘World’s biggest flower’ that is almost 4ft wide and smells like ROTTING FLESH blooms in Indonesian rainforest

In the heart of West Sumatra’s dense forest, a peculiar parasitic flower blooms as the year comes to a close. With a staggering diameter of 44 inches, the Rafflesia tuan-mudae is the largest recorded bloom of its kind, also known as the corpse flower due to its pungent odor that fills the air as it blossoms. Among the 28 species of the Rafflesia genus, these parasitic flowers are most commonly found in Borneo and Sumatra, with the record-breaking Rafflesia spotted in the Maninjau Natural Reserve of West Sumatra.

These flowers, devoid of roots or leaves, survive solely as parasites that feed on their hosts, typically vines of the Tetrastigma genus. Interestingly, the largest Rafflesia tuan-mudae bloom also uses the same host as the previous record holder, which measured about 42 inches in diameter back in 2017. After embedding themselves into the host’s tissue, Rafflesias absorb water and nutrients to grow, and eventually bloom only when they’ve garnered enough energy.

Unlike other Rafflesia species that bloom in vines hanging from the air, the Rafflesia tuan-mudae is grounded, announcing its presence only when its petals unfurl. “Rafflesias attach to the body of another and grow at the expense of that plant,” explains biologist Ross Koping. “They can’t flower until they’ve gotten enough energy from the host, so these plants flower very rarely, and you have to hunt them.”

The notorious stench of the Rafflesia is meant to attract flies, their primary pollinators, and is vital for the plant’s survival as they bloom infrequently, and the flower lasts for only a week before it wilts. While the corpse flower nickname is fitting for the Rafflesia, the more common species that share the name are the Amorphophallus titanum. These plants, although distantly related, emit a similar odor but are more accessible to cultivate, requiring only adequate space in a pot to grow. Despite their gruesome scent, both of these flowers are a spectacle to behold if you ever chance upon them.

The Rafflesia is a parasitic flower found in Southeast Asia that gives off an awful stench when it blooms.

This has earned it the nickname of “corpse flower.”

https:thaistar24h.net

 

Related Posts

A stunning discovery is made after millennia of silence: rocks have been changed into magnificent animals, and their sculpted forms serve as a constant reminder of nature’s creative legacy.

The mesmerızıng beautƴ of coastal landscapes ıs often characterızed bƴ the unıque and ıntrıguıng shapes of rocks scattered along the shorelıne. These rock formatıons have been shaped bƴ…

Ascending To Greater Heights: Ghana’s Towering Bamboo Marvel Dominates All Other Structures

In the heart of West Africa, a remarkable architectural marvel has emerged, captivating the world with its awe-inspiring presence. Ghana’s colossal bamboo tree towers above all man-made structures,…

Witness The Splendor Of A Ginkgo Tree, Over 1400 Years Old, A Timeless Symbol Of Beauty And Endurance

Since mid-November, a magnificent Ginkgo tree, nestled beside the Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple in the Zhongnan Mountains, has been shedding its golden leaves, transforming the temple grounds into…

Chainsaw Maestro Turns Tree Stump Into Mesmerizing Illusion Of Water Cascading From A Bucket

Chainsaw carving is undeniably remarkable, and the artisans who form part of this artistic community exhibit exceptional talent. Manipulating a chainsaw is inherently challenging, not to mention using…

Reveling in Underwater Marvels: The Enchanting Harmony Below the Tides

The vast expanse of the ocean holds a treasure trove of breathtaking artistic marvels that ignite the imagination and transcend conventional boundaries. Brilliantly s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed artists have gifted us…

Canadian Man Shatters World Record with Massive 29kg Turnip, Setting a New Standard

This incredible video shows the moment a humpback whale jumped out of the water, narrowly missing a tiny angling boat. The photographer who took pictures of the scene…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *