RAFFLESIA - THE WORLD´S LARGEST FLOWER: A CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

Summary

The genus Rafflesia is both iconic and mysterious in terms of its floral morphology and phylogenetics. There are more than 39 species, mostly centred in Sumatera and the Philippines. While its morphology, host-parasitic relationship are quite well-known, evolution and molecular biology remain mysterious and conservation efforts are uncertain. It is an enigmatic flower with the gigantic size, unique features but unpleasant smell has enthralled the botanical world. The genus is distributed only in tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and Malaysia. A total of 13 species have been reported from Malaysia; 8 from Peninsular Malaysia and 5 from Sabah and Sarawak. Unlike any other parasitic plants, although recognized as parasitic flower, Rafflesia was conserved and protected by laws and acts, even was used as flagship species to conserve the tropical rainforest from destruction and as symbol in plant kingdom.

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