What is the biggest flower you have ever seen? Most likely it was not very large, since most flowers are relatively small in size.
However, one Indonesian plant defies all convention and grows to a truly enormous size.
It is a plant that is part of the “rafflesia”, a group of about 28 species that are often known as “monster flowers” for their parasitic properties and their repugnant stench.
But they are also known for their size, and one species in particular is considered the world’s largest flower: Rafflesia arnoldii, the most monstrous flower of all, according to Indonesian wildlife officials.
“monster” flowers
A rafflesia that recently bloomed in a West Sumatran forest is 1 meter 11 centimeters across, that is, from side to side, making it the largest flower ever recorded, according to the Sumatra Natural Resources and Conservation Center Western.
Interestingly, it was the same location (and host plant) that produced the largest rafflesia ever recorded in 2017. But this monster flower is about 10 centimeters wider, according to CNN Indonesia.
The plant has no roots or leaves, as it is a parasite. Rafflesia feed on a host plant to live, drinking water and nutrients.
It is only visible when it overflows from inside the host plant to reveal its flowers.
The flower’s menacing open mouth emits an unpleasant odor similar to rotting meat, earning it the nickname “corpse flower.” That stench attracts the insects that pollinate it.
A smaller member of the rafflesia group.
short life
Despite its glorious appearance, the life of the rafflesia it is short Its mouth stays open for only a week before it rots and dies, making the largest flower on Earth only big for a few days, and then it perishes.
The monitoring of this plant was carried out from December 24, but the flowering phase did not occur until the beginning of this year, when the specimen was measured and the new world record was registered.
On average, members of this group of parasitic plants measure around 90 centimeters in diameter and weigh around 7 kilos.
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