The rafflesia arnoldii
There are several species in the genus rafflesia, but the one covered here is
called the rafflesia arnoldii, and is
the most common species of this flowering plant. It is commonly referred to as
the corpse flower due to its foul stench (which is used to attract
pollinators). The rafflesia is classified as critically endangered, considering it is only found in the rainforests of southeast Asia and is difficult to reproduce.
Personal Information
Appearance
The rafflesia arnoldii, or the corpse flower, is usually reddish- brown in colour and covered in white spots. It consists of five lobes (petals) in a cup-like structure, where the center of the flower has a column with a disk. Unlike most plants, all species of rafflesia lack leaves, stems, or roots. The exception is small filaments that the plant uses to suck nutrients from its host vine.
Location and Population
The rafflesia arnoldii can be found only in specific parts of Southern Asia, including Peninsular Malaysia, the Malaysian islands of Sabah and Sarawak, the southern Philippines, Sumatra, Java, Thailand, and Borneo. In Malaysia, they can be found mostly in the rainforests. There are a great number of them near Poring Hot Springs at the bottom of Mount Kinabalu as well.
Because the Peninsular rainforests of Malaysia are not well protected, the population of the plant is quickly declining. Laws only safeguard the rafflesia when it is found in a National or State park. Areas that are not part of any park are not usually protected. In 2002, 44 of 83 rafflesia flowers found in Sabah were located outside of designated conservation places, meaning they were unprotected. The exact population of the flowers is unknown, because the flowers only stay open for 5-7 days, and so are difficult to study.
If you are interested in finding out more on the rafflesia, please visit my Fakebook account at:
http://www.classtools.net/FB/1823-VAs5p7
Personal Information
Appearance
The rafflesia arnoldii, or the corpse flower, is usually reddish- brown in colour and covered in white spots. It consists of five lobes (petals) in a cup-like structure, where the center of the flower has a column with a disk. Unlike most plants, all species of rafflesia lack leaves, stems, or roots. The exception is small filaments that the plant uses to suck nutrients from its host vine.
Location and Population
The rafflesia arnoldii can be found only in specific parts of Southern Asia, including Peninsular Malaysia, the Malaysian islands of Sabah and Sarawak, the southern Philippines, Sumatra, Java, Thailand, and Borneo. In Malaysia, they can be found mostly in the rainforests. There are a great number of them near Poring Hot Springs at the bottom of Mount Kinabalu as well.
Because the Peninsular rainforests of Malaysia are not well protected, the population of the plant is quickly declining. Laws only safeguard the rafflesia when it is found in a National or State park. Areas that are not part of any park are not usually protected. In 2002, 44 of 83 rafflesia flowers found in Sabah were located outside of designated conservation places, meaning they were unprotected. The exact population of the flowers is unknown, because the flowers only stay open for 5-7 days, and so are difficult to study.
If you are interested in finding out more on the rafflesia, please visit my Fakebook account at:
http://www.classtools.net/FB/1823-VAs5p7