Scientific Name
Rafflesia kerrii Meijer
Scientific Classification
Family: Rafflesiaceae
Genus: Rafflesia
Origin
Rafflesia kerrii is native to the rainforest of southern Thailand and peninsular Malaysia, with the most famous population in the Khao Sok National Park.
Flower
Color: Red
Bloom Time: During the dry season
Description
Rafflesia kerrii is a parasite of the wild grapes of the genus Tetrastigma, but only the flowers are visible. Small buds appear along the trunk and roots of the host, which, after nine months, open the giant flowers. After just one week, the flower dies. It seems to flower seasonally, as flowers are reported only during the dry season, from January to March, and more rarely until July. The red flowers are up to 3 feet (90 cm) and smell awfully of rotten meat to attract flies for pollination.
How to Grow and Care for Rafflesia kerrii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 13a to 13b: from 60°F (15.6°C) to 70°F (21.1°C).
Rafflesia is at risk of extinction as rainforests are burned and cleared for crop production and urban growth. The buds are also harvested and sold because locals believe they have medicinal properties if consumed. The plant has never been cultivated in captivity and grows only on the tetrastigma vine, so its survival is seriously threatened.
Pollination is rare because most locations contain only male flowers or female flowers. For pollination to occur, the fly must land on the male flower and then take the pollen to the female flower. If pollination occurs, the flower produces a globular, smooth-skinned fruit measuring up to 5 inches (13 cm) in diameter. It contains thousands of seeds. Birds and squirrels enjoy eating the fruit and help spread Rafflesia seeds through their droppings.
See more at Rafflesia: The World's Largest Bloom.
Links
- Back to genus Rafflesia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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