Corpse Flower - Bigger Is Better!

Rafflesia is surprisingly unknown, for having the largest flower on the planet (at least in weight, it is rivalled by Amorphophallus titanum, which is sometimes larger in size but weighs less). It has been known to man since the last 1700's after being found in Java, yet few have heard of or seen this plant.


Rafflesia part of the extensive group known as parasitic plants. There are actually about 28 different species of Rafflesia, all found in Asia. Rafflesia are strange in that they remain completely elusive until they flower. They have a organ called a 'haustorium' that spreads inside the vines of other plants and absorbs nutrients from them. They have no leaves or visible plant organs outside of the host they parasitize, save for the blossom. The only time Rafflesia emerges into the daylight is to flower and fruit, when it sends out its stunning, absurdly large inflorescence.


The flowers of this magnificent plant can weigh up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds), and can reach diameters of over 1 meter (39 inches)! Even the smallest Rafflesia species' flower is a foot across. The seed pods are also quite large and are often eaten by small mammals or rodents who then disperse the seeds.

Usually, we think of flowers as emitting a lovely, sweet perfume. They do this to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds who expect to get a sugary, nectar treat upon arrival. The plants usually reward them with a meal and send them on their way with some pollen attached and perhaps having received some pollen from another flower elsewhere.


The five-petaled flowers of Rafflesia give off a horrid stench resembling rotting flesh, giving this plant the common name of "Corpse Flower". They do this to attract insects as well, but insects that feed on carrion, like flies. It's all a ruse, and the flies get nothing in return after having be lured to the Rafflesia flower, sprinkled with pollen and sent on their way.