Another enormous flower in Bengkulu, the Amorphophallus titanum or Titan arum, which is also known as the "corpse flower" because of its unpleasant odor, is expected to be in full bloom next month.Bengkulu (ANTARA News) - Two Rafflesia Arnoldi flowers are in bloom in the Central Bengkulu and Kepahiang forest areas of Bengkulu Province.
"One flower is in bloom in the Taba Penanjung sanctuary and another in the protected forest of Bukit Daun," Sofian Ramadhan, coordinator for Bengkulu Rare Flower Community, said here on Monday.
The Rafflesia arnoldii found in Taba Penanjung has been in full bloom for the past three days and has become an attraction for the locals.
The flower found in Bukit Daun is in the beginning stages of blooming and will be in full bloom within the next three days, he confirmed.
The two rare flowers are now being guarded by local volunteers, he acknowledged.
In addition to the two flowers, several buds of the Rafflesia Arnoldi were also found in the two areas. The buds will need many months to develop.
Rafflesia is a genus of flowering plants that comprises 16 known species. The best known of these is the Rafflesia arnoldii, which has the distinction of being the worlds largest flower, reaching a diameter of some three feet and weighing up to 15 pounds. The genus Rafflesia gets its name from Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of the British colony in Singapore. Rafflesia arnoldii is found in Indonesian tropical forests.
It is a parasitic plant, with no visible leaves, roots, or stem. It attaches itself to a host plant to obtain water and nutrients. When in bloom, the Rafflesia emits a repulsive odor, similar to that of rotting meat. This odor attracts insects that pollinate the plant.
Another enormous flower in Bengkulu, the Amorphophallus titanum or Titan arum, which is also known as the "corpse flower" because of its unpleasant odor, is expected to be in full bloom next month.
Like the Rafflesia, the Titan emits the smell of rotting flesh to attract pollinators.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
