Can We Save the World’s Largest Flowers From the Brink of Extinction?

The corpse flowers, or Rafflesia, are famous for their massive blooms and the strong smell of decay they produce. While the stench signals death in humans and animals, the 42 species of Rafflesia use it to stay alive. The plants release a putrid odor that attracts carrion flies, which then pollinate them. This unique strategy has helped Rafflesia survive, but today many species are in danger. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, 25 species are critically endangered, 15 are endangered, and two are vulnerable. Habitat destruction, deforestation, and conversion of forests into plantations are the main threats, with around 60 percent of species at severe risk of extinction.

Rafflesia are endoparasites, meaning they live inside host plants like Tetrastigma vines. They don’t have leaves, stems, or roots and rely entirely on their hosts for nutrients. These plants are only found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and produce the world’s largest flowers. Beyond their ecological role, they hold cultural importance for Indigenous communities. In Malaysia, some groups perform rituals before entering Rafflesia habitats, believing the plants reflect the forest’s health. In Indonesia and Thailand, they are celebrated as national flowers and are used for ecotourism, though some claimed medicinal or culinary uses have no proven effects.

Conservation efforts are underway, including habitat protection, community involvement, ex situ propagation, and ecotourism promotion. Local Indigenous groups play a central role, monitoring rare species and guiding conservation programs. Successes include protected areas in Brunei and Indonesia, seed propagation projects, and community-based tourism initiatives. Scientists stress that protecting Rafflesia requires a combination of habitat preservation, Indigenous participation, and public awareness. Without these efforts, these extraordinary flowers—and the ecosystems they support—face a grim future.

Read the full article “Can We Save the World’s Largest Flowers From the Brink of Extinction?” by John Divinagracia

🔭   This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.