Rafflesia arnoldii, commonly known as the Corpse Flower, is a species of flowering plant native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is known for its large, foul-smelling flowers, which can reach up to 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter and can weigh up to 15 pounds (7 kilograms). The plant is also notable for its extremely rare blooms, which only occur a few times a year and last for only a few days. On 9 January 2018, Google Doodle celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Rafflesia Arnoldii. the celebration marks distinction as a national rarity in its native Indonesia.
What is Rafflesia Arnoldii
Rafflesia arnoldii is a parasitic plant, which means that it lacks chlorophyll and cannot produce its own food. Instead, it relies on a host plant for nutrition. The plant is parasitic on the Tetrastigma vine, and its flowers and buds emerge from the host plant’s stem.
In addition to its unusual size and scent, Rafflesia arnoldii is also notable for its unusual appearance. The flower’s petals are thick and fleshy and are typically reddish-brown in color. The plant’s large, spongy flowers are surrounded by greenish-yellow or cream-colored fleshy bracts, which resemble leaves. The plant’s blooms are pollinated by carrion flies, which are attracted to the flower’s unpleasant scent.
Rafflesia arnoldii is considered to be a vulnerable species and is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. The plant is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and the expansion of agriculture in its native range. It is also threatened by illegal collection for the ornamental plant trade