Endangered Species Project
By: Shannah Avila
Plant & Global: Rafflesia Flower
Plant & Global: Rafflesia Flower (Endangered)
Background Information:
- -Native of rainforests of Sumatra & Borneo in the Indonesian Archipelago
- -Largest flower in the world
- - Parasitic plant without any leaves, stems, and roots. It attaches itself to a host plant.
- -Nutrient-absorbing threads to absorb nutrients from the host on which it lies on.
- -DO NOT have chlorophyll and CANNOT undergo photosynthesis
- -Forest mammals & tree shrews feed on the Rafflesia fruit - hard coated seeds (15 cm diameter)
- -"Stinking Corpse Lily" - rotten smell is from reddish tentacle-like threads branched inside the petals
- -Sensitive & only bloom for less than a week.
Threats/Causes of Endangerment:
- - Illegal collectors- people steal to us as remedy, in Southeast Asia, for internal injuries & infertility. Sell at high prices
- -High Mortality Level- Small percentage of flowers will bloom per year & only last a few days
- -Habitat Specialization: Rafflesia can only parasite some particular species, which makes it harder for them to survive
- -Sex Ration Disproportion- male plants are more widespread then females & can diminish their chance for the partners to bloom and be close enough at the same time for pollination
- -Habitat destruction
Possible Course of Action for Protection:
- -Preserve the Rafflesia Habitat
- -National Parks have asked indigenous people to monitor the buds & prevent people from stealing them
- -Conservation Programs
- -Reduce Habitat Destruction (reduce rainforest clearing)
Bibliography
"Largest Flower-Rafflesia." The Flower Expert. Gifting Inc. n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2015.
"New Hope for World's Biggest and Weirdest Flower." Independent. n.p. 28 Sept. 2011. Web. 6 Dec. 2015.
"Rafflesia Life History." Rafflesia. Western Michigan State University, no.D. Web. 6 Dec. 2015.