World's largest flowering plant with pictures

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by SimonZ, Nov 18, 2009.

  1. SimonZ

    SimonZ Gardener

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    Rafflesia arnoldii is found in the jungles of the Malay Archipelago and produces the worldâ??s largest flower. It is named after its discoverer, Dr. Joseph Arnold, who found the plant in the early 19th Century. The red, white-speckled,five-petalled flowers outstrip those of the Rafflesiaâ??s host, for the plant is a parasite, which survives like funguses by means of thread-like tissue strands embedded into the cells of a vine called Tetrastigma. The flowers can measure a metre wide, weigh up to 15lb, and appear directly on the forest floor attached to their hosts. Rafflesia arnoldii lacks roots or noticeable leaves or stems. Eventually, the host vine exhibits growths on its stem which swell to the sizes of small cabbages. After about one year, these will burst to reveal new flowers growing.
    FAMILY: Rafflesiaceae/Euphorbiaceae
    HABIT: Apparently an Annual.
    HEIGHT: Not very high as it lacks a stem.
    FLOWERING TIME: Five or six days of the year at random times.
    LEAVES: None.
    FLOWERS: The plantâ??s main focal point and the biggest flower in the world. The bisexual flowers are strongly scented, earning the plant the nickname â??Corpse Flower.â? Flies, carrion beetles, bees and bluebottles are attracted, and pollinate the plant. Some believe, on the other hand, that mammals, which also eat the fruit, are chiefly responsible for transporting the pollen.

    FRUIT: Round, about 15cm in diameter, filled with smooth flesh and the coated seeds, which are eaten by squirrels and tree shrews. Individual plants are known to contain as little as one single seed, or several thousands.
    PESTS AND DISEASES: I have been unable to find any pests or diseases of Rafflesia arnoldii.

    LINKS:
    Stamens:
    http://articles.mercola.com/ImageServer/public/2007/11--november/11.29rafflesia.jpg
    In the pollinating stage:
    http://a3.vox.com/6a00c225203c208fdb00e398e8a4530004-500pi
    Fruiting:
    http://www.naturehills.com/images/articleImages/titanarum.jpg
     
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