Rafflesia flower is
the largest single flower in the world.
There are
about 30 species of
Rafflesia, all found in Asian
rainforests.
They are parasitic
plants that grow on Tetrastigma
vines, which grow only in undisturbed rainforests.
They
have got no
visible leaves, roots or stems, although root-like organs are spread
into the host vine.
They are rare to see as the flower only lasts for a
few days, and they are endangered because the undisturbed rainforests
are
disappearing. They've got a smell and look of rotting flesh which
attracts incects such as flies that pollinate them.
Rafflesia arnoldii
has got the
largest flower of all the species, with a diameter up to one
metre.
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