Chapter 1
The phantom flower of Southeast Asia
Chapter 2
The smelly science of the corpse lily
Chapter 3
History, stolen notes, and Pokemon
Chapter 4
The race to save a beautiful monster
Ch 1 · The phantom flower of Southeast Asia
alicecooks Rafflesia Arnoldii
I'm the biggest bloom and I've got no roots! (No roots!) / Smelling like a corpse for the jungle flies! (Oh yeah, those flies!)
alicecooks Lacking roots, stems, leaves, and chlorophyll, Rafflesia cannot photosynthesize and exists entirely as microscopic fibers inside a host plant.
alicecooks A specialized root called a haustorium taps directly into the host vine's plumbing.
Fun Fact
Giant bloom: A Rafflesia arnoldii flower in West Sumatra was measured at 111 centimeters wide in 2020, setting the record for the largest single flower ever recorded.
Glossary
rafflesia (noun)
A parasitic plant of the family Rafflesiaceae, known for producing the world's largest individual flower. In May 2025, biological explorer Koichiro Tonomura discovered a blooming Rafflesia keithii in Malaysia.
A parasitic plant of the family Rafflesiaceae, known for producing the world's largest individual flower. In May 2025, biological explorer Koichiro Tonomura discovered a blooming Rafflesia keithii in Malaysia.
Quiz
Which of these common plant features is completely missing from the Rafflesia plant?
Quiz
Because Rafflesia lacks green chlorophyll, how does it obtain its energy and food?
Quiz
What is the scientific genus of the wild grapevine that hosts the Rafflesia parasite?
Quiz
What is the name of the specialized parasitic structure Rafflesia uses to tap into its host?
Quiz
Discovered in the Philippines, what is the approximate diameter of the tiny Rafflesia consueloae?
Quiz
Which Rafflesia species holds the record for producing the largest single flower on Earth?