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 2 · The smelly science of the corpse lily
alicecooks This rainforest corpse flower uses chemical trickery to fool carrion flies and beetles into laying eggs on its petals
alicecooks This liquid pollen dries into a durable plaque that remains viable for weeks.
Fun Fact
Fly-trap trick: Carrion flies do not get any food from Rafflesia; they are completely tricked by the smell and leave empty-handed, carrying only sticky pollen.
Glossary
rafflesia (noun)
A parasitic plant of Southeast Asia that lacks leaves, stems, and roots and produces a massive, foul-smelling flower. The plant mimics decaying flesh to lure pollinating carrion flies in the Indonesian rainforest.
A parasitic plant of Southeast Asia that lacks leaves, stems, and roots and produces a massive, foul-smelling flower. The plant mimics decaying flesh to lure pollinating carrion flies in the Indonesian rainforest.
Quiz
Which insect is the primary pollinator attracted by the rotten smell of Rafflesia?
Quiz
How far can a carrion fly travel with viable Rafflesia pollen stuck to its back?
Quiz
What biological term describes Rafflesia plants having separate male and female flowers?
Quiz
What tiny, oil-tipped structures on Rafflesia seeds are designed to attract helpful ants?