The Rafflesia is the world’s
largest flower, but you will not find it at your local florist shop. This bloom
istoo large and too smelly to be included in any bouquet. It grows to be about
a yard wide, and it smells like rotting meat. The horrid odor helps this rare
plant to survive. The stench draws flies, which in turn pollinate the
Rafflesia. This is how the Rafflesia reproduces itself.
Rafflesias do not have stems,
roots, or leaves. They do not produce chlorophyll. Rafflesias are parasites
that attach themselves to vines. The vines serve as host plants which provide
the Rafflesia with all its nutritional requirements.
Today the Rafflesia is in danger
of becoming extinct. Loggers damage the flowers when they cut down trees.
Tourists who come to observe the Rafflesia and other jungle wonders, carelessly
trample the blooms and crush the vines on which they grow. Many people are
working together to make sure this extraordinary flower is around for future
generations to admire.
Stinky Parasite
The Rafflesia is a parasite.
It doesn’t sting; it doesn’t bite.
Instead it smells like rotten meat
or dirty, grubby, sweaty feet.
It’s putrid smell entices flies
into a bloom of giant size
that’s wider than a traffic sign
and stuck onto a jungle vine.
The flies aren’t on its dinner plate;
instead, the insects pollinate.
And when they’re done, they’re free to go
to help more stinky blossoms grow.
Credit to: Lill Pluta
 |
| This Rafflesia Your Can See at Adenna Rafflesia Garden - http://adennarafflesia.blogspot.com |
Posted by adenna
The Rafflesia is the world’s
largest flower, but you will not find it at your local florist shop. This bloom
istoo large and too smelly to be included in any bouquet. It grows to be about
a yard wide, and it smells like rotting meat. The horrid odor helps this rare
plant to survive. The stench draws flies, which in turn pollinate the
Rafflesia. This is how the Rafflesia reproduces itself.
Rafflesias do not have stems,
roots, or leaves. They do not produce chlorophyll. Rafflesias are parasites
that attach themselves to vines. The vines serve as host plants which provide
the Rafflesia with all its nutritional requirements.
Today the Rafflesia is in danger
of becoming extinct. Loggers damage the flowers when they cut down trees.
Tourists who come to observe the Rafflesia and other jungle wonders, carelessly
trample the blooms and crush the vines on which they grow. Many people are
working together to make sure this extraordinary flower is around for future
generations to admire.
Stinky Parasite
The Rafflesia is a parasite.
It doesn’t sting; it doesn’t bite.
Instead it smells like rotten meat
or dirty, grubby, sweaty feet.
It’s putrid smell entices flies
into a bloom of giant size
that’s wider than a traffic sign
and stuck onto a jungle vine.
The flies aren’t on its dinner plate;
instead, the insects pollinate.
And when they’re done, they’re free to go
to help more stinky blossoms grow.
Credit to: Lill Pluta
|
| This Rafflesia Your Can See at Adenna Rafflesia Garden - http://adennarafflesia.blogspot.com |
