Overview
- An expedition led by Dr. Chris Thorogood, working with local guides Septian Andriki and Iwan Iswandi, trekked through tiger-patrolled rainforest to reach the site.
- Researchers recorded the bud opening in front of them after up to nine months of development, with the flower expected to remain open only for a few days.
- Video shows Andriki sobbing with joy after a 13-year search for the species, underscoring the crucial role of local knowledge in finding these plants.
- Rafflesia are obligate parasites that live inside host vines and emit a carrion-like odor to attract pollinators such as flies and beetles.
- Oxford Botanic Garden warns many Rafflesia species are at severe risk from habitat loss and proposes forming a Rafflesia conservation working group to share tools and best practice.