Home / Environment / Biologist Finds Elusive Tiger-Face Flower in Indonesian Jungle
Biologist Finds Elusive Tiger-Face Flower in Indonesian Jungle
21 Nov
Summary
- A biologist discovered the rare Rafflesia hasseltii flower after a difficult trek.
- The elusive flower blooms for only a few days after nine months of development.
- Many Rafflesia species face extinction, with habitats outside protected areas.
A biologist's arduous trek through Indonesia's West Sumatran jungle culminated in the emotional discovery of the exceedingly rare Rafflesia hasseltii flower. This elusive bloom, known locally as the 'Tiger-Face Mushroom,' only reveals itself for a few days after a nine-month development period. The moment of finding the flower open brought many scientists, including a local conservationist who had sought it for 13 years, to tears.
The Rafflesia family is known for producing the world's largest flowers, some earning the nickname 'corpse flowers' due to their pungent, rotting meat-like smell. This scent is crucial for attracting insects, aiding in pollination across the dense rainforest. However, the Rafflesia hasseltii is particularly rare, with some speculating it is seen more by tigers than humans in its remote habitat.
This significant find occurred during a mission to study and conserve Sumatra's Rafflesia plants, which are under severe threat. Approximately 60% of all Rafflesia species are at high risk of extinction, and a substantial portion of their habitats are not within protected zones. The discovery underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts for these unique and fragile flora.
