Image: Wikimedia Commons (See link for license)
Rafflesia
Rafflesia arnoldii
γ©γγ¬γ·γ’
A parasitic plant endemic to Southeast Asia, famous for producing the world's largest flower (up to 1 m in diameter). Lacking leaves, stems, and roots, it parasitizes the tissues of its host vine (Tetrastigma, Vitaceae) in a fungus-like manner. It emits a carrion odor and is pollinated by beetles and flies.
Identification Points
- βA massive, fleshy, reddish-brown flower up to approximately 1 m in diameter
- βEmits a carrion-like odor; pollinated by carrion-feeding insects
- βA holoparasitic plant lacking leaves, stems, and roots
Habitat
Tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia (parasitic on Vitaceae roots)
Season
Year-round (flowers intermittently)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Herb
Flower symmetry
Actinomorphic
Ovary position
Inferior
Phylogenetic Positionγ©γγ¬γ·γ’η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Malpighiales > Rafflesiaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (about 45β35 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
Rafflesiaceae has evolved to the extreme as a holoparasitic plant, having lost all organs for autotrophic nutrition and depending entirely on its host. Molecular phylogenetic analyses place it near Malpighiales.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification