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Description
Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae, also known as the “corpse flower,” is a parasitic plant native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is known for producing the largest individual flower on earth, with a diameter of up to three feet and weighing up to 22 pounds. The flower emits a pungent odor similar to that of rotting flesh, which attracts flies and beetles for pollination.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Rafflesiaceae |
| Genus | Rafflesia |
Appearance
Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae has a large, fleshy, red-brown flower with five broad petals that surround a deep, bowl-shaped center. The flower is smooth on the outside and has a waxy texture. It has no leaves, stems, or roots and relies on the host plant for all its nutrients. The flower has a short lifespan of about five days.
Care Guide
Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae is not suitable for cultivation because it is a parasitic plant that requires a specific host plant to grow. However, if you are lucky enough to see one in its natural habitat, here are some care tips to follow:
- Water: The plant does not require watering as it gets all its moisture from the host plant.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization as it relies on the host plant for all its nutrients.
- Soil: The plant does not require soil as it does not have roots.
- Sunlight: The plant thrives in the shade of the rainforest canopy.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is not hardy and cannot survive in areas with temperatures below 50°F or above 100°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae is not susceptible to pests or diseases because it has no leaves, stems, or roots. However, the plant is endangered due to habitat loss and over-harvesting for medicinal purposes.
Habitat
Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae is found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It grows on the stems of specific host plants, such as Tetrastigma vines, and can only be found in primary rainforest areas.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does the Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae flower last?
A: The flower lasts about five days.
Q: How does the Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae attract pollinators?
A: The flower emits a pungent odor similar to that of rotting flesh, which attracts flies and beetles for pollination.
Q: Is the Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae a carnivorous plant?
A: No, the plant is a parasitic plant that relies on the host plant for all its nutrients.
Q: Why is the Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae endangered?
A: The plant is endangered due to habitat loss and over-harvesting for medicinal purposes.
Related Plants
- Rafflesia arnoldii
- Rafflesia azlanii
- Rafflesia baletei
- Rafflesia cantleyi
- Rafflesia gadutensis
References
- “Rafflesia tuan-mudae.” Flora of China. eFloras, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria, 2008. Web. 1 Aug. 2021.
- “Rafflesia.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 3 May 2019. Web. 1 Aug. 2021.
- “Rafflesia tuan-mudae.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. International Union for Conservation of Nature, 2018. Web. 1 Aug. 2021.
