Contents
Description
Rafflesia Lagascae is a rare parasitic plant that belongs to the Rafflesia family. It is endemic to the Philippines and can only be found in the mountains of Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Misamis Occidental. This plant is known for its enormous flowers that can grow up to 80 centimeters in diameter and weigh as much as 10 kilograms.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Maliales |
| Family | Rafflesiaceae |
| Genus | Rafflesia |
Appearance
Rafflesia Lagascae is a parasitic plant that lacks stems, leaves, and roots. It lives inside the host plant, Tetrastigma, and only becomes visible when it produces its enormous flowers. The flowers have five leathery, lobed petals that are white with red or maroon spots. The center of the flower is a large, bowl-shaped cavity that emits a foul odor, similar to that of rotting flesh, to attract its pollinators, which are typically flies and beetles.
Care Guide
Rafflesia Lagascae is not a plant that can be grown in a traditional garden setting. It is a parasitic plant that depends entirely on its host plant, Tetrastigma, for its survival. Therefore, there is no care guide available for this plant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Since Rafflesia Lagascae is a parasitic plant that lives inside its host plant, it is not susceptible to pests and diseases that affect traditional garden plants.
Habitat
Rafflesia Lagascae is endemic to the Philippines and can only be found in the mountains of Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Misamis Occidental. It lives inside its host plant, Tetrastigma, which is a common vine found in the forests of Mindanao.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Rafflesia Lagascae be grown in a garden?
A: No, Rafflesia Lagascae is a parasitic plant that depends entirely on its host plant, Tetrastigma, for its survival.
Q: What is the size of Rafflesia Lagascae’s flowers?
A: Rafflesia Lagascae’s flowers can grow up to 80 centimeters in diameter and weigh as much as 10 kilograms.
Q: What is the odor of Rafflesia Lagascae’s flowers?
A: Rafflesia Lagascae’s flowers emit a foul odor, similar to that of rotting flesh, to attract its pollinators, which are typically flies and beetles.
Q: Where can Rafflesia Lagascae be found?
A: Rafflesia Lagascae is endemic to the Philippines and can only be found in the mountains of Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Misamis Occidental.
Related Plants
- Rafflesia Arnoldii
- Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae
- Rafflesia Pricei
- Rafflesia Kerrii
References
- “Rafflesia lagascae Valmayor & Balete,” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, accessed August 25, 2021, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77119891-1.
- “Rafflesia lagascae,” International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, accessed August 25, 2021, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/136311/3096679.
- “Rafflesia lagascae,” Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, accessed August 25, 2021, https://www.facebook.com/PNPCS/posts/rafflesia-lagascae-rafflesiaceae-endemic-to-mindanao-philippinesrafflesia-lagasc/10155102998273749/.
