Rafflesia  (Rafflesia spp)

Rafflesia are inherently rare as a result of a number of factors of their life cycle; they have a double habitat specialisation, as they can only successfully parasitise particular species and these species in turn are found only in specific habitats (4). In addition to this factor, there is an extremely unbalanced sex ratio in the Rafflesia flowers observed, with many more male than female flowers (4). Flower buds have a high level of mortality and only 10 to 18 percent go on to bloom, these only lasting for a few days; the chances of a male and female flower being in bloom at the same time in a close enough vicinity to be pollinated is therefore extremely slim (4). In addition to these inherent factors, there is widespread habitat destruction within much of the rainforested area of Southeast Asia and Rafflesia buds are also collected for traditional medicine, to treat fertility problems, in parts of their range (5).

Rafflesia species are protected in a number of reserves within their range such as Kinabalu Park in Sabah on the island of Borneo (6). Habitat protection is one of the key factors in securing the future of this species and this magnificent flower is a huge draw to tourists, bringing much needed revenue to the area. More investigation into the life cycle of this unusual species is urgently needed to enable propagation and ex-situ conservation measures (3). Recent success in propagating R. keithii is an encouraging step forward in the preservation for future generations of one of the world’s most astonishing plant species (4).