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I Love Science

World’s Largest Flower?


Scientists recently found what might be the largest flower in the world. It is the rafflesia and was discovered in the jungle in West Sumatra. It is 1.1 meters (over 3.6 feet) in diameter.

The plant has no roots or leaves. It is parasitic and feeds on a host plant to live; ingesting its water and nutrients. It's only visible when it bursts through the host plant to reveal its flowers.

The flower's “mouth” emits a foul odor similar to rotting meat - earning it the nickname "corpse flower." That stench attracts the insects that pollinate it.

For all it's glory, the rafflesia's life is tragically short. Its mouth remains open for just one week before it rots and dies.
ChampagneOnIce · 51-55, F
They have one at the botanic gardens near me. I’ve never seen it because it’s only there for one week. It’s quite a draw.
So basically it's a liberal.[quote]no roots [/quote][quote]It is parasitic [/quote][quote] “mouth” emits a foul odor [/quote][quote]Its mouth remains open [/quote]
jim44444 · 70-79, M
@MarmeeMarch a 1%er, like Trump.
SweetMae · 70-79, F
Interesting! Thank you for sharing that with us. Does it smell even worse once it is dead?
SmartKat · 56-60, F
I’ve heard about a flower that gives off a horrible stench - I guess this is it.
4meAndyou · F
And that's what you get when you kill the host that you had for dinner...😂
Thanks for sharing, definitely not a flower I’d want to smell.
It looks extra-terrestrial. Fascinating.

 
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