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.
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