Antara 26 Nov 11;
Some parts of the forest area have been converted into coffee plantation.
Bengkulu, Sumatra (ANTARA News) - Two Rafflesia arnoldi flowers are in bloom at the Taba Penanjung natural sanctuary in Central Bengkulu District, Bengkulu Province.
The two flowers, located only 15 meters from each other, bloomed at the same time , Anggi, a local resident, said here.
"We found three flowers within a radius of 20 meters, but one has withered, and two are now in full bloom," he said.
The giant flowers were found in an area located around 100 meters from a road connecting Bengkulu city and Kepahiang district.
Last week, a Rafflesia flower was in bloom in the Bukit Daun protected forest, Kepahiang District.
Coordinator of Tebat Monok Rare Flower Lovers Holidin said 13 Rafflesia arnoldii flowers had been found this year.
Six flower buds are currently waiting to bloom.
"We predict one flower bud will bloom this week," he said.
Holidin said the Bukit Daun protected forest and the Taba Penanjung I and Taba Penanjung II natural sanctuaries were the habitats of Rafflesia arnoldii.
However, some parts of the forest area have been converted into coffee plantation.
He urged the government to protect the forest area in order to preserve the habitat of Rafflesia arnoldii.
Rafflesia is the largest, heaviest, rarest and one of the most smelly flowers in the world. In full bloom , its crown can reach a diameter of 1 meter and weigh about 10 kgs.
Interestingly, Rafflesia is a parasitic plant without any leaves, stems and roots.
(Uu.F001/HAJM)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
