Indonesia: Illegal logging threatens Raflesia flower in Bengkulu

Antara 17 Feb 12;

Bengkulu (ANTARA News) - Illegal logging in the protected Bukit Daun forest, Bengkulu, threatens the habitat of the world`s largest flower, the Raflesia Arnoldi, a botanical researcher said.

"The protected Bukit Daun forest is one of the original habitats of the Raflesia Arnoldi. Damage to the forest will also endanger the rare flower," Agus Suyatya, a researcher with Bengkulu University. said here on Friday adding that researchers had found 16 Raflesia Arnoldi flowers inside the protected forest last year.

He urged the local government to take preventive action against illegal logging that can endanger the Raflesia Arnoldi`s habitat in Bengkulu.

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.(*)

Editor: Heru