Know the weight of the world's largest flower
The Rufflesia arnoldii flower grows to a diameter of about one meter (3.3 ft), but the largest measurement from a reliable source is at 109 cm (3.44 ft), measured by Sumatra, one in the Palufa Nature Reserve for Buchinggi.
credit: third party image reference
Arnoldi weighs up to 11 kg (24 lb). These flowers originate from very large, cauliflower-like, maroon or magenta buds that are typically 30 cm (12 in) wide, but the largest (and the largest flower bud ever recorded) in Mount Sago, Sumatra, in May 1956 Was found At 43 cm 17 inches in diameter, it lives on many vines of the genus Tetrastigma as a parasite, which grows only in primary (untouched) rainforests. Rafflesia lacks any observable leaves, stems, or even roots, yet is still considered a vascular plant.
credit: third party image reference
Similar to fungi, individuals grow as thread-like strands of tissue that are completely in intimate contact with the host cells within and around where nutrients and water are obtained. This plant does not produce any leaf, stem or root nor does it contain chlorophyll. It can only be seen outside the host plant when it is ready to reproduce. Probably the only part of rufflesia that are uniquely plant-like flowers, although these are also unusual because they achieve mass proportions, have a reddish-brown color, and have a rotting flesh smell. This odor attracts insects such as flies which then pollinate the rare plant. This is not to be confused with the titan arum, Amorphophallus titanum, also commonly known as the "corpse flower" due to its odor.
credit: third party image reference
