World’s Largest Flower, Rafflesia Manillana Found in Aurora, Philippines (PHOTO)
Forester Max Millan Jr. of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stumbled upon the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia manillana, while doing a biological survey in the thick forests of the Sierra Madre mountains in Aurora, Philippines.
Millan, together with a team of biologists from the National Museum of the Philippines, found the flower in full bloom. Although smaller compared with the Rafflesia arnoldii found in Indonesia, it was measured to have a diameter of 17 centimeters.
Found only in the Philippines, Rafflesia manillana is found in the DENR List of Threatened Species, said Maximo Dichoso, executive director of the regional DENR here.
“The presence of this flower only proves the rich biodiversity in Aurora’s forests,” he said, adding that this parasitic plant can also be found in Mt. Natib in Bataan, Mt. Makiling in Laguna, Mt. Labo in Bicol, and on Samar Island Natural Park in Samar.
Considered critically endangered, Rafflesia manillana is a genus of tropical parasitic plants that do not contain chlorophyll, and therefore, incapable of photosynthesis.
Scientists estimate that there are 17 Rafflesia species distributed throughout Southeast Asia.
Rafflesia arnoldii can grow crowns up to a meter across, can reach 12 feet in height and weigh up to 11 kilos.
In the Philippines, there are at least 11 recognized species of Rafflesia, four of which are found in Luzon.
The park has been declared a protected area under Proclamation 744 of 1941 and was dedicated to the late first lady Aurora Aragon Quezon.