Bengkulu, 23 August (BelTA - ANTARA) - Two Rafflesia Arnoldi flowers are in bloom at two separate locations in the districts of Kepahiang and Central Bengkulu in Bengkulu province.
The two Rafflesia flowers were spotted by a group of people who regularly monitor the presence of rare flowers in the forest, Bengkulu Community Care for Rare Flowers coordinator Sofian Ramadhan said here Saturday.
"Each of the two Rafflesia Arnoldy flowers 75 centimeters (cm) and 55cm in diameter," Sofian remarked.
One of the flowers found in Central Bengkulu is in Taba Teret village, some 48 kilometers (km) from the city of Bengkulu, while the other one in Kepahiang district is found in Bukit Daun protected forest area, some 54km from Bengkulu city.
Sofian then urged the local government to protect the forest area in order to preserve the habitat of the flower.
Rafflesia is the largest, heaviest, rarest and one of the most fragrant flowers in the world. In full bloom, its crown can reach a diameter of 1 meter and it weighs about 10 kilograms.
Interestingly, Rafflesia is a parasitic plant without any leaves, stems or roots.
