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The bizarre bloom of a Rhizanthes (R. lowii) unfurls its odorous and sinister-looking petals. A member of the Rafflesia family, this rare plant is also completely parasitic, living within its host vine and possessing no leaves, stems, or roots of its own. Like the more well-known Rafflesia, the flowers mimic a rotting animal carcass to attract carrion flies as pollinators. Measuring perhaps 30cm across, the bloom is only open for a few days before dying. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
- Copyright
- © Chien C. Lee
- Image Size
- 6008x4010 / 17.8MB
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- Keywords
- Contained in galleries
- Parasites & Parasitoids, Mimicry, Borneo, Interactions, Plants

