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Macabre masquerade: like its larger cousin Rafflesia, the fetid bloom of Rhizanthes lowii is a deceptive mimic, resembling the rotting flesh of a dead animal. This rare plant is endemic to Borneo where it can only be found in exceptionally wet and dense rainforests. Like Rafflesia, it is also a complete parasite, having no leaves, stems, or roots of its own, and growing completely within a host vine for its sustenance. The flowers, which are only open for two days, smell and look so convincing that carrion flies are duped into laying their eggs, often carrying away the plant’s pollen in the process. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).

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© Chien C. Lee
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Mimicry, Borneo, Plants
Macabre masquerade: like its larger cousin Rafflesia, the fetid bloom of Rhizanthes lowii is a deceptive mimic, resembling the rotting flesh of a dead animal. This rare plant is endemic to Borneo where it can only be found in exceptionally wet and dense rainforests. Like Rafflesia, it is also a complete parasite, having no leaves, stems, or roots of its own, and growing completely within a host vine for its sustenance. The flowers, which are only open for two days, smell and look so convincing that carrion flies are duped into laying their eggs, often carrying away the plant’s pollen in the process. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).