Chien C. Lee

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  • Flower mantis (Theopropus elegans), female. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • White Bat Flower (Tacca integrifolia). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Nearly mature flower buds of Rhizanthes lowii, just several days before opening. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A male flower scarab (Mecynorhina harrisi), prepared to ward off rivals with his formidable horn, guards a female while she feeds on tree sap. Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania.
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  • Undoubtedly one of the world's most remarkable plants, the parasitic Rafflesia holds the record for having the largest flower, sometimes reching over one meter across. Their macabre beauty belies a clever deception: the dark reddish coloration and putrid stench of the bloom mimic the rotting carcass of an animal, which thus lures carrion flies into the interior chamber where they will pollinate it. There are around 30 species in the genus, with variable flower sizes, this being R. tuan-mudae from Borneo, one of the largest. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Undoubtedly one of the world's most remarkable plants, the parasitic Rafflesia holds the record for having the largest flower, sometimes reching over one meter across. Their macabre beauty belies a clever deception: the dark reddish coloration and putrid stench of the bloom mimic the rotting carcass of an animal, which thus lures carrion flies into the interior chamber where they will pollinate it. There are around 30 species in the genus, with variable flower sizes, this being R. tuan-mudae from Borneo, one of the largest. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Undoubtedly one of the world's most remarkable plants, the parasitic Rafflesia holds the record for having the largest flower, sometimes reching over one meter across. Their macabre beauty belies a clever deception: the dark reddish coloration and putrid stench of the bloom mimic the rotting carcass of an animal, which thus lures carrion flies into the interior chamber where they will pollinate it. There are around 30 species in the genus, with variable flower sizes, this being R. tuan-mudae from Borneo, one of the largest. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • After emerging from a Rafflesia flower (Rafflesia tuan-mudae), this carrion fly carries a load of pollen stuck to its back. If it manages to visit another Rafflesia within a week it will inadvertently transfer the pollen to the receptive flower. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The stinking Rhizanthes flower (Rhizanthes lowii) mimics a rotting carcass so well that carrion flies swarm around it to lay their eggs (visible as white flecks near the center of the flower).  In so doing the flies act as pollinating agents for this strange plant. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A giant bloom of Rafflesia arnoldii, the largest flower in the world, unfolds its petals in the Sumatran rainforest.  It takes nealy 2 days for the flower to fully open. West Sumatra, Indonesia.
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  • With its large stiff flower bracts and copious amounts of sucrose-laded nectar, Madagascar’s Traveler’s Palms (Ravenala spp.) have evolved to be pollinated almost exclusively by several species of lemurs. Here, a Common Brown Lemur (Eulemur fulvus) feeds at the infloresence of Ravenala hladikorum. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • View of canopy of lowland mixed dipterocarp forest during a mass flowering event. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The interior of a giant Rafflesia flower (R. tuan-mudae). With petals sometimes spanning over a meter in diameter, Rafflesia are the world's largest flowers. Flies, which act as pollinators, are attracted to the color and stench of the bloom, which mimics rotting meat. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Closeup of the colorful inflorescence of Amorphophallus julaihii. Like other aroids, the small male flower (visible) are located above the female flowers (hidden inside the spathe). This species is endemic to limestone forest in northern Borneo. Sarawak, Malaysia.
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  • Producing the largest flowers in the world, the parasitic Rafflesia plant has no leaves or roots and lives entirely upon its host Tetrastigma vine. Each flower, which can take over 6 months to develop, is open for less than a week, during which it emits a fetid odor and attracts masses of flies for pollination. This species, Rafflesia pricei, is endemic to Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Rafflesia tuan-mudae, male flower. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • After developing as a large bud over many months, this flower of Rafflesia cantleyi will take just 24 hours to fully open, and last for only 3 days before withering. Perak, Malaysia.
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  • The nocturnal blossoms of a wild durian (Durio kutejensis) are visited by a Cave Nectar Bat (Eonycteris spelaea). Although also attracting bees, birds, and other small pollinators during the day, the flowers of this tree open fully at dusk whereupon they begin to produce copious amounts of rich mango-scented nectar – an enticing draw for a bat with a keen sense of smell and an irresistible sweet tooth. With their ability to travel great distances and visit countless flowers in a single night, nectar-feeding bats play a vital role in the pollination of many rainforest plants. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A deceptive beauty: this tiny epiphytic orchid (Dendrobium cuthbertsonii), which bears flowers that last for up to nine months and are larger than the entire plant itself, offers no nectar reward for visiting pollinators. However, it appears remarkably similar in appearance to nectar-rich Rhododendrons which have flowers the same color and size and grow nearby. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • The Long-tongued Nectar Bat (Macroglossus minimus) is an important pollinator of many rainforest trees. Here it is feeding on the nectar of banana flowers. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bulbophyllum medusae. This orchid is named for the resemblance of its flowers to the serpentine hair of the mythical Greek creature.  A single inflorescence, which lasts only a few days, is composed of 30-100 tiny flowers each with long slender sepals.  It is found in Borneo, Sumatra, and Peninsular Malaysia.
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  • Borneo's orchid flora is estimated to comprise as many as 3000 species. Many remain unnamed and undescribed by science, including this tiny species (Bulbophyllum sp.). Although many Bulbophyllum flowers entice pollinators by unusual, often foul-smelling, odors, the bug-like appearance of this species' flowers may play a role in luring insects, a case of Pouyannian mimicry. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Aerial view of primary forest during a mass flowering event. Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Closeup of the flowers of a carnivorous bladderwort (Utricularia humboldtii). Canaima National Park, Bolivar, Venezuela.
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  • Goodman's Mouse Lemur (Microcebus lehilahytsara), feeding on the nectar of night-blooming Dombeya flowers. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Flowers of a giant carnivorous bladderwort (Utricularia humboldtii) emerging from swampy grassland at the base of Mount Roraima. Canaima National Park, Venezuela.
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  • The tiny chlorophyll-free flowers of a Thismia (T. cf. filiformis), a mycoheterotrophic plant. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Malagasy Green Sunbird (Cinnyris notatus) feeding at flowers of Ravenala grandis. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • A Long-tongued Nectar Bat (Macroglossus minimus) visits the flowers of a durian tree (Durio zibethinus) which open to release their nectar only at night. This bat, which is one of the smallest fruit bats, is an important pollinator of not only durian but many other forest trees. Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bladderwort (Utricularia livida), flowers. Akanin'ny Nofy, Madagascar.
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  • Usually visible only by its flowers, this carnivorous bladderwort (Utricularia odorata) possesses tiny underground traps which enable it to consume small invertebrates in the wet soil. Kampot, Cambodia.
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  • Goniothalamus ridleyi. Cauliflory (flowering and fruiting along the trunk) is a common phenomenon among many rainforest tree species, and is an adaptation to reach pollinating and dispersing animals in the understory. East Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo).
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  • Polyalthia cauliflora. Cauliflory (flowering and fruiting along the trunk) is a common phenomenon among many rainforest tree species and is an adaptation to reach pollinating and dispersing animals in the understory. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Nectar-feeding bats play an essential role in the pollination of many rainforest trees. Here, a Long-tongued Nectar Bat (Macroglossus minimus) arrives at the night-blooming blossoms of a durian tree (Durio zibethinus). Prized for its delectable aromatic fruit, the productivity of many durian plantations is under threat where the native bat populations have been killed off by hunters. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The stinking inflorescence of a corpse lily (Amorphophallus hewittii) last only a few days before withering. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Asian Ant Mantis (Odontomantis sp.). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Striped Bladderwort (Utricularia striatula). Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam.
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  • Orchid (Epidendrum polyanthum). Cordillera de Talamanca, Panama.
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  • Orchid (Bulbophyllum sp.). Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Rhododendron crassifolium. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Rhopalocnemis phalloides, a rare root parasite related to Balanophora. Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • Orchid (Aerangis articulata). Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Unseen since its original discovery in 1866 by Odoardo Beccarii, the elusive Thismia neptunis was found again in western Borneo in 2018. Like other mycoheterotrophic plants, it is unable to photosynthesize and derives its sustenance entirely from subterranean fungi. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Terrestrial orchid (Plocoglottis moluccana). Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • A delicate wild begonia (Begonia ambodiforahensis) from the ever-wet rainforest of northeastern Madagascar. Masoala National Park, Madagascar.
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  • The delicate blooms of a carnivorous bladderwort (Utricularia chrysantha). Queensland, Australia.
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  • This large and showy orchid (Dendrobium sanderae) grows epiphytically on trees in the mountains of Luzon Island. Aurora, Philippines.
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  • Orchid (Otostylis lepida) growing by streamside. Canaima National Park, Venezuela.
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  • Water trumpet (Cryptocoryne ferruginea). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia tagala). Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Helmet Orchid (Corybas crenulatus). This species is endemic to Borneo, where it grows in thick moss on limestone rocks. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Rafflesia keithii. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is an ambush predator. Utilizing its superb camouflage it waits for unsuspecting insect prey to come withing striking distance. This juvenile specimen will lose some of its petal-like appearance when it matures. West Java, Indonesia.
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  • Pitcher plant (Nepenthes attenboroughii). Palawan, Philippines.
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  • The Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is an ambush predator. Utilizing its superb camouflage it waits for unsuspecting insect prey to come withing striking distance. This juvenile specimen will lose some of its petal-like appearance when it matures. West Java, Indonesia.
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  • Helmet Orchid (Corybas crenulatus). This species is endemic to Borneo, where it grows in thick moss on limestone rocks. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Blooming only once every three years, a corpse lily (Amorphophallus hewittii) opens its enormous inflorescence in the lowland rainforest of Borneo. The white spadix generates its own heat which helps to disperse its rotting stench to attract flies and beetles as pollinators. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Dendrobium bracteosum, an epiphytic orchid blooms in submontane forest in eastern Halmahera. North Maluku, Indonesia.
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  • Crepidium sp., a terrestrial orchid from the montane forest of Mount Kinabalu. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Fairy lantern (Thismia ornata). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Wild torch ginger (Etlingera velutina longipedunculata), pollinated by spiderhunter birds. Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is an ambush predator.  Utilizing its superb camouflage it waits for unsuspecting insect prey to come withing striking distance.  Pictured here is a juvenile specimen. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Scarlet blooms of a carnivorous bladderwort (Utricularia quelchii). Canaima National Park, Venezuela.
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  • Orchid (Bulbophyllum canisopterum). East Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo).
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  • Goniothalamus ridleyi showing caluflory. Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Unseen since its original discovery in 1866 by Odoardo Beccarii, the elusive Thismia neptunis was found again in western Borneo in 2018. Like other mycoheterotrophic plants, it is unable to photosynthesize and derives its sustenance entirely from subterranean fungi. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • With forests full of keen-eyed predatory birds, many of Madagascar’s smaller creatures have evolved incredibly cryptic appearances to evade detection. In the case of this Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa), the remarkable leaf like mimicry serves also to conceal it from potential prey, which will be seized and eaten alive if they venture too close. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Ant-mimicking mantis (Acromantinae), nymph. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Reds, oranges, yellows, and other bright colors among the rainforest canopy are a sign of a mass flowering event. Borneo's rainforests undergo a cyclic mass flowering every 4-6 years (usually triggered by a dry spell), during which the majority of the trees flower and fruit simultaneously. This periodic event is a fundamental factor in the ecology of nearly all rainforest organisms in Borneo.
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  • Although the blooms of this rare mangrove tree (Pelliciera rhizophorae) are visited by hummingbirds in the day, the flowers remain open at night and exude a strong musty odor to attract an entirely different animal. Captured by an infrared camera trigger, a Leaf-nosed Bat (Glossophaga soricina) approaches an open flower to partake of the rich source of nectar. Nectar-feeding bats are common in the tropics and are responsible for the pollination of a great number of tree species. Choco, Colombia.
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  • Like an ancient carven sculpture, the incredible buttress roots of this huge rainforest tree (Tachigali panamensis) belie its fleeting nature. Sometime called the ‘Suicide Tree’, it is truly monocarpic: after reaching maturity it will flower and set fruit only once and then die. Although monocarpy is a common adaptation among small herbaceous plants in seasonal habitats, it is extremely rare among large tropical trees, especially since rainforests are generally quite stable environments. This strategy may have evolved because it provides several possible advantages for the tree’s seedlings. For one, the infrequency of fruiting means that fewer seed predators can specialize on this species. Also, as the mother tree withers and eventually falls over, it creates an open gap in the forest canopy which is vital for the development of its young saplings underneath. Colón, Panama.
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  • The strikingly beautiful blooms of this epiphytic orchid (Dendrobium cinnabarinum var. cinnabarinum) can almost be mistaken for a hibiscus flower. Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo)
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  • Although the vast Australian outback is famous for its aridity, poor soils, and tortuous heat in summer, a surprising number of colorful creatures make this habitat their home. One of these is the aptly named Splendid Fairy-wren (Malurus splendens), a dainty yet bold bird that lives in small groups that hunt insects among the desert scrub. Despite the male’s gaudy plumage (as shown here), he will supplement his courtship efforts by wooing the female with pink or purple flower petals he has carefully plucked. Shark's Bay, Western Australia.
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  • Within the chamber of a giant pitcher plant (Nepenthes rajah), an iridescent Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites sp.) emerges from its pupal case. These large mosquitoes do not suck blood, feeding instead on flower nectar and plant sap. The larvae are voracious predators of aquatic insects, including the young of other mosquitoes. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A Red-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis amictus) living up to its name: here with a large black carpenter bee (Xylocopa sp.) it has caught in mid-air. While most bee-eaters prefer open woodlands and forest edges, this species is unusual in that it is typically found deep within rainforest. Flashy colors in birds are often possessed only by the males and typically function as a means of advertising for a mate. However, in this species both males and females sport a bright red face, which suggests that the coloration may serve a different purpose. One theory is that this may serve to attract flower-feeding insects to venture closer for a look - a convenient way for the bird to catch an easy meal. Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • By means of its extensive skin membranes, the Sunda Colugo (Galeopterus variegatus borneanus), is capable of gliding impressive distances between trees. This adult is carrying a young offspring on its underside. Bearing no relation to true lemurs, colugos are in their own unique order and are only distantly related to primates and treeshrews. They are nocturnal, feeding on leaves, flowers, and sap. Recent research on morphological and genetic variations indicate that the Bornean and Javan subspecies may merit recognition as distinct species. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Rafflesia keithii. With blooms up to nearly 1 meter in diameter, this parasitic plant produces some of the largest flowers in the genus. It is endemic to Sabah (northern Borneo). Twin blooms such as this are a rare occurrence.
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  • Nepenthes pervillei, the only pitcher plant occurring in the Seychelles, where it grows on massive granitic rock outcrops on just two islands amid a crystal clear aquamarine sea with white sand beaches. The plants grow in such luxuriant profusion that you can smell the sweet alluring scent of their pitchers that are dripping with nectar. Long considered one of the most primitive and aberrant of all Nepenthes, N. pervillei was once placed in its own genus based on its unusual seeds and flowers.
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  • Dendrobium cuthbertsonii. This tiny epiphytic orchid sports flowers which are much larger than the entire plant itself. It offers no nectar and is theorized to attract pollinating birds by its mimicry of similarly-sized and colored Rhododendron flowers which occur in the same habitat in the montane forests of New Guinea. Papua, Indonesia.
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  • An aerial perspective of northern Borneo's lowland rainforest reveals the heterogeneity and incredible diversity of trees that comprise this ecosystem. Various flushes of reds, oranges, and yellows among the canopy as seen here are the first indications of a periodic mass flowering event during which as many as 80% of the trees may bloom simultaneously before setting fruit. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A Pygmy Loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus) makes a meal of a giant stick insect (Tirachoidea sp.).  Although primarily insectivorous, these nocturnal primates will also feed on fruit, sap, flowers, lizards, and nestling birds.  Captive. Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
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  • The Rajah Brooke's Birdwing (Trogonoptera brookiana) is one of the most beautiful butterflies in Borneo.  Here males perch at a seep where they feed on salts and other nutrients which are otherwise unobtainable from flowers. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Rafflesia keithii. With blooms up to nearly 1 meter in diameter, this parasitic plant produces some of the largest flowers in the genus. It is endemic to Sabah (northern Borneo). Twin blooms such as this are a rare occurrence. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • With a flair for home decor, the Vogelkop Bowerbird (Amblyornis inornata) produces perhaps the most artful creation of any animal, all in the name of romance. Here, a male bird shows off his collection of freshly collected flowers, fungi, beetle shells, and blue berries, neatly organized in piles laid out on a mat of meticulously cleaned moss. The twig hut in the back is not a nest - rather its construction is made entirely for the purpose of impressing a visiting female who will choose to mate with him only after a thorough inspection of his display. Arfak Mountains, West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Dimorphorchis lowii. The genus Dimorphorchis contains 5 species, all of which are endemic to Borneo. They are unique in having two different types of flowers on the same inflorescence, each targeting a different species of pollinator. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Sometimes referred to as 'durian kura-kura' (tortoise durian), Durio testudinarum is one of the rarest of edible durian species. It flowers near the base of the tree and produces clusters of small fruits that bear a musky odor. Like other durians, the blooms of D. testudinarum are open at night, though the pollinator of this species remains unknown. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A young Sunda Colugo (Galeopterus variegatus) peers out from the embrace of its mother's membranous wings. When fully grown it will be able to glide great distances from tree to tree in their nightly search for edible leaves, flowers, and sap. Also known as Flying Lemurs, they bear no relation to true lemurs, and in fact are so unique that they have been placed in their own mammalian order. Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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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).
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  • A carefully arranged pile of Aeschynanthus flowers forms the centerpiece of a Vogelkop Bowerbird's (Amblyornis inornata) display. The elaborately constructed twig hut with various colorful ornaments (here including flowers, beetle elytra, and fruit husks) is constructed by the male solely for the purpose of impressing female birds to select him as a mate. Each male will use their own artistic preferences in selecting various colors for their display, and theft of highly desirable items by competitors is a frequent occurrence. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • As pretty as a bouquet of flowers, but with a sinister intent: a clump of Sun Pitchers (Heliamphora sarracenioides) advertises its lethal traps with bright colors and the offer of sweet nectar, amid the stunted vegetation of a tepui summit. Unwary insects that venture onto the inner surface of the pitcher easily lose their foothold and tumble into the water below where they are quickly drowned and digested by the plant. With annual rainfall sometimes exceeding four meters and virtually no mineral-rich soil available, nutrients are in scarce supply on Venezuela’s tepui mountains. This has fueled the diversification of many carnivorous plant species here, chief among them being the near-endemic genus Heliamphora with over 20 species. This species (H. sarracenioides) grows on the summit of only a single isolated tabletop mountain, accessible only by helicopter. Canaima National Park, Venezuela.
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  • The Sumatran Surili (Presbytis melalophos) is endemic to the island of Sumatra.  Like other leaf monkeys, this species is primarily folivorous, but also consumes flowers and fruits. Kerinci Seblat National Park, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
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  • Tithonus Birdwing (Ornithoptera tithonus), female, feeding at Impatiens flowers. Arfak Mountains, West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • This epiphytic orchid (Chelonistele sulphurea) occurs in montane forests from Sumatra, through Malaysia and Borneo to the Philippines. The flowers are small and fragrant. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The large red fruits of this Kelumpang Sarawak (Sterculia megistophylla) tree have split open revealing the shiny seeds within. Cauliflory (flowering and fruiting along the trunk) is a common phenomenon among many rainforest tree species, and is an adaptation to reach pollinating and dispersing animals in the understory. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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