This is not the kind of flower you will see in a garden. It is hidden in the forest and on the ground, where it does not depend on bees or butterflies to pollinate it. In fact, it depends on flies!

Scientists call it Rafflesia consueloae, a species of flower that is part of the Rafflesia genus. This group of species also has the largest flower in the world. The largest in the Philippines is almost as big: Rafflesia schadenbergiana ¹.

R. consueloae is the “smallest of the largest” flowers in the world. Measuring 4 inches wide on average ².

And of all Rafflesia in the Philippines, only 3 have been reported with both male and female sexual structures. This means some R. consueloae are bisexual, and might have the ability to pollenate themselves. Whether this is true has yet to be studied ².

R. consueloae is the 6th species described by scientists on Luzon, and the 13th for the entire Philippines ². But most of these discoveries by scientists only happened after 2002, which means more species might be waiting in the forests to be found.

Threats to Rafflesia

Unfortunately upon discovery of new Rafflesia species, local land-owners and communities make tourism facilities inside Rafflesia habitats. This would be a good thing, if the activities also involved sustainable conservation of the species.

Forest areas have been cleared for viewing platforms and other facilities, which eventually led to the extinction of a population of Rafflesia in Panay ¹. What is the point of attracting tourists, if eventually the tourist attraction is lost? Everyone loses.

Scientists suggest that consultations be made with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or the DENR, local governments, the Department of Tourism, academic communities, and Rafflesia experts before Rafflesia sites are made public ¹.

This way, tourists can be educated on the importance of the Rafflesia’s habitat to humans, while keeping them alive to sustain tourism income for locals. Rafflesia found deeper inside the forest should be left alone to keep the forest intact ¹.

How you can help

• Seek and support local conservation efforts where Rafflesia can be found. The Haribon Foundation and the Philippine Eagle Foundation works with scientists and communities to protect forests in coordination with local communities. The Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, Inc. or PNPCSI works to spread awareness on native plants like Rafflesia. In fact, their logo is Rafflesia leonardi.
• Never enter a forest area or property without proper guidance.
• Check with the local DENR office for environment fees, procedures, and experienced, local, guides.
• Avoid crowds, and if possible travel off peak season.
• When visiting a natural area, think of yourself as a visitor to someone’s home, not an entitled customer who paid for an attraction.

Support my art

• Rafflesia consueloae art print.

Sources

1. J. Barcelona, et al., 2009. Taxonomy, ecology, and conservation status of Philippine Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae). Blumea journal of plant taxonomy and plant geography.
2. J. Galindon et al., 2016. Rafflesia consueloae (Rafflesiaceae), the smallest among giants; a new species from Luzon Island, Philippines.

Publish date: July 24, 2019. Updated: December 13, 2019.