Rafflesia -- The Endangered Plant Species

Rafflesia

One of the great wonders of the world of plants is the Rafflesia arnoldii (member of the Rafflesiaceae family). This plant has no leaves, stem or roots. The only thing it has is one huge flower, one meter in diameter, weighing up to 8 kg (16 lbs).

The Rafflesia can only be seen in the tropical steppes of the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. It was discovered in the 1818 by the English traveler Dr. Joseph Arnold during his expedition on the island of Sumatra.