Rafflesia

Description:

One of the largest flowers in the world growing up to one meter wide. It's a parasite, living of lainas. The flower is the only visible part of the plant. It's meant to smell and look like rotting meat to attract flies, which are its pollinators.

Habitat:

Found in the rainforests. This one was growing along the lower slopes of Mount Kinabalu. It blooms for a few days only after six to nine months as a bud.

Notes:

This is an endangered species mainly due to deforestation. It is rarely seen by people. I have lived in Sabah most of my life and this is the first time I've ever seen a Rafflesia in full bloom! It did not smell as bad as I thought it would.