Mystery of Rafflesia Flower: Why Does It Smell Like a Dead Body

Rafflesia is a genus of parasitic plants that produce the world’s largest flowers, some of which can reach up to one meter in diameter. These flowers have no leaves, stems, or roots, and depend entirely on their host vines for nutrients and water. Rafflesia flowers are also known for their foul odor, which resembles that of rotting flesh. This smell attracts carrion flies and beetles, which are the main pollinators of Rafflesia. The flies and beetles are deceived into thinking that the flower is a suitable place to lay their eggs or feed, but they end up carrying pollen from male to female flowers. Rafflesia flowers are native to Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. They are endangered by habitat loss and illegal collection. Rafflesia is named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who discovered the first specimen in Sumatra in 1818