2023-09-22 15:43:44
Scientists report that plants of the genus Rafflesia, called “corpse flower”, are at risk of extinction. This type of plant is one of the largest in the world.
A study published in the journal Plants People Planeton Tuesday 19th, revealed that the majority of the 42 species in the genus are seriously threatened with extinction.
Of all species, only Magnificent Rafflesia It is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
According to the article, almost 70% of plant habitats are unprotected and at risk of destruction.
Based on IUCN data, scientists classified 25 species as “Critically Endangered”, 15 as “Endangered” and two as “Vulnerable”.
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Although rare, these plants can be found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia.
The species was named “corpse flower”, due to the smell of rotting flesh it exudes, and also its similarities to the monster from the series. Stranger Things.
Characteristics of the “corpse flower”
Corpse flowers do not need photosynthesis, that is, they do not produce their own food. They use filaments to extract water and nutrients from climbing plants in tropical forests.
Illustrations of the different species of Rafflesia | Photo: Reproduction/Plants, People, Planet
The species of Rafflesia They have “blood-colored” petals, a very strong red, and often have internal structures that resemble teeth.
The evolutionary advantage of these characteristics, such as the “rotten” smell, appears to attract flies that lay eggs and develop in decomposing meat.
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When they realize that they made a mistake, the insects are already “smeared” by the sticky pollen of the plants. Rafflesiawhich makes the reproduction of these plants viable.
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