2023-09-22 01:40:23
An international group of botanists has issued an urgent call for coordinated action to save the iconic genus from extinction. Rafflesiawhich contains the largest flowers in the world.
More than two thirds (67%) of the habitats of the genus Rafflesia are unprotected and at risk of destruction
This follows a new study published this week which found that most of the 42 species are severely threatened, yet only one of them is listed on the list. Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Furthermore, more than two-thirds (67%) of plant habitats are unprotected and at risk of destruction, according to a statement from the University of Oxford, which is participating in the initiative.
Corpse flower
One of the greatest botanical enigmas, Rafflesia has sparked curiosity among scientists for centuries. The plant is a parasite that infects tropical vines in the rainforests of Southeast Asia (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand).
A giant five-lobed flower, up to a meter in diameter and produces a foul odor of rotting meat to attract pollinating flies.
For most of its life cycle, Rafflesia It remains hidden from view and exists as a system of thread-like filaments that invade its host. At unpredictable intervals, the parasite produces a cabbage-like cocoon that breaks through the bark of the vine and eventually forms a giant five-lobed flower, up to a meter in diameter. This produces a foul odor of rotting meat to attract pollinating flies, earning it the alternative name of “corpse flower“.
With a life cycle so difficult to achieve, Rafflesia remains little known and new species are still being recorded. To better understand the vulnerability of these unique plants, a group of scientists established the first coordinated global network to assess the threats it faces. Rafflesia.
Critical conversion risk
The results of the study found that the 42 species of Rafflesia are threatened: according to the criteria used by the IUCN, scientists classified 25 as “critically endangered”, 15 as “in danger” and two as “vulnerable.” Furthermore, more than two-thirds (67%) are not protected by regional or national conservation strategies.
Habitat conservation is an urgent priority
The species of Rafflesia They usually have very restricted distributions, which makes them particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction. The study found that many of the remaining populations contain only a few individuals located in unprotected areas at critical risk of conversion for agriculture.
Since attempts to propagate Rafflesia in botanical gardens have had limited success so far, habitat conservation is an urgent priority, they say.
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