The world's largest flower
Up to about a metre across.
SofianRafflesia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · SofianRafflesia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · SofianRafflesia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · SofianRafflesia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Bengkulu is home to Rafflesia arnoldii, the largest single flower in the world, which can reach about a metre across and weigh several kilograms; it was first recorded scientifically here in 1818 by the naturalist Joseph Arnold and Bengkulu's British governor Stamford Raffles, after whom it is named. It is the province's flower and emblem. Rafflesia is a parasite with no leaves or stem, growing on a forest vine; it appears as a bud that swells for months and then opens for only a few days, about five to seven, in mottled red with a foul smell that draws flies. The same area sometimes produces the towering titan arum. Local people guard the flower sites and report when they open. Flowering cannot be predicted, so ask the rare-flower conservation centre at Kepahiang or local groups before travelling. Visits are usually by donation to the guardians, with a short forest walk. The site is on the mountain road between Bengkulu and Kepahiang, about two hours from the city, and combines with the Kabawetan tea gardens in the highlands.
Up to about a metre across.
In Bengkulu in 1818.
A rare towering bloom.
Bengkulu-Kepahiang road, about two hours from Bengkulu city
Local people and enthusiasts watch the flowers and post news of blooms on social media; ask at the Kepahiang conservation centre or through your hotel in Bengkulu before setting off.