Rafflesia, The World's Largest Flower – Natural Marvel Or A Smelly Red Bowl?!

A tropical haven, Thailand is also a biodiversity hotspot. If you are ever in Thailand, vacationing away, having the time of your life, visiting the Khao Sok National Park to see the world’s biggest flower might add an “exotic” touch to your vacation!

What is Rafflesia?

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The rare Rafflesia aka the Corpse Flower resembles a giant red bowl with 5 petals lining the exterior. Known as the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia measures up to 100 centimetres in diameter and it weighs up to 10 kilograms.

Unique Features

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Named as the official flower of Surat Thani, Thailand, the flower is known for emitting a smell like “rotting meat” to attract insects such as flies for pollination. Those planning to head to Surat Thani and maybe see this flower can consider day excursions from Koh Samui while staying at properties such as Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort.

Discovering Rafflesia

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Although the flower was first discovered by Louis Deschamps in Java, his discovery was not available to Western science until the late 1800s. The flower was later found in a rainforest in Indonesia in 1818 by a guide who was at the time working for Dr. Joseph Arnold. The flower was named after the leader of the expedition Thomas Stamford Raffles.

Medicinal Value

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According to the beliefs linked with traditional medicine, the cooked buds or flowers of Rafflesia can help cure fever, a backache or act as a sexual stimulant. However, Western medicine does not recognize the medicinal value of the flower.