Rafflesia

The plant has no stems, leaves or true roots. It is an endoparasite of vines in the genus Tetrastigma (Vitaceae), spreading its absorptive organ, the haustorium, inside the tissue of the vine. The only part of the plant that can be seen outside the host vine is the five-petaled flower. In some species, such as Rafflesia arnoldii, the flower may be over 1 metre in diameter, and weigh up to 10 kilograms.

Male and female flowers must be open simultaneously for pollination to occur, hence successful pollination is quite rare and some species may be endangered. Budding period is 6 to 9 months. The flower blooms at night and begin to decompose 2-3 days after blooming.