Marveling at Rafflesia schadenbergiana – one of the world’s largest flowers – in Lantapan, Bukidnon

Ever since I read about Rafflesia in science books as a child, I’ve been fascinated by this strange and uncommon genus of parasitic plants found only in Southeast Asia. Over the years, I’ve hiked to see different Rafflesia species in the rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Lacking leaves, stems and roots, these alien-looking plants infect and thrive within woody jungle vines. It takes several months for their cabbage-like buds to mature, before bursting open into vibrant, leathery bloomsRead More→