A rare bloom of the critically endangered Rafflesia hasseltii flower has been documented in the Sijunjung forest of West Sumatra, ending a 13-year search by a team of researchers from Oxford University, Indonesia’s National Research and innovation Agency (BRIN), and local environmental activists. The parasitic plant, locally known as “tiger-faced fungus,” is notoriously difficult to locate and represents a vital indicator of forest health in the region. This revelation highlights both the beauty of Indonesia’s biodiversity and the urgent need for continued conservation efforts amid increasing habitat loss.
Jakarta –
A team of researchers from Oxford University, Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Indonesian environmental activists celebrated a rare botanical discovery Wednesday evening, November 19, 2025, in the Sijunjung forest of West Sumatra. After a 13-year search, the group located and documented the blooming of a Rafflesia hasseltii flower, a critically endangered parasitic plant.
Video footage posted to social media by @Ilustratingbotanist and widely circulated shows the researchers overcome with emotion at the find. “For 13 years. I am so lucky,” said Septian Andriki, a member of the expedition team, in the video.
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Here are some facts about the Rafflesia hasseltii, compiled from various sources.
‘Tiger-faced’ Fungus
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Locally known as Cendawan Muca Rimau, meaning “tiger-faced fungus,” the Rafflesia hasseltii gets its name from the striking patterns on its petals. Despite resembling fungal growth with thread-like structures penetrating its host plant, Rafflesia is classified as a dicotyledon, not a fungus.
The species is part of the Rafflesia genus, known for producing some of the largest individual flowers in the world, reaching diameters of 30-40 cm. These blooms are renowned for their beauty and a pungent odor. Rafflesia hasseltii exhibits the widest variation in shape, color, and pattern among all Rafflesia species.
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Penemuan Rafflesia hasseltii. Foto: Dok. pribadi Septian Andriki
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A Rare Bloom
Rafflesia hasseltii is a rare and protected flower found only in specific regions of Indonesia. The blooms are a deep crimson red, speckled with white markings. Remarkably, the plant lacks roots, stems, and leaves, relying entirely on a host plant for survival.
Unfortunately, this beautiful species faces a severe threat from deforestation and land-use change. Habitat loss is diminishing the populations of its host plants, making the Rafflesia hasseltii increasingly vulnerable. The discovery underscores the urgent need for habitat preservation.
Natural Habitat
Rafflesia hasseltii thrives in the humid, tropical rainforests of Sumatra, specifically in areas with dense canopy cover. Because it grows on the forest floor, locating the plant requires intensive observation. Researchers often undertake lengthy expeditions to find buds or flowering specimens.
Rich, humus-filled soil is crucial for supporting the host plant’s growth. A stable environment is also essential for the Rafflesia’s life cycle to unfold without disruption.
Ecological Role
Ecologically, the flower plays a vital role in supporting insect pollination, particularly attracting flies with its distinctive scent. These interactions contribute to the complex food web of the forest floor.
Rafflesia hasseltii also provides researchers with valuable insights into plant evolution and parasitism. Its unique lifestyle demonstrates the extreme adaptations organisms can develop to survive. The plant’s life cycle takes months to complete, culminating in a bloom that lasts only a few days, making the flowering event a rare and eagerly anticipated occurrence.
Its dependence on Tetrastigma highlights the interconnectedness of species within the forest ecosystem. The loss of any component of this ecosystem could threaten the survival of this parasitic flower. The presence of Rafflesia hasseltii also serves as an indicator of a healthy forest. Researchers use it as a benchmark for assessing ecosystem quality in Sumatra’s forested areas.
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