A collaborative team of UK and Indonesian scientists has identified a rare Rafflesia hasseltii specimen in a rainforest located in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The team included Indonesian botanist Septian Andriki and Chris Thorogood, the deputy director of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden.
The researchers embarked on an extensive trek through dense rainforest for nearly a day in pursuit of this rare plant, which had not been observed in its natural habitat for over a decade. The significance of this find prompts questions about the plant’s ecological status and the factors contributing to its rarity.
Upon discovering the Rafflesia hasseltii, Andriki reportedly expressed profound emotion, sharing with the BBC that it marked the culmination of “13 years of waiting.” This discovery raises discussions about conservation efforts for endangered species and the broader implications for biodiversity in the region.
The context of this finding serves as a testament to the ongoing challenges facing rare flora, inviting further inquiry into the conditions required for their survival and the broader impact of environmental changes on such unique species.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cm28z27mm89o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss