Project Abstract
The tropical Southeast Asian genus Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) is one of the few parasitic plants that are entirely contained within the tissue of their host plants, which are exclusively lianas of the genus Tetrastigma (Vitaceae). Rafflesia only emerges to produce its spectacular flowers, which are the largest of all flowering plants and may reach a diameter of 1.5 m. in R. arnoldii. Rafflesia has become an icon of Southeast Asian biodiversity, exemplifying the wonders and beauty of tropical rainforests. Our studies of Philippine Rafflesia aim to make this charismatic genus an icon of conservation by demonstrating how knowledge of the taxonomic diversity, ecology, and evolutionary history of Rafflesia contributes to its conservation.
