A team of international researchers has captured a rare sighting of Rafflesia hasseltii, a mysterious flower known for its massive size and short blooming period. The plant, which is almost never seen in the wild, was found deep in the rainforests of Sumatra, in an area known for tiger activity.
The team, which included Chris Thorogood from the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Indonesian researcher Septian Andrikithat, navigated difficult terrain in one of Indonesia’s largest national parks. Their journey required moving through thick rainforest both day and night. In this remote region, the elusive plant still survives in scattered forest patches.
The flower bloomed during the night, an event almost never witnessed in the wild. Researchers documented the moment carefully, marking one of the rare times this species has been observed in such detail.
Hidden flower emerges from the forest floor
Unlike most plants, Rafflesia hasseltii remains hidden for most of its life. It has no leaves, stems, or roots. Instead, it lives completely inside a host vine — only revealing itself when it’s ready to bloom. The vine, part of the grape family, grows through the rainforest undergrowth. When conditions are right, the flower emerges directly from the forest floor.
This species is native to western and central Sumatra and parts of Borneo. In Sumatra, it is occasionally found in protected areas such as Kerinci Seblat National Park. However, because the flower blooms for only a few days and grows far from human paths, very few people have seen it.
The flower is known for its massive size and unique patterns. Local communities often call it the “tiger-faced mushroom” because of its bold look and textured surface. Each bloom appears slightly different, with varying colors and markings.
Conservation concerns grow for elusive plant
The rare sighting also highlights growing concerns among scientists about the future of Rafflesia species. A 2023 report warned that all known types of Rafflesia are at risk due to shrinking rainforests. Most are now considered endangered or critically endangered.
Researchers say these flowers are especially vulnerable to forest changes. If the host vines disappear because of logging or land development, the hidden plant tissues vanish too — often without notice.
This latest finding not only adds valuable documentation of the species, but also draws attention to the fragile rainforest environments that support it. Conservation experts say protecting these forests is the only way to ensure rare plants like Rafflesia hasseltii survive.