Rafflesia is a parasite which lives on tropical vines across parts of Southeast Asia, producing blooms that are among the largest in the world. Notably, it is something of an enigma, with its flowers emerging unpredictably, and botanists have had limited success propagating it outside its natural environment. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, one species of the flower is currently classed as “critically endangered”. The researchers says that they estimate 60% of Rafflesia species face a severe risk of extinction.
