Rafflesia kerrii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is uniquely classified under the family Rafflesiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Rafflesia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant possesses a specific and limited range across Southeast Asia. Its presence can be traced within the Indo-China region, specifically in Thailand. Additionally, it is found within the Malesia zone, occurring in Malaya. These distinct locations represent the primary areas where the species can be identified. Consequently, its geographical distribution is tied to these particular tropical territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Rafflesia kerrii is characterized by a highly specialized and unconventional structure, as it lacks traditional vegetative organs such as true leaves, stems, or roots. While many climbing plants function as a liana, vine, or self-supporting organism, this species does not exhibit a climber habit; instead, it exists primarily as a terrestrial entity within its ecosystem. It is strictly a terrestrial organism rather than an epiphyte, lacking the capacity to function as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or any other epiphytic form. Furthermore, its life cycle is defined by its status as an obligatory parasite, meaning it is entirely dependent on its host for survival and cannot function as an independent or facultative organism. Consequently, it does not possess the woody tissue typical of many larger plants, as it lacks a woody stem or trunk, instead manifesting only as fleshy, parasitic tissue embedded within the host's vessels and periodically erupting as massive, fleshy flowers.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

obligatory

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rafflesia kerrii has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower.

Flower

1. Drug discoveries & therapeutics

Chemicals

Rafflesia kerrii has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Gallic acid.

Gallic acid

1. Drug discoveries & therapeutics