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Last Updated: Thursday, 11 January 2007, 19:09 GMT
Family found for gigantic flowers
By Rebecca Morelle
Science reporter, BBC News

The Rafflesiaceae possess some unusual features





Their giant blooms, which weigh up to 7kg (15lb) and in appearance and fragrance mimic decomposing meat, attract carrion flies that pollinate them.


Dramatic growth

The botanists used DNA analysis to delve into the ancestry of the Rafflesiaceae, a group that comprises some 50 individual species.

Their research reveals that the plants belong to the Euphorbiaceae family.



"The big shocker, of course, is that they fall in the middle of this group with minute flowers."

The botanists believe that about 46 million years ago, the plants' blooms began to evolve at an accelerated pace.

They estimate the flowers developed from a minute 2mm (0.08in) up to their enormous size during this period.

There would have been two main advantages to having such large blooms, Professor Davis told the BBC News website.

"These plants occur exclusively in tropical rainforest under-storeys, which are very dimly lit, and they are restricted to the forest floor. They don't have an easy way of presenting their flowers to various insects for pollination," he explained.

"By maximising their surface area it is much easier to waft the funky smell further distances, which lures carrion flies.

"Their size means they also become a very effective stop sign and visual cue to lure these flies in so that they pollinate the plant."

World's largest flower opens
05 Jun 01 |  Science/Nature

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