372 CULTIVATION OF RAFFLESIA ARNOLDI, 



different dimensions, of the Rafflesia Jrnoldi, were growing as para- 

 sites. The stem of the Cissm had been cut off too short; and proba- 

 bly, from the removal and long journey, the development of the plant 

 being impeded, it, as well as the parasite plants, died off. Among the 

 Raffied(2 however there was one that did reach maturity, and of which the 

 ripe seeds were plainly distinguishable. I had these grafted on other 

 Cmus roots, of two different species, as Cmus scariosa^ BL, having a 

 flat, tape-formed stem, and Cissus serrulata, Kxb., having a round stem ; 

 upon both of which species, and perhaps on some others of this genus, 

 it is to be found in a natural state ; at least I have found Baffiesia. 

 Fatma^ Bl, ou the island Noessa Kambanga, or both species close 

 together. This grafting was effected very simply, by making a small 

 incision in the bark of the thicker roots, and inserting in the openmg 

 a few seeds of Rafflesia Arnoldi^ which were covered with a little earth 

 and a few leaves. For a long time after the operation nothing extra- 

 ordinary was to be seen ou the roots ; but the incision, although nearly 

 grown over, is still visible. Lately, when revisiting the locality, I per- 

 ceived very plainly that in different places near to, as well as far from, 

 the incision, several young Raffie^ice (from the size of a green pea to 

 that of a hen's egg) were developed, so that we can now boast of hav- 

 ing brought the Rafflesia Jrnoldi into cultivation, which, considering 

 the slow growth from the grafting until now, we may reckon will re- 

 quire our patience for the period of a year and a half, or a year at least, 

 for the development of the plant. This experiment advances us a 

 stride nearer to the knowledge of this very interesting Family of plants, 

 and of their very intricate development. It is now proved that this 

 plant may be raised from its seeds, but how that takes place in nature 

 remains a secret. The very delicate and fine seeds must be forced up- 

 wards and downwards, between the bark and the white wood, and fixed 

 in appropriate places by means of the sap ; this appears plainly from 

 the example before us, as the buds or young plants of the Raffleda ap- 

 peared both above and below the incision, and were at considerable 

 distances. 



■ 



It is not probable that the seeds of the dead plant are transferred to 

 the stem of the Cissus, in the place where the mother Raffiesia had 

 grown, as that spot is then covered with dead crusts of the remains of 

 the dead plant, and thus seems to possess little aptitude for the taking 

 up of seeds. This is not the case. Another source of the propaga- 



