THE PLANT AS A HOST 49 



of colossal proportions, measuring as much as 

 three or four feet in diameter. The Rafflesia 

 usually attaches itself to the roots of the trees 

 which are close to the trunk, and presents a most 

 striking appearance. The colouring of the enor- 

 mous petals is of a lurid reddish brown shade, and 

 the flower is said to attract large numbers of 

 winged insects. The Rafflesia is typical of a 

 large number of parasitic plants found in tropical 

 countries, which attach themselves to the roots 

 of trees and live on the sap of the host plant. 



