Rafflesia consueloae (Rafflesiaceae), the smallest among giants; a new species from Luzon Island, Philippines

By

Galindon, John Michael
Ong, Perry S.
Fernando, Edwino S.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2016

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

61

Pages

37-46

Subjects

Conservation , Ecology , holoparasitic plants , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.61.7295

 

Abstract

A new species of Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) from Luzon Island, Philippines, Rafflesia consueloae Galindon, Ong & Fernando, is described and illustrated. It is distinct from all other species of Rafflesia in its small-sized flowers, the upright perigone lobes, and prominently cream-white disk surface that is often devoid of processes. Its small-sized flowers, with an average diameter of 9.73 cm when fully expanded, make it the smallest of the largest flowers in the world.