After 13 years of waiting, conservationists rediscovered one of the world’s rarest flowers in Sumatra

Indonesian conservationist Septian Andriki, known as Deki, after more than a decade of relentless searching, finally rediscovered Rafflesia hasseltii, one of the world’s rarest flowers, hidden deep within the rainforests of Western Sumatra, as per reports. 

Often described as even rarer to spot than a tiger, the flower had not been officially seen in the wild for over 10 years.

According to a BBC report, Andriki was overcome with emotion after finally witnessing the bloom of the rare Rafflesia flower, ending a 13-year wait. The moment marked the success of years of perseverance after fresh hope emerged earlier this year when a local forest ranger shared photographs of a suspected Rafflesia bud. Andriki then led a difficult expedition with a research team headed by plant expert Dr Chris Thorogood to confirm the find in remote rainforest terrain.

Rafflesia, often known as the “corpse flower” for its strong odour, is the world’s largest single flower despite having no leaves, stems or roots, the BBC noted. The bloom can reach up to one metre in width and weigh over six kilograms, emitting a smell of decaying flesh that attracts flies for pollination. Its rarity is heightened by its brief lifespan, as the flower takes around nine months to develop but blooms for only a few days before withering.

The BBC reported that Andriki has spent much of his life protecting Indonesia’s threatened plant species, working closely with Dr Thorogood during the COVID-19 pandemic to document Rafflesia across Sumatra. Conservationists say the rediscovery highlights the fragile biodiversity of Indonesia’s rainforests, which are under increasing pressure from deforestation linked to palm oil plantations, endangering rare flora and wildlife alike.