Rafflesia consueloae
Rafflesia consueloae Galindon, Ong & Fernando
Rafflesia consueloae is a parasitic plant species of the genus Rafflesia, endemic to Luzon Island in the Philippines. It is the smallest species within the genus, with flowers averaging 9.73 cm in diameter. The species is distinguished by its upright perigone lobes and a cream-white disk surface, often lacking processes. It was named in honor of Ms. Consuelo 'Connie' Rufino Lopez, a plant enthusiast and advocate for biodiversity conservation in the Philippines. The species was formally described in 2016.
Description
Rafflesia consueloae is an endophytic holoparasite belonging to the family Rafflesiaceae. Its mature buds measure 6.4–9.9 cm in diameter and are covered by three layers of bracts. The flowers, when fully expanded, range from 6.6 to 12.7 cm in diameter and up to 13 cm in height. The perigone lobes are five in number, upright, and reddish brown when fresh, with fine warts and areola-like ornamentations. The diaphragm is 3.2–9.0 cm in diameter, with a whitish rim that darkens with age. The species is distinguished by its small flower size and upright lobes, and overlaps in bud size with Rafflesia baletei and Rafflesia aurantia on Luzon Island.
Distribution
Philippines
