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

PhytoKeys. 2016 Feb 25:(61):37-46. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.61.7295. eCollection 2016.

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.

Keywords: Conservation; ecology; holoparasitic plants; taxonomy.