Botany Collection, Science Museum, University of Coimbra
The female flower of Rafflesia, also known as the corpse flower, is the largest flower in the world. This model, with a diameter of 90 cm, represents Rafflesia arnoldii R. Br., 1821. It is a parasitic plant that feeds on the roots of other plants and does not photosynthesise, remaining undetectable until it blooms. The flower emits a strong odour of decaying flesh, which serves to attract flies that pollinate it and complete its life cycle. This species is one of the three national flower symbols of Indonesia.