The new species of Rafflesia is growing in bloom.

On Monday, January 8, 2018, the Maninjau Nature Reserve is proposed to be a research site, since the rafflesia species in the area have never been found, whether in Indonesia, Malaysia or the Philippines.

Previously, Rafflesia Researcher from University of Bengkulu (Unib) DR. Agus Susetya conducted research on Rafflesia flower that grows in Sumatran tiger habitat in Maninjau Nature Reserve area, jorong Baringin, sub district of Palembayan, Agam regency, West Sumatera.

He suspects this flower Rafflesia is new species. A unique flower that only has flowers without stems and leaves is quite large. Inside the flowers there are thin hairs that distinguish it from other Rafflesia.

When examined on Thursday December 14, 2017, this Rafflesia flower in the bloom of the third day, while the perfect bloom period is in the bloom of the first and second day, after which the flowers gradually wither the color from red to brown. In the next 4 or 5 days, there are 2 Rafflesia cobs that immediately bloom.

DR. Agus Susatya ensure, Rafflesia flower that grows in Palembayan is a new type that ever existed in Indonesia. "I'm sure this Rafflesia is not a type of arnoldii, because the color of the petals is different, then there is the hair in it, it a new type," Agus said.

The discovery of Rafflesia's rarest flower begins with information from local residents who found 21 Rafflesia flowers on Thursday, October 19, 2017, and then reported it to the officers of the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) of West Sumatra.

Local news links: https://www.antaranews.com/berita/660754/sebanyak-21-bunga-rafflesia-tumbuh-di-hutan-maninjau