Ecophysiology Identification and Flower Morphology of Rafflesia arnoldii at Forest Ecosystem of Bengkulu Province

Abstract

Rafflesia flower, especially Rafflesia arnoldii, is a rare flower that is the pride and icon of Bengkulu Province. The population is decreasing over time and recently it is found that the size of the flower crown is relatively narrow. Conservation efforts begin with an inventory and identification of ecophysiological conditions and morphological characters, especially in several forest ecosystems in the Bengkulu Province. The target of this research is, in the end, a future conservation model based on cultivation technology. The survey method was used in this study. Data obtained through direct observation of the Bengkulu forest ecosystem habitat and interviews with representatives of the presence of Rafflesia flowers. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively-analytic. The results showed that 9 (nine) R. arnoldii flowers were found in various phases with the conditions attached to their host plant, namely Tetrastigma sp. This flower is found at the coordinate point of 4 ° 26′55 "S, 103 ° 15′14"E in Bungin Tambun III Village, Padang Guci Hulu District, Kaur Regency, Bengkulu Province, and this location is only 12 meters from the water source. Several flower phases were found, namely Copula (6-9 months), Brakta (3-5 months), and Perigon blooming (1-2 weeks) One of the phases of this orange flower has reached the blooming phase with 5 crowns, 53 cm in diameter, the diaphragm is 31 cm wide and 50 cm high. Environmental conditions at the time of flowering include temperatures ranging from 24-25 °C, with humidity (RH) 80-85%.