SIBU: A Rafflesia flower at Gunung Gading National Park has bloomed, attracting many visitors eager to witness its breathtaking beauty.
In a Facebook post, the park said the Rafflesia measuring 55cm with five petals, began blooming on Friday (Jan 3).
The blooming is expected to last until Wednesday (Jan 8).
"We are thrilled to share that Wednesday’s (January 3) Rafflesia bloom at Gunung Gading National Park was a tremendous success, with a full house of nature lovers and enthusiasts joining us to witness this rare and beautiful phenomenon," it said.
The park thanked visitors for their "visits, support, and passion for nature conservation."
"Your enthusiasm and presence make these moments truly special, and we are grateful for your patience and cooperation in helping us preserve this,” it said.
The park explained that the blooming process occurs once a year when the Rafflesia grows to its maximum diameter, featuring five leathery, red-spotted petals around a bowl-like centre that traps flies and insects for sustenance.
Up to nine months elapse between the stages of seed to pod to flower, with the final display lasting only a few days, usually seven.
Rafflesia, also known as the stinking corpse lily, is a genus of parasitic flowering plants in the family Rafflesiaceae.
