The Rafflesia has no specific flowering season. It has no roots,stem or leaves and starts life as a small, dark brown bud attachedto its host, the stem or root of a jungle vine. After taking approximatelynine months to mature into a cabbage-sized bud, the plant opens.The petals, usually five, sometimes six, are red in colour andcovered with lighter coloured spots. When in full bloom the floweremits a foul odour which attracts flies and other insects. TheRafflesia only flowers for 5 to 6 days, before the petals blackenand the flower withers.
The flowers are either male or female. Pollen is most likely transferredfrom one plant to another by flies, whilst scientists believethat the small mammals that eat the fruit of the plant transferthe seeds (via their droppings, claws and facial hair) to otherhost sites around the forest floor.
Although the Rafflesia can grow up to one metre in diameter, theflowers found at Gunung Gading are usually half that size withthe occasional monster-sized plant appearing from time to time.