Rafflesia leonardi Barcelona & Pelser

This species was named in honor of Leonard Co, an avid botanist who devoted much time to the study of the flora of the Cagayana Valley region on Luzon. It was described in the following publication:

Barcelona, J. F, P. B. Pelser, E. Cabutaje, and N. A. Bartolome.  2008.  Another new species of Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) from Luzon, Philippines: R. leonardi. Blumea 53: 223-228.

This species most resembles R. manillana but it differs in the size of the flower and in its central disk which is nearly flat on it surface and devoid of prominent processes.
• Group of flowers at various developmental stages, including an opening bud, a fully open flower, and a senescent flower of Rafflesia leonardi.  Photo by Julie Barcelona.
Rafflesia leonardi

• Fully open male flower of Rafflesia leonardi.  Photo by Julie Barcelona.
Rafflesia leonardi
• Close-up of the diaphragm and central column of a male Rafflesia leonardi flower.  Note the column is nearly devoid of processes. Photo by Julie Barcelona.
Rafflesia leonardi

• Cross section through the stalk of the central column of a male Rafflesia leonardi flower showing the anthers.  Photo by Julie Barcelona.
Rafflesia leonardi

• Julie Barcelona with open flower of Rafflesia leonardi
Julie Barcelona with flower of Rafflesia leonardi
SIUC / College of Science / Parasitic Plant Connection / Rafflesiaceae
URL: http://www.parasiticplants.siu.edu/Rafflesiaceae/Raff.leonardi.page.html
Last updated: 07-Nov-09 / dln