Species named after the city of Manila, Philippines.
The taxonomy of Rafflesia manillana has been confusing for some time because some of the early descriptions are not accompanied by actual specimens. In other cases there were collections, but only of buds, thus preventing researchers from obtaining measurements of mature floral parts. The nomenclature is another issue in that names such as R. lagascae Blanco and R. cumingii R. Brown must be dealt with (at least for now these are treated here as synonyms). Biologically, there are other Rafflesia, some of which have only recently been named as new species, that are morphologically very similar to R. manillana, such as R. lobata, R. philippensis, and R. panchoana. For a review of these complex issues, see the following:
Barcelona, J. F., P. B Pelser, D. S. Balete, and L. L. Co. 2009. Taxonomy, ecology, and conservation status of Philippine Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae). Blumea 54: 77-93.
Madulid, D. A. and E. M. G. Agoo. 2007 [available only in 2008]. On the identity of Rafflesia manillana Teschem. (Rafflesiaceae). Philippine Scientist 44: 57-70.
• Rafflesia manillana flower and bud. Mt. Natib, Central Luzon region, Bataan province, Philippines. Photo by Julie Barcelona.
Julie Barcelona contemplating a Rafflesia manillana. Mt. Natib, Central Luzon region, Bataan province, Philippines.
• Senescent Rafflesia manillana flowers. Or are some of these forming fruits. Mt. Natib, Central Luzon region, Bataan province, Philippines.
• Open flower showing column inside the diaphragm and the densely spotted perigone tube. Mt. Labo, Bicol Region, Camarines Norte province, Philippines. Photo by Julie Barcelona.
