The Giant Flower Bua Phut (Rafflesia kerrii)
Destination:
PhangNga
The beautiful Nature Adventure Province -- just waking up
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Mr.T: The giant Rafflesia is one of the true "Wonders of Nature" in Thailand
More destinations with exceptional plants: Khao Sok --
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Bua Phut (Rafflesia kerrii) is a plant species with the world’s largest flower
of approximately 80 centimeters in diameter. The plant grows as a
parasite on the root of a vine known as Yan Kai Tom. Its flower has 5
reddish brown petals. It is rare and to be found only in a fertile
forest.
Recently it was discovered that this rare plant grows in Phang Nga province in at least four locations:
- Tone Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary (xx km from Phang Nga City)
- In the forests southeast of Thai Mueang (yet to be confirmed)
- In the forests of Le on the way to Khao Sok (no pictures available yet)
- Near Khuraburi in the forests around Sri Phang Nga National Park
In all locations a guide is necessary to find this giant flower. According to the local guides there is a Rafflesia in bloom somewhere any time of the year.
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In the end of October this giant flower blossoms along an easy nature trail
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Tone Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary*** |
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Tone Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary covers a total area of 100,000 rai of shady flora. It also contains Nam Tok Tone Pariwat or known among the locals as “Nam Tok Song Phraek” which is 100 m from the Sanctuary’s headquarters.
The waterfall is not very high with a pond down below. In the rainy season, the water gushes down. The Sanctuary provides a 2 km nature trail with Bua Phut Rafflesia kerrii, a plant species with the world’s largest flower of approximately 80 centimeters in diameter, along the route. The plant grows as a parasite on the root of a vine known as Yan Kai Tom. It's flower has 5 reddish brown petals. It is rare and to be found only in a fertile forest.
It blooms towards the end of the rainy season around October. Along the route, there are traces of old mines, bird-watching spots that indicate the fertility of the forest, Nam Tok Hin Phoeng which is a watershed, etc. A guide is needed for trekking along the trail, which takes about 1 hour.
