Genomic Research Confirms Survival of Rare Flora in Indonesia and Brazil

In a significant late-2025 development, an international research consortium documented the presence of the exceptionally rare parasitic plant, Rafflesia hasseltii, thriving in the Sijunjung region of West Sumatra, Indonesia. This finding carries immense weight because the flower was observed flourishing outside of officially designated conservation areas, specifically within forests managed directly by local communities. This crucial investigation formed part of The First Regional Pan-Phylogeny for Rafflesia project, a collaborative effort involving Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum.

The scientific team, which included Dr. Chris Thorogood from Oxford and Joko Ridho Witono from BRIN, undertook an arduous expedition. The journey required approximately 20 hours of travel starting from Bengkulu and involved nocturnal searches through remote jungle territories known to be tiger habitats. The core of this scientific undertaking centers on employing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to meticulously map the Rafflesia genome. This represents a substantial leap forward from prior studies, which typically analyzed only small DNA fragments measuring between 500 and 1,500 base pairs. The ultimate goal of this deep-dive analysis is twofold: to identify potentially undiscovered species and to formulate evidence-based national conservation blueprints.

This recent discovery firmly cements Indonesia's status as a global hotspot for Rafflesia diversity, rivaling the Philippines, which currently boasts 16 known species. The BRIN team has already secured 13 specimens for subsequent DNA analysis, all part of this multi-year project initiated at the start of 2025. A key observation is that numerous Rafflesia populations are situated outside protected reserves, often appearing on coffee and palm oil plantations. This reality underscores the pressing need for conservation strategies that actively integrate local residents into their framework.

Concurrently with the Indonesian breakthroughs, an equally vital confirmation emerged from Brazil. In the Serra da Moega Municipal Park, located in Ubá, Minas Gerais state, researchers located the critically endangered orchid species, Cycnoches pentadactylon Lindl., commonly known as the 'Swan Neck' orchid. This marks the very first documented instance of this species being found within the state, highlighting the exceptional ecological value inherent in this specific park. Researchers collaborating with ProBiodiversa Brasil, a non-profit organization established in 2021 by alumni of the Federal University of Viçosa, are planning their next field mission for early 2026, focusing on collecting reproductive samples.

The continued survival of these vulnerable species—whether it is R. hasseltii, sometimes nicknamed by locals as the 'Tiger Face Flower,' or the Brazilian orchid—starkly emphasizes the urgent requirement for robust support for conservation efforts across both continents. The success of these Asian and South American projects hinges on enduring partnerships between the scientific community and the populations residing near these vital forest ecosystems. This work is made particularly challenging by the fleeting nature of the Rafflesia bloom, which often lasts only a few days, coupled with the frequently inaccessible locations where these plants take root.