Rafflesia
Blog post and photography by Peter Hemenway
The Rafflesia, the biggest single flower in the world takes 9 months to bloom and then stays alive for about 3-5 days before dying.
It is possible to find guides in parts of Malaysia that offer a trek through the jungle during this peak blooming period.
At full bloom the 5 petals and red spots in the center are magnificent to see.
It is one of the rarest plants in the world and on the verge of extinction.