Bengkulu (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) has
said two rare native flowers species from the Sumatran forests,
Rafflesia and Amorphopallus, have become endangered due to habitat
conversion done for various purposes.
The Deputy for Life Sciences, Enny Sudarmonowati said on Friday that
the two rare flower species had to be preserved by all parties,
including researchers, governments and the community.
"Not much time is left for botanists to apply research to conserve these giant flora," Sudarmonowati said.
The endangered status of the two rare species will be highlighted at
the international symposium for Rafflesia Arnoldii and Amorphopallus
Titanum, which will be organized by LIPI in Bengkulu from September 14
to 16, 2016.
Sudarmonowati remarked that the endangered flora indicated that
changes have been taking place in the Sumatra forests, particularly
Bengkulu, the native habitat of the flowers.
There is a biological aspect that remains a mystery about the ideal habitat for these plants.
LIPI has also initiated an international forum to bring together
researchers and academics to discuss the preservation of the rare
flowers.
"The forum is expected to build perspective to save Rafflesia and Amorphopallus," she said.
In addition to a number of experts on Amorphopallus and Rafflesia,
the symposium will also draw local administrators, community groups and
tourism players.
The Head of Plant Conservation, Bogor Botanical Garden, Didik
Widyatmoko, said the forum would bring together stakeholders to share
knowledge and experience related to Rafflesia and Amorphophallus.
One expected result is the formulation of a preservation model for
rare flowers that will be beneficial for not only biodiversity
conservation, but also for the tourism sector to have a positive impact
on the development of Bengkulu.
Bengkulu forests house four species of Rafflesia, including
Arnoldii, Gadutensis, Bengkuluensis and Hasselti. Meanwhile, the
Amorphophallus species, among others, includes Titanum, Phaeonifolius,
Gigas and Variabilis. (WDY)
Rafflesia, Amorphopallus Flowers Declared Endangered Species
Sabtu, 12 September 2015 13:03 WIB