Indonesia has recorded the identification of a brand new species of Rafflesia from the forests of East Kalimantan. A research team from the National Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN) has identified this species as Raffles is brushedwith results published in Sains Malaysiana on January 12, 2026.
The occurrence of the plant has been known for the reason that Nineteen Eighties within the forest areas of PT ITCI Kartika Utama (ITCI-KU). In 2019, forestry researcher Tri Atmoko from the Ministry of Environment and Forests reported its population, although its taxonomic identity has not yet been confirmed.
Formal recognition of a species requires rigorous scientific validation through detailed morphological studies and genetic evaluation.
Further research was carried out in 2022 by a team led by Agus Susatya from the University of Bengkulu in collaboration with BRIN researchers Ridha Mahyuni, Sudarmono, Dian Latifah, Willie Smits and Arief Priyadi.
The results show that the flower arrangements distinct morphological and genetic characteristics which are different from all previously known Rafflesia species in Kalimantan, supporting its recognition as a brand new species.
Morphological characteristics
Raffles is brushed grows in lowland dipterocarp forest at altitudes of 325 to 329 meters above sea level. Like other members of the genus, it’s a parasitic plant depending on host vines within the genus Tetrastigmata. The flower is roughly 17 to 22 centimeters in diameter.
Morphologically, the species exhibits a singular combination of characters. The white spots on the petals of perigon are relatively less quite a few, but larger in size.
The diaphragm is thicker and has a narrower opening. The inner arms are well developed and cylindrical, resembling small clubs. The inner disk shows protrusions that don’t match descriptions of previously published species.
Compared to the 4 recognized Rafflesia species in Kalimantan, R. hasseltii, R. keitii, R. young masterAND R. cenai, R. harjatii there isn’t any so-called fenestration structures on the inner surface of the diaphragm and has just one ring, while the opposite species have two.
DNA evaluation further confirms that the plant represents a genetically distinct lineage.
Perspectives on endemic status and conservation
Based on the initial assessment, Raffles is brushed it is taken into account endemic to East Kalimantan because it has to this point only been documented on this region. At the invention site, researchers identified three subpopulations.
According to Ridha Mahyuni, human disturbance stays relatively limited because populations occur inside a protected area managed by the corporate. However, natural hazards similar to heavy rainfall are identified as aspects requiring constant monitoring.
The discovery was welcomed by Komunitas Peduli Puspa Langka (KPPL). The research team plans further field studies to further determine population size and map the species’ distribution in greater detail.
Apart from Raffles is brushedBRIN indicated that data for several other candidate Rafflesia species are currently being finalized, with an official announcement expected later this yr.
