Raflesia Growth Location in Agam Proposed as Research Center

Raflesia Growth Location in Agam Proposed as Research Center Lubukbasung, (Antaranews Sumbar) - West Sumatra Provincial Conservation Office (BKSDA) proposed the location of Raflesia flower in Maninjau Nature Reserve Forest, Agam District, as the center of rare flower research to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. "We immediately propose the area to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in the near future," Head of Section I Region BKSDA of West Sumatra, Khairi Ramadhan stated in Lubukbasung, Monday. The proposal of Maninjau Nature Reserve as a research center because of the type of Raflesia flowers that exist in that location has not been found in other areas in Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines. Based on information from Raflesia expert from Bengkulu University, Agus Susatya, Raflesia species in Maninjau Nature Reserve area is not found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines. But the interest almost resembles the flowers of Raflesia tuan-younge in Malaysia. But after being tested in the laboratory, the result is not the same as Raflesia tuan-mudae. It is likely that Raflesia in Maninjau Nature Reserve is a new species, and researchers are still looking for other references from Raflesia experts in Malaysia and the Philippines. Even Agus Susatya has requested data in Malaysia and Philippines, but there is no Raflesia of the same type in the Maninjau Nature Reserve. "If it is the new type, certainly it will be given a new name as well, but who can give the name of researchers?," he added. Agus Susatya has previously conducted the research for three days on December 14 to 16, 2017 in Agam. The Rafflesia flower was discovered by a resident of Marambuang, Nagari Baringin, Palembayan Sub-district, while reviewing the location of the water source for the Community Based Drinking and Sanitation (Pamsimas) Program on Thursday (Oct 19). "The flower once bloomed with a diameter of 107 centimeters," he added. (cha) Translator: Vicha Faradika