MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF A NEWLY RECORDED <em>RAFFLESIA</em> <em>ZOLLINGERIANA</em> (RAFFLESIACEAE)

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to carry out a morphological comparison of a newly recorded Rafflesia zollingeriana in Papring, Northeastern Banyuwangi, East Java, and to examine the biophysics of the habitat of the species. The R. zollingeriana of Papring displayed no window, and its tuberculate ramenta occupied the inner surface of the diaphragm and perigone tube. The specimens of Papring varied from three other localities with respect to their smaller flowering sizes, diaphragm, and the dark orange or red maroon colouring of the perigone lobes and diaphragm. The annulus of the Papring R. zollingeriana has a distinctive interior with a less developed or less distinctive exterior annulus. Its host is Tetrastigma rafflesiae, T. dichotomum and T. papillosum. The geographical range of the species is fragmented. Its presence is vital for increasing the numbers of existing local populations, and the future survivorship of the species.