Rafflesia
Rafflesia
Rafflesia is a genus of parasitic flowering plants known for its large, foul-smelling flowers. Traditionally, there are no recorded uses of Rafflesia in any medical or cultural practices. Scientifically, studies have identified seven out of nine conserved plant miRNA families in the Rafflesiaceae family, indicating these ancient genetic elements persist in parasitic plants like Rafflesia. Additionally, a study based on over 1000 single-copy nuclear loci suggests that Apodanthaceae and Rafflesiaceae are sister lineages within Malpighiales, with island endemicity of three Philippine species likely explained by limited inter-island dispersibility and specific environmental requirements. Growth rates and blooming patterns in buds vary between populations, influenced by habitat-related factors. To date, no major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Rafflesia.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study identified seven out of nine conserved plant miRNA families in Rafflesiaceae, suggesting these miRNAs with ancient origins still exist in these parasitic plants.
- The study finds that Apodanthaceae and Rafflesiaceae are sister lineages within Malpighiales, based on over 1000 single-copy nuclear loci.
- The study suggests that limited inter-island dispersibility and/or specific environmental requirements of Rafflesia species likely contribute to their island endemic distribution in the Philippines.
- R. cantleyi buds' growth rates vary with size, and blooming rates differ between populations, suggesting habitat-related factors influence the plant's life cycle.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rafflesia?
Rafflesia (Rafflesia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Rafflesia?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Rafflesia; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study identified seven out of nine conserved plant miRNA families in Rafflesiaceae, suggesting these miRNAs with ancient origins still exist in these parasitic plants.
How strong is the evidence for Rafflesia?
The strongest finding for Rafflesia carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Rafflesia safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Rafflesia in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Rafflesia interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Rafflesia in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Rafflesia?
Rafflesia is also known as: Раффлезия.
Is Rafflesia a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 What explains the high island endemicity of Philippine Rafflesia? A species distribution modeling analysis of three threatened parasitic plant species and their hosts. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Bud development, flower phenology and life history of holoparasitic Rafflesia cantleyi. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Back together: Over 1000 single-copy nuclear loci and reproductive features support the holoendoparasitic Apodanthaceae and Rafflesiaceae as sister lineages in the order Malpighiales. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Hairpin in a haystack: In silico identification and characterization of plant-conserved microRNA in Rafflesiaceae. literature abstract metadata