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    Want to learn about the rafflesia?  Well, you can if you read this.  It is the largest flower in the world!  Read on!! The rafflesia flower is red with white or light red spots. It is the largest flower in the world. It can grow up to one meter wide, four inches thick, and it can weigh up to 15 pounds. There are sharp spikes in the center of it.  It makes the flower look like it is going to eat you!
    There are five different types of rafflesias. They have different shapes, colors, and number of petals on them. They have six petals when they bloom.
    The plant has no leaves, stem, or roots.  It starts life as a small dark colored bud. A black layering of protection covers it. It takes about nine months to grow into a small pumpkin or cabbage sized bud.
When it is in full bloom, it lets out the smell of rotten meat or something decaying. The smell attracts flies and insects. When it is blooming, the flies gather around it and pollinate it.
    It usually has five to six petals when it blooms and only lives from five to six days. When it dies, the leaves blacken and it withers.

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