Rafflesia, << ra FLEE zhuh, >> is a group of plants with huge flowers but no leaves or stems. The flowers grow as parasites on the stems and roots of several Cissus shrubs in Southeast Asia.
The giant rafflesia bears the largest flowers known. They can grow more than 3 feet (90 centimeters) wide. The stamens and pistils of the rafflesia grow on separate flowers. The flowers have five wide, fleshy lobes and usually have a bad odor. This odor attracts flies and beetles, which pollinate the flowers.
