We set off to Cagayan de Oro’s Carmen Market at half past eight in the morning on September 14, 2008, to get to Baungon, to see the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower.
Rafflesia Signage
Research says it is found in South East Asian countries like in the Malay Peninsula, Borneo Sumatra, including the Philippines. In the Philippines, it was found in Mt. Apo, Antique and in Baungon, hence, we moved our way to Barangay San Vicente in the Municipality of Baungon, in the Province of Bukidnon.
After an hour and a half, ( with a fare of Php52.00) we got to the area and went directly to see the Barangay Captain. And without hesitation, he accompanied us to the caretaker of the compounded flowers. But the caretakers and even him couldn’t let us in to the area without the permission of the Mayor. And so we waited and waited, for the Mayor to be contacted for us to ask for permission.
But as close as we were to the area, the Mayor said we cannot see it. Argghhh. The Barangay created a policy that visitors need to get permission from the Mayor. He said, the flowers are on its way to bloom and so it is on its critical stage. Come October, it is expected to fully grow, which he promised to immediately inform us.
He said, the flower could grow as wide as 99cm in diameter.
Scientific studies of Raflessia say it is a genus of parasitic flowering plants. It was discovered in the Indonesian rain forest, and got its name from the head of the expidition Sir Thomas Raffles. But what’s interesting is, they say, the flowers look and smell like rotting meat. Unfortunately, we haven’t confirmed that for ourselves yet. thus I am hoping that the Mission Rafflesia Part 2, will be a success, come this October.
