Rafflesia in Baungon,Bukidnon
The first time we went to Baungon, bukidnon, from Cagayan de Oro City, was September 14. It was a bit frustrating because we were not allowed to enter the flower premises. They said the flower was in a fragile state and so no one was allowed to see it. Three months later, we hurried our way back to the place, to see the world’s biggest flower, bloom.
- Rafflesia @ 59cm
This started on Christmas day, when I got a text message from Manang fita, the caretaker of the area where the Rafflesias grow. She says it God’s gift to the people of Baungon. With the existence of the famous parasitic flowering plants, Baungon Bukidnon is slowly emerging as one of the destination places that local and foreign tourists want to go, to see the Rafflesia. It however blooms only once a year and survives for around 5-6 days before it withers.
Philippine Rafflesia, dec.08
So, on the 26th I gathered people to go with me to Baungon. This time, we were on a private vehicle; hence, the smooth trip to the area.It was drizzling when we arrived at Barangay San Vicente. But the kilometer descending muddy trek to the area was still fun.
rafflesia at a closer look
The flower has a 59cm-diameter. The caretakers say the water hampered the growth of the flower; hence, it did not bloom to its maximum growth range, which is about 90-100 cm. A little descending path just beside the area where the flower grew is a stream. They say, the water rises when it rains, and could cover the area where the flower is. Fortunately, the water did not wash the Rafflesia away.
Before we left, we saw another Rafflesia growing. Manang Fita said, it might bloom in another year’s time, and so would we be able to set foot at Baungon, Bukidnon again.
