Rafflesia arnoldii: The giant flower of Sumatra that reigns supreme in size and mystery

On this day in 1919, the Chattanooga news reported this little question and answer:

“Q. What is the largest flower in the world? 

A. Arnold's rafflesia Is the giant of the flower kingdom. It was discovered In 1818 on the island of Sumatra by Joseph Arnold, a noted English botanist. The entire flower measures about a yard across and weighs about fifteen pounds.”
 

The Rafflesia arnoldii is named in honor of Sir Stamford Raffles, who described his discovery in 1818. The magnificent plants have no leaves, no roots, and no stem.

And the Rafflesia flower lasts for only a few days before it withers and dies.

Raffles' friend and fellow explorer who was with him during the discovery was a surgeon and a naturalist in his own right - Dr. James Arnold - who died shortly after seeing the bloom. The Rafflesia arnoldii was named in honor of them both (Raffles and Arnold).

The Rafflesia flower is still regarded as the largest in the world.