Watercolour illustration of Rafflesia manilana.

This is one of a series of illustrations produced for Endangered Species International to create a trail of interpretive signs in Mount Matutum protected area in the Philippines.

Plants of the genus Rafflesia are known for having some of the largest single flowers in the world, reaching up to 91cm in diameter, with thick leathery petals. The plants themselves are parasitic, living inside the cells of Tetrastigma vine species until they bud. The flowers are said to smell of rotting flesh, which could be used to attract flies for pollination.