It’s not every day the world celebrates a rare plant returning from near disappearance, yet that’s exactly what happened in West Sumatra. After more than a decade of uncertainty, researchers have finally rediscovered Rafflesia hasseltii, a species long feared to be gone from the wild.
For 13 years, scientists and field guides searched the forests of Sumatra in hopes of finding the plant again. One of them, Septian Andirki, explained that the effort had been underway since 2007. The team never stopped looking, even as the years dragged on with no results.
Their persistence was rewarded. With the help of Deputy Director and Head of Science of The University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, Dr. Chris Thorogood, the rare species was located deep within the rainforest of Hiring Batang Somi in Sumpur Kudus District. The rediscovery took place on Tuesday, 18 November 2025.
It was an emotional moment for the team, especially for Septian, better known as Deki, and for Dr. Chris. The University of Oxford even shared the touching scene on its Instagram channel, showing the joy of finally finding the elusive flower.
Research shows Rafflesia hasseltii stands apart from most plants in the world. The rafflesia family is known for producing the largest flower on Earth, with a diameter of 70 to 110 cm depending on the species. Its population continues to plunge, and at least 42 species are now believed to be close to extinction.
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Rafflesia plants cannot make their own food because they lack chlorophyll. Instead, they survive by attaching themselves to a host plant. They thrive mainly in tropical regions, especially Indonesia and Malaysia. In Indonesia, sightings are most common in the forests of Kalimantan and Sumatra.
The conservation challenge is far from over. Studies suggest that around 67 percent of Rafflesia hasseltii populations are located outside protected forest zones. That reality makes conservation efforts even more difficult, as many habitats lack legal safeguards and are vulnerable to disturbance.
And while the rediscovery is worth celebrating, it also serves as a reminder. This species has survived against the odds. Whether it remains here for the future depends on what happens next.
