| Thottea grandiflora |
| Family:
Aristolochiaceae Photo right: One of the flower is manually turned up for viewing purpose. The perianth is formed by the large calyx-tube. Take note of the small circular column deep inside the perianth's throat. Unopened immature flowers look like 'inflated balloons' lined with whitish veins on the outer surface. Interestingly, both Aristolochiaceae and Rafflesiaceae have been grouped within the order of Aristolochiales. Taxonomists, however, are still not clear about their affinity to each other. But the degree to which their respective reproductive columns resembling each other in the general structural design is evident even to the layman who have seen both. |
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The pendulous flowers are borne in close proximity to the forest floor. [ Calyx-tube: approx. 13cm long]