5 Rare Plants in Indonesia that Must Be Preserved, Did You Know?
Some of these rare plants in Indonesia are already difficult to find. Not only are their uniqueness and appearance charming, but these plants also have unique qualities that cannot be found in other plants.
Keza Felice
Indonesia is known as a country with abundant natural wealth. However, of the many types of flora in Indonesia, there are several rare plants in Indonesia whose existence is also threatened with extinction! In fact, the rich flora in Indonesia is a form of intangible heritage that must be preserved and guarded.
Therefore, you also need to know what the following rare plants are in Indonesia so that in the future, you can care about them by helping to preserve them.
Rare Plants in Indonesia
Javanese Edelweiss
Javanese Edelweiss or Anaphalis Javanic is a rare plant in Indonesia. This flower is also known as the Senduro Flower, whose habitat is around the mountains in several areas on the island of Java. Usually, edelweiss flowers grow and develop after an eruption occurs.
Because of its beauty and durability, edelweiss flowers do not rot easily after being picked; this flower has become the target of many people when climbing. Unfortunately, the population of these "eternal flowers" is actually increasingly critical due to the ignorant actions of people who pick them carelessly. Currently, edelweiss flowers can be found in only a few areas, such as Mount Gede, Mount Papandayan, Mount Rinjani, and Mount Pangrango.
Rafflesia Arnoldii
The Rafflesia Arnoldii flower is also a rare plant in Indonesia, which is very popular. Even though it looks beautiful when it blooms, this charming large flower actually emits a pungent, rotten smell, you know! This flower has distinctive characteristics, namely spots, a reddish flower color, and a very large diameter.
One of the benefits of the foul smell of this rare flower is to attract flies so they can help it pollinate. In general, this flower can only bloom for seven days, and after that, it will die.
Black Orchid
Different from orchids in general, this type of orchid has black flower petals and also emits a very fragrant odor. Black orchids are now difficult to find, and their existence is almost extinct. Therefore, black orchids are one type of protected flora in Indonesia, in accordance with Government Regulation No. 7 TH 1999. It is known that there are approximately 200 species of black orchids spread from Asia to the Pacific islands. Meanwhile, the distribution area starts from Kalimantan, the Himalayas, and also Sumatra.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is also a rare type of plant in Indonesia. Having the Latin name Santalum Album, sandalwood can produce wood that is considered luxurious and has unique qualities compared to other wood trees. The aroma of essential oil produced from sandalwood is part of its characteristic, which makes sandalwood sought after by many people. In fact, sandalwood has a high selling value, you know. It doesn't stop there; sandalwood also has various benefits, such as perfume, incense, spices, keris, and even aromatherapy.
Nepenthes
Another rare plant in Indonesia is the pitcher plant. Having another name, Nephentes, this carnivorous plant can actually prey on insects such as bees, flies, beetles, and mosquitoes. This pitcher plant also needs to be preserved, considering that its existence is rarely found. One of the unique features of this plant is that its shape is slightly swollen and will open to prey on insects around it when it matures.
Of these rare plants in Indonesia, which ones have you encountered directly?
Illustration: Pixabay/RAMONVAZQUEZ
