A flower of more than 1 meter in diameter has just been discovered in a jungle in Indonesia

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This rafflesia flower discovered in a West Sumatran forest could be the largest flower in the world ever recorded, say Indonesian wildlife officials. It measures more than 1.2 meters in diameter.

(CNN) - Rafflesia is often referred to as a "monstrous flower" for its parasitic properties and its disgusting stench. And in the Indonesian jungle, wildlife officials could have found the most monstrous flower of all.

A rafflesia that recently flourished in a West Sumatran forest is more than 1.2 meters in diameter, which would make it the largest flower ever recorded, according to the West Sumatra Natural Resources and Conservation Center.

Interestingly, it was the same location (and host plant) that produced the largest rafflesia ever recorded in 2017. But this monstrous flower is 10 centimeters wider, CNN Indonesia reported.

It has no roots or leaves, it is parasitic. The rafflesia feeds on a host plant for living, drinking water and nutrients. It is only visible when it explodes through the host plant to reveal its flowers.

Flower