I must have visited Lata Jarum a million times since 2008 but a good thing is never too boring to rediscover. I am saying this because last Saturday, I had the pleasure to see a very fresh blooming flower at the site with a friend. Best thing is, I am not getting tired already because there is always something new to see every time if one only pay attention. Going back definitely this coming weekend as they blushing buds indicate 3 more in a week's time...
All things considered, however, I still need to comment on the behaviour of some local weekend tourists...if you look at the lower left petal of the below photo, you'll notice that the edge of the petal had been snapped of and that was what exactly the students (I am supposing here) from a certain local university had done to the flower during their visit (I was told they were the last group to visit the site before me). If this kind of ignorance is prevalent even in higher learning institutions, guess what others are doing?
All things considered, however, I still need to comment on the behaviour of some local weekend tourists...if you look at the lower left petal of the below photo, you'll notice that the edge of the petal had been snapped of and that was what exactly the students (I am supposing here) from a certain local university had done to the flower during their visit (I was told they were the last group to visit the site before me). If this kind of ignorance is prevalent even in higher learning institutions, guess what others are doing?
Trying to get a grip on the slippery slope next to the flowers
Voila an easier solution.
Closeup of the raflessia cantleyi.
Another closeup
From the back...
This is how it looks like - no roots nor leaves, just flower buds poking out from the root of its host, a liana. In this sense, conserving the Raflessia means also conserving the host plants - and that INCLUDES NOT STEPPING ONTO THE CREEPING ROOTS EVERYWHERE at the Raflessia sites: something which almost nobody observes during the visits.
Another bud at the same site.
In natural light...
A faded bloom...
Tiny fungi found along the pathway
A strange stick insect.
A wolly caterpillar.
A common nymphalid at Lata jarum , Cyretis themire themire.
The bud of the black lily, locally known as Keladi Murai.
Tiny white inflorescens of a small woody bush in the dark forest.
A large leaf with interesting design.
A centipede resting on a decaying wood.
A nymphalid Polyura athamas athamas, feeding on a dung.
Another tiny fungi along the path.
A flaming red velvety seedpod opened...the flash because of low light did not do justice to the actual intense red of the seed pod.
A green metallic tiger bug resting on a leaf.
An orange coloured bug resting on a huge Bemban leaf.
Hi Mr Liew,
ReplyDeleteI simply had to take a look at your blog. Very nice pictures of the Jungle & Rafflesia. I'll come back again to read your French stories.
Best wishes to you.
MahTO
Liew,
ReplyDeleteYou do have an eye on nature and see the lovely floral and fauna which many of us don't stop to admire. Meanwhile continue with your good work of educating the public on conservation.
YL Lum