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Is Rafflesia an endothermic flower?
Sandra Patiño1,2, Tuula Aalto3, Alice A Edwards4
1Institute of Ecology and Resource Management, The University of Edinburgh, Darwin Building, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JU, UK.
The New Phytologist
|April 20, 2021
Summary
The parasitic Rafflesia tuan-mudae flower generates its own heat, a process called endothermy. This internal heat, along with carbon dioxide and scent, likely attracts blowfly pollinators.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Ecology
- Thermodynamics
Background:
- The giant parasitic Rafflesia flower inhabits forest understoreys.
- Related Rhizanthes lowii species exhibit strong endothermy.
- The thermogenic capacity of Rafflesia tuan-mudae was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential endothermy in Rafflesia tuan-mudae flowers.
- To quantify heat production and understand its ecological implications.
- To explore the role of endothermy in pollinator attraction.
Main Methods:
- Continuous monitoring of internal and surface flower temperatures using thermocouples.
- Recording of radiation fluxes and microclimatic variables.
- Utilizing computational fluid dynamics to model CO2 concentrations within the flower.
Main Results:
- Rafflesia tuan-mudae flowers maintained internal temperatures 1-6 K above ambient air.
- A significant internal heat source was required to explain the observed temperature increase.
- The flower generates an estimated 50-60 W m⁻² of heat in the central column.
Conclusions:
- Rafflesia tuan-mudae is confirmed as an endothermic species.
- Endothermy, CO2 production, and volatiles likely contribute to mimicry for attracting blowflies.
- Findings provide insights into the reproductive strategies of Rafflesia and related species.
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