One rare flower Rafflesia gadutensis is now blooming perfectly in the protected forest area of Boven Lais, North Bengkulu Regency, about 70 kilometers from Bengkulu City, Bengkulu Province.
Boven Lais protected forest is a habitat of three species of Rafflesia sp. In addition to Raffesia gadutensis, in this region also found Rafflesia arnoldii and Rafflesia kemumu which is the latest type of rafflesia of Bengkulu forest.
The Horrible Myth of Rafflesia Flowers
Behind its beauty, the rare puspa Rafflesia arnoldii keeps the terrible myths believed by the people of Bengkulu Province, especially the people of Rejang and Serawai Seruku. Rejang Tribe people inhabit hills stretching from Central Bengkulu, Kepahiang, Rejang Lebong, and Lebong. Those areas are the habitat of Rafflesia Arnoldii.
From Liputan6.com reportage, some locals call Bengkulu iconic flowers as Bokor Satan flowers. Others call it the Ibeun Sekedei or the Ghost Grail. Naming refers to the shape of flowers that resemble a bowl or a place of betel.
The Rejang believe the flower as a betel bowl of the forest guards, be it a mythical creature or a beast, like a tiger. Therefore, the people of Rejang tribe used to avoid Raflesia flowers in the middle of the forest.
Myths of ghosts, demons, to tigers that are so strong in the minds of the Rejang tribe make people always step aside when meeting the flower. No villagers dared to disturb them because they were afraid of being hit by reinforcements. Therefore, the carrion flower can grow well in the forest area of Bengkulu.
Unlike the Rejang Tribe, Serawai residents give different names for the giant flower. Local people call Raflesia Arnoldii called Begiang Simpai or a monkey flower. The naming refers to the peculiarities of flowers that grow without seasons.
The absence of clear leaves and roots from this flower makes it believed to be a mystical flower. Some residents concluded that the flower other than the forest watchers, also flowers that arise due to the remaining monkey food.
"Generally residents Serawai Seruku, will not disturb this flower, because believe this flower, if not bring good luck, would bring bad luck," said Noca Alinin, a resident of Ulu Talo Village, Seluma District.
Liputan6.com Yuliardi Hardjo Putro