Examining the Anatomical Characteristics of Rafflesia kerrii in Lojing Highlands, Peninsular Malaysia

Rafflesia kerrii is an endemic species to Peninsular Malaysia and Southern part of Thailand. The genus grows without the vegetative components such as, leaves, stems and true roots, where the only visible structure is the flower itself. It is easy to identify R. kerrii by its large dull red flowers, perigones covered by numerous small white pinkish warts and a wide diaphragm opening. However, there is a scarcity of knowledge about the species's anatomical traits. Herein, this study is aimed to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of R. kerrii in Lojing Highlands by using micro techniques analysis. The results were compared to those of a similar species found in Thailand. Four main components of flower were analysed, these are; the perigone lobe, window, processes and ramenta. The anatomical analysis of R. kerrii collected in Lojing Highlands have revealed that all the four components had simple and uncomplicated structures. Both upper and bottom layers of the plant have epidermal cell layers. The ground tissues also have an undeveloped vascular bundle. Based on the findings, the anatomical characteristics of R. kerrii found in Lojing Highlands and in Khao Sok National Park in Thailand were identical and shared similar types of main tissues. However, there are minor differences such as in the presence of starch grains, distance between vascular bundles in perigone lobe, and the presence of trichome in the compartment of windows.