Story perspectives

Rediscovered Rafflesia Flower Sparks Controversial Name Change Campaign

12/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers in Indonesia have rediscovered the rare Rafflesia hasseltii in West Sumatra.
The finding has sparked a campaign to rename the flower, which honors Thomas Stamford Raffles, a controversial colonial figure tied to violence in Southeast Asia.
The genus Rafflesia was named after Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1818.
The species Rafflesia arnoldii honors British naturalist Joseph Arnold.
The rediscovery has energized activists and scientists advocating a name change.

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Story summary

Researchers in Indonesia have rediscovered the rare Rafflesia hasseltii in West Sumatra.
The finding has sparked a campaign to rename the flower, which honors Thomas Stamford Raffles, a controversial colonial figure tied to violence in Southeast Asia.
The genus Rafflesia was named after Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1818.
The species Rafflesia arnoldii honors British naturalist Joseph Arnold.
The rediscovery has energized activists and scientists advocating a name change.