KUCHING: Two of the three Rafflesia gardens in Padawan have come under the supervision of Serian District Council (SDC) following the elevation of Serian into a Division.
Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, is found in Kampung Begu, Kampung Belimbing and Kampung Timurang.
Before this, all the three villages were under Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), which then executed the basic infrastructure development in the areas.
However, Kampung Begu and Kampung Belimbing are now part of Serian Division while Kampung Timurang is still within the MPP’s jurisdiction.
Head of MPP tourism and community development section Dilop Jina confirmed that both gardens in Kampung Begu and Kampung Belimbing have come under the supervision of SDC since January 1.
The garden in Begu, about 60km from Kuching city, has at least seven tetrastigma plants that provide the breeding ground for the Rafflesia flower.
To reach the garden it takes about three minute walk from the Padawan Road.
Besides having the Rafflesia, Kampung Begu also has a cave which is becoming a tourist attraction.
Dilop said the only Rafflesia garden left under MPP’s supervision now is at Kampung Timurang.
Kampung Temurang is located along Jalan Puncak Borneo, which is about 49km from the city.
According to Dilop, Rafflesia flowers normally appear in Timurang between June to August.
Rafflesia is a disembodied flower. A rootless, leafless and stemless parasite, it drains nourishment and gains physical support from its host vine called terastigma.
It first manifests itself as a tiny bud on the vine’s roots or stem but over a period of time, it swells into a big flower.
Meanwhile Kampung Belimbing is not only known for its Rafflesia, but also for homestay among the tourists.