Habitat Characteristics of Rafflesia rochussenii Teijsm. et Binn. in Cimande Resort, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park

Abstract

Rafflesia rochussenii is a rare and protected plant species. This species is found in Cimande Resort, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, Bogor, West Java. The purpose of this study is to describe the habitat characteristics of Rafflesia rochussenii in Cimande Resort, both biotic and abiotic components, and to explain its management program. The method used is purposive sampling with circular plots with a radius of 17.8 m. Literature study was done to find supporting data. Results identified 57 Rafflesia individuals were found consisting of alive and dead flowers as well as alive and dead buds. The host was Tetrastigma leucostaphylum. The dominating species at the tree, sapling, seedling and undergrowth level were Schima wallihcii, Castanopsis acuminatissima, Aspnlenium nidus, and Cinchona pubescens, respectively. Six species of animals were identified. Rafflesia habitat is found in the altitude of 840-1,360 masl, a slope of 10% -88%, average temperature of 19°C and relative humidity ranging from 80-90%. Soil pH ranges from 5-6.5, soil color is reddish brown to yellow. Leaf Area Index value ranges from 1.85-2.11. Management done by the National Park is inventory and monitoring.