tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5204863782883637837.post3738883467286438023..comments2024-03-27T20:51:11.303-04:00Comments on Accepting Ignorance: Rafflesia as Perfect Metaphor for StatesAlrenoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119846531341190283noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5204863782883637837.post-65056349422784517122022-06-28T19:08:33.487-04:002022-06-28T19:08:33.487-04:00"they tend to attract the largest and most ag..."they tend to attract the largest and most aggressive wasps and biting black flies in the jungle, making it sometimes hazardous to venture too close."<br /><br />An even more perfect metaphor than you thought. Alrenoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11119846531341190283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5204863782883637837.post-35940127489181222392022-06-26T06:31:33.396-04:002022-06-26T06:31:33.396-04:00I've been on jungle expeditions to Borneo and ...I've been on jungle expeditions to Borneo and have seen about a dozen rafflesia in the wild. The "dead body stench" is exaggerated to such an extent that it verges on being an urban legend. Despite their great size, the rafflesia I had seen had no odor at all. Perhaps if your nose is nearly in contact with their spiked central disc... <br /><br />Indeed, they are attractive to contemplate in person. Their striking color and large size, with extremely thick succulent-like petals, make them seem somehow unreal -- and this is heightened by their transience. Each large flower will only live for a few days. If only government were such a transient thing! <br /><br />The real problem with rafflesia is that they tend to attract the largest and most aggressive wasps and biting black flies in the jungle, making it sometimes hazardous to venture too close. Adeptnoreply@blogger.com