Dendrobium endertii in Gunung Mulu National Park by Jeanne TanASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Southeast Asia is home to over 30,000 species of flowering plants, making it one of the richest regions in the world for plant diversity. This diversity is due to the region's varied climate and geography, which includes tropical rainforests, mangrove forests, and mountains.
Mangroves in Con Dao National Park (2017) by Con Dao National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
1. Home to a variety of plants adapted to salty waters
The mangrove forests of Southeast Asia are home to a variety of unique plants that are adapted to living in salty water. These plants include the mangrove tree, the nipa palm, and the seagrass.
Cymbidium insigne in Bidoup Nui-Ba National Park by Trương Quang CườngASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
2. Southeast Asia is home to over 1,700 species of orchids.
Lotus 1 (2022) by Aung Chan TharASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
3. The lotus is a sacred flower in Southeast Asia cultures
It is a symbol of purity and enlightenment. The lotus is native to Southeast Asia and is found in many bodies of water, including lakes, ponds, and rivers. Read how people in Inlay lake create lotus flower weaving.
Rafflesia species by Mount Makiling Forest ReserveASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
4. Raflessia arnoldii is a rare and endangered flower.
It is native to Sumatra, Indonesia. The corpse flower is known for its strong, foul odor, which is said to resemble the smell of rotting flesh. The corpse flower blooms only once every 5 to 10 years.
Pitcher plant (2013) by N. VillosaASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
5. ASEAN is home to the most diverse pitcher plants
Pitcher plants are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, swamps, and mountains. There are over 900 species, and they are found all over the world, but the most diverse populations are found in Southeast Asia.
