The world's foulest-smelling flower - which mimics the odour of rotting flesh - could possibly be susceptible to extinction.

Scientists estimate 60% of the 42 Rafflesia species are at "severe risk" attributable to elements resembling deforestation and an absence of seed-banking and propagation.

They say some new species could also be getting eradicated earlier than they're even recognized to science.

Rafflesia arnoldii may be as giant as one metre in diameter, with London's Kew Gardens saying it is the one largest particular person flower on the earth.

It provides off the pungent aroma to draw the flies that transport its pollen.

The large flowers have 5 lobes, are reddish-brown with white spots, and seem for per week.

Rafflesia are present in areas of Indonesia resembling Sumatra and Java, in addition to elements of the island of Borneo, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.

The flower additionally performs an essential function in indigenous communities, being variously used to make an vitality drink, improve fertility and as a remedy for fever and backache.

However, specialists consider two-thirds of the species at the moment fall outdoors of protected areas, making conservation particularly powerful.

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"An urgent, joined-up, cross-regional approach" is now very important to save lots of the "world's most remarkable flowers", say scientists of their examine which has been printed within the Plants, People, Planet journal.

The specialists put ahead a "multi-pronged" strategy to save lots of the flower - with native communities enjoying an important function.

They recommend an extension of conservation areas, propagation outdoors its pure habitat, ecotourism, and social media campaigns to determine it as an "icon" of plant conservation.

"A combined approach might just save some of the world's most remarkable flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost," mentioned the authors.