Rafflesia
Rafflesia, known locally as Bua Phut (wild lotus), is orange/red in appearance. It has no roots or leaves of its own; instead it lives parasitically inside the roots of the liana. It takes nine months to grow from the size of a small button to a giant football (some reach 80cm in diameter). The Rafflesia only blooms for a few days a year, usually during January and February.
White-backed Palm
The White-backed Palm is a striking feature of Khao Sok National Park, contributing to the park's rich botanical diversity. Known for its distinctive white-backed leaves, this palm thrives in the park's tropical climate and lush, evergreen forests. It often forms part of the dense understory, providing essential habitat and food sources for various wildlife species, including birds and insects. The presence of the White-backed Palm underscores the ecological richness of Khao Sok, making it a vital component of the park's vibrant ecosystem and a point of interest for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Maxburretia
Maxburretia is a rare and fascinating palm species that can be found in Khao Sok National Park, adding to the park's extraordinary botanical diversity. This palm is characterized by its slender trunk and elegant fronds, which create a striking visual contrast within the lush, green understory of the park's tropical rainforest. Maxburretia's presence in Khao Sok highlights the park's role as a sanctuary for unique and endangered plant species, offering a haven where they can thrive. Its rarity and beauty make it a significant point of interest for botanists and nature lovers exploring the rich landscapes of Khao Sok National Park.
Impatiens sirindhorniae
Impatiens sirindhorniae is a unique and enchanting flower native to Khao Sok National Park, contributing to the park's rich floral tapestry. Named in honor of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, this delicate plant is known for its striking, colorful blossoms that stand out amidst the verdant foliage of the park's dense rainforest. Growing in the moist, shaded areas of the forest floor, Impatiens sirindhorniae adds a splash of vibrant color and supports local biodiversity by providing nectar for pollinators. Its presence in Khao Sok underscores the park's importance as a haven for rare and endemic plant species, captivating botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Buttress roots
The buttress roots in Khao Sok National Park are a remarkable adaptation seen in many of the park's towering trees, playing a crucial role in the stability and survival of these giants in the nutrient-poor tropical soils. These large, flared roots extend from the base of the tree trunks, creating an impressive and iconic visual element in the forest landscape. They provide essential support, preventing the trees from toppling in the shallow soil, and also help in nutrient absorption from the topsoil. The buttress roots are not only a structural marvel but also contribute to the rich biodiversity of Khao Sok, offering habitats and passageways for various small animals and insects, thus maintaining the intricate ecological balance of this pristine rainforest.
