Soil Physico-Chemistry in the Habitat of Rafflesia in Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia.

Rafflesia habitats in Kinabalu Park exhibit distinct soil relationships, with no single factor universally influencing Tetrastigma sp., the host plant. Soils are predominantly sandy loam (65.40–79.25% sand) with low moisture (14.89–27.96%) and fertility (organic matter: 1.12–1.40%), featuring slightly acidic pH (4.08–4.73). While Sayap Substation correlates with specific chemical elements, Langanan and Losou Podi are shaped by physical properties alone. Gansurai and Losou Minunsud reflect combined physical-chemical influences. This study, analyzing five sites using targeted sampling of infected hosts, reveals complex, site-specific soil-host dynamics critical for Rafflesia conservation.

Wahab, R., Mus, A. A., Saibeh, K., Khamis, S., Mujih, H., Gunsalam, G., Dasini, Gerald, E., Sariman, J., Muhammad, Q. A., & Muhammad, Q. A. (2021). Soil Physico-Chemistry in the Habitat of Rafflesia in Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia. Journal of Tropical Biology & Conservation (JTBC), 18. https://doi.org/10.51200/jtbc.v18i.3450