Hidden in vast rainforests, parasitic flowers are regarded as the flowers of mystery given  that little is known about them because of their extreme rarity and short blooming period.

Parasitic flowers are parasitic plants that only parasitize the roots of the large woody vines of the grape family. They spend most of their lives invisible until the flowering period begins around December. At other times, parasitic flowers sneak deep into the roots of their hosts and their cells can spread along with the host.

Despite being a plant, it looks nothing like a plant. No roots, no branches, no leaves and no photosynthesis. The main body of the plant, which consists of thread-like strands of tissues, is completely embedded within the host's tissues. 

Their extremely small population makes it difficult to pollinate without the help of human intervention. Scientists have recently started to study these mysterious flowers and the race against time to pull back the species from extinction has just begun.

(All photos via VCG. )

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