MOUNTAIN FLOWER Rafflesia lagascae, also called “malaboo,” is one of the unique features of Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, especially during its seasonal blooming between February and June. Rafflesia is a parasitic plant with a flower that can grow to a size of a saucer. Endemic to the Philippines, it is classified as endangered.
The ornamental plant craze that boomed also during the lockdown has driven collectors to sneak into the rainforest for alocasias, pothos and even forest vines that fetch good prices in urban areas. Andrada said the plants at the nursery were collected from the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Bicol regions for an ex situ conservation project with the Department of Science and Technology to see whether rare and endangered species could grow on Makiling.Another ongoing project between MCME and Asean Centre for Biodiversity is a detailed documentation of Philippine endemic and threatened plant species in Makiling and in Malindang Range Natural Park in Mindanao.
What’s interesting is that some of these plants are common in both mountains, suggesting a “strong affinity” between the two sites, he added. While there are species classified as endangered, Castillo said he had not encountered any plant species in Makiling that has gone extinct.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.