Rare Rafflesia flower found in Apayao forests
TUGUEGARAO CITY—Environmentalists recently discovered the rare endemic parasitic plant Rafflesia lagascae in Barangay Eva, Calanasan town, Apayao, during a slash-and-burn validation and biodiversity survey, according to the Calanasan Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (Menro).
“A cluster of Rafflesia lagascae was confirmed in Barangay Eva, after Green Guards reported its presence while monitoring kaingin activities,” the Menro said in a statement.
Following the report, a team inspected the area and documented several thriving blooms at over 600 meters above sea level within an hour of arrival.
“A rare bloom in the forest reminds us that conservation is not optional—it is a responsibility. Let us protect our biodiversity so wonders like Rafflesia lagascae continue to thrive,” the office added.
Native to the Luzon mountains, Rafflesia lagascae is known for its fleshy, saucer-sized bloom and distinct odor. The plant is parasitic, growing attached to a host vine and remains hidden for most of its life cycle.
This discovery adds to previous findings in Calanasan, where researchers documented Medinilla calanasan, a new plant species, and Vaccinium kilangensis, a wild shrub discovered in the highlands of Mt. Kilang Pass along the Apayao-Ilocos Norte border. Eagles have also been spotted in the area in past years.
