The endangered Samar Rafflesia (Rafflesia manillana), one of the Philippines’ rarest flowering plants, blooms inside the protected forests of Samar Island Natural Park. It was documented for the first time in 15 years. (Photo courtesy of DENR–Samar Island Natural Park)
TACLOBAN CITY – One of the country’s rarest flowering plants, the endangered Samar Rafflesia (Rafflesia manillana), has been documented once again inside the protected forests of Samar Island, marking its first confirmed sighting in 15 years and underscoring the island’s status as one of the Philippines’ most important biodiversity hotspots.
The rare parasitic plant was recorded during an exploratory survey conducted by the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Protected Area Management Office, which wanted to determine the current distribution and condition of these species within the country’s largest terrestrial protected area.
The SINP posted the story on its Facebook account on Monday, June 29.
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