A rare Rafflesia speciosa blooms inside the Mount Kanlaon Natural Park in Barangay Ilijan, Bago City. The endangered flower, endemic to Negros and Panay islands, was discovered by park ranger Israel Malunes amid the continuing volcanic unrest at Mount Kanlaon. (Photo courtesy of Israel Malunes)
BACOLOD CITY — Amid continuing volcanic unrest at Mount Kanlaon, a rare Rafflesia speciosa has been found blooming inside the Mount Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP), offering what environmental officials described as a symbol of nature’s resilience.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Negros Island Region (DENR-NIR) said in a Facebook post on Thursday (July 2) that the endangered flower was discovered by park ranger Israel Malunes in Barangay Ilijan, Bago City.
The bloom measured 40.5 centimeters in diameter. Endemic to Negros and Panay islands, Rafflesia speciosa is among the country’s rarest and largest flowering plants.
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