Rare, endemic plant rediscovered in Masungi after 130 years

MANILA, Philippines — A rare plant species believed to have been lost has been rediscovered in the limestone forests of Masungi in Rizal province.

The Masungi Georeserve announced the discovery on Facebook on Sunday, Sept. 13, saying the rare species, which is endemic to the Philippines, is now blooming along its Discovery Trail.

First collected by Swiss botanist August Loher in the province in 1895, Exacum loheri had been known only from historical collections.

Article continues after this advertisement

RELATED STORY: Protecting Masungi: Conflicting views turn area into battleground

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

But field research conducted 130 years after its first collection verified the species’ existence, with the first photographs of the living plant provided for validation.

Unlike most green plants, Exacum loheri lacks chlorophyll and relies on relationships with fungi in the soil, rather than photosynthesis, for nutrients.

“Today, its small bluish-purple flowers are blooming once again along the trail. A reminder that even within a familiar landscape, there can still be species waiting to be noticed, studied, and protected,” the Masungi Georeserve said.

It added that “sometimes, conservation means making sure that a species once lost to science has a place to bloom again.” /dm