A rare Philippine endemic plant that had not been documented in Mount Apo Natural Park for more than 100 years has been rediscovered, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Davao Region announced.
The tiny flowering plant, Ophiorrhiza biflora, was spotted by the park's Protected Area Management Office during a routine wildlife monitoring activity, marking its first recorded sighting in the area since it was collected there in 1904.
Chance Discovery During Forest Patrol
The plant was found while a monitoring team was retrieving camera traps along a forest trail inside the protected area.
According to the DENR, the species caught the team's attention despite its small size. After careful examination, the specimen was confirmed to be Ophiorrhiza biflora, a species first collected in Mount Apo in October 1904 by American botanist Edwin Bingham Copeland.
The rediscovery highlights the value of regular biodiversity monitoring, showing that even routine conservation work can lead to significant scientific discoveries.
Endemic Species Strengthens Conservation Efforts
Ophiorrhiza biflora is a member of the Rubiaceae family, which includes coffee, gardenia, mussaenda, and santan.
Aside from its historical record in Mount Apo, the species has also been documented in Benguet and Negros, making its known distribution in the country relatively limited.
The DENR said the finding underscores the rich biodiversity of Mount Apo Natural Park and reinforces the importance of protecting the country's remaining forests, which continue to serve as vital habitats for rare and endemic plant species.
