Rare Rafflesia lagascae blooms documented in Apayao forest

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – A group of Rafflesia lagascae, a rare parasitic flower endemic to Luzon, has been seen blooming in the forests of Barangay Eva in Calanasan, Apayao, highlighting the ecological importance of the province’s remaining forest habitats.

The sighting was confirmed on March 3 — coinciding with the observance of World Wildlife Day
— by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Calanasan.

According to the municipal government, the species was first documented by community-based Green Guards while they were validating reports of kaingin, or slash-and-burn farming, in the area.

Following the report, MENRO personnel conducted a field validation and located several blooming and developing flowers after about an hour of survey at an elevation of around 600 meters above sea level.

Rafflesia lagascae is known as one of the Philippines’ rare “corpse flowers,” named for the odor it releases when blooming. Unlike ordinary plants, the species is parasitic, surviving by attaching itself to host vines rather than producing its own roots, stems, or leaves.

Botanical records show that Rafflesia lagascae occurs in several Luzon provinces, including Abra, Aurora, Cagayan, Laguna, Quezon, and Apayao. The species typically grows in forested mountain areas where its host vines thrive, making intact forest habitats crucial for its survival.

The species is endemic to Luzon, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. Its blooms are generally smaller than those of other Rafflesia species, often appearing saucer-sized on the forest floor.

Because the plant relies entirely on the health of its host vines and the surrounding forest ecosystem, its survival is closely tied to the protection of intact forest habitats.

Local officials said the discovery emphasizes the importance of continued conservation efforts in Apayao, where forests remain home to many unique species.

MENRO-Calanasan urged residents and visitors to support biodiversity protection and responsible land use to safeguard rare species such as the Rafflesia.

“A rare bloom in the forest reminds us that conservation is not optional — it is a responsibility,” the office said. “Let us protect our biodiversity so wonders like Rafflesia lagascae continue to thrive.”

Community-based environmental monitors, including the Green Guards, play a key role in this effort by helping in documenting wildlife, monitoring forests, and reporting environmental violations such as illegal clearing. – Rappler.com