Rare plant species rediscovered in Masungi Georeserve after 130 years
A plant species that had been lost for more than 130 years has been rediscovered within the forests of the Masungi Georeserve.
The Philippine Journal of Science confirmed findings of the Exacum loheri (H. Hara) Klack. plant in the conservation area based on a new research note authored by scientists from the University of the Philippines Diliman and the Philippine Normal University.
This marks the first verified record of the species in over 130 years, following its original collection by Swiss botanist August Loher in 1895.
According to Masungi, the species was rediscovered after scientists were doing a study on snails within the nature reserve's "600 Steps" area in Baras and Tanay, Rizal.
The E. loheri plant is an achlorophyllous species, meaning it lacks the chlorophyll needed to produce its own food during photosynthesis. Because of this, it forms a symbiotic relationship with fungi for its nutrients, which is considered a "rare adaptation in plants."
"It was observed growing on humus-rich limestone soils near a freshwater channel in a secondary karst forest, underscoring the ecological complexity and conservation importance of Masungi’s limestone ecosystems," the nature reserve highlighted.
The researchers also detailed that Masungi currently harbors the only known living population of E. loheri in the wild.
"Considering its restricted distribution, this species is presumed to be extremely rare and probably threatened at present,” the authors wrote.
Masungi stressed that the rediscovery of the long-lost plant is a testament to their role as a "critical refuge for rare and endemic species within the Sierra Madre range, a landscape increasingly threatened by quarrying, large-scale infrastructure, and other destructive activities."
They assured that they are continuing efforts to safeguard these irreplaceable habitats with help from scientists, communities, and environmental defenders.
Masungi is known for its unique limestone formations, lush forest, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting biodiversity and restoring degraded landscapes in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The foundation is spearheading the restoration of over 2,700 hectares of degraded watershed areas.
