Adriane B. Tobias

Tropical lowland forests, particularly lowland evergreen rainforests, are considered the most luxuriant among all plant communities and harbour the majority of the world’s rich terrestrial biodiver...

Aeschynanthus pentatrichomatus sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae), a new species from the tropical lower montane rain forests of the Banao Protected Landscape in Luzon Island in the Philippines is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is most similar to A. batesii in having glabrous vegetative parts, polysepalous calyx, and distinctly mottled internal corolla throat and lobes. However, it differs from this species in its smaller lamina, longer peduncle, smaller calyx lobes, whitish pink external corolla tube, and presence of five tufts of trichomes near the basal portion of the internal surface of the corolla tube. Aeschynanthus pentatrichomatus differs from A. philippinensis by its externally whitish pink, internally white corolla tube with mottled maroon markings throughout the limb and lobes, smaller calyx lobes, and internal surface of corolla tube with five tufts of trichomes basally. Aeschynanthus pentatrichomatus sp. nov. is the 33rd species of lipstick vines to be described in the Philippines. The new species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) following the IUCN criteria.

The Cordillera Central is a vast mountain range, spanning 22,500 km ² in the Philippines, containing some of the country’s last remaining intact forests. These forests are a reservoir for biodiversity and home to many poorly-known species, including those in the genus Rafflesia , renowned for containing the world’s largest flowers. Here we describe Rafflesia balatociana , a distinctive yet overlooked taxon from the high elevation moss forest, which we name after the Balatoc Indigenous Peoples, one of the subtribes in the Kalinga Province. This species is distinguished from its close relatives by a combination of conspicuous and stable characters including a double-dentate disk rim and strap-shaped lacuna on the annulus interior. We compare R. balatociana with co-occurring species in the Cordillera Central, provide a key, and consider our findings in the wider context of the exceptional biodiversity of this region and its conservation requirements. We propose R. balatociana should be classified as Critically Endangered, and recommend its habitat be declared as either a Critical Habitat Area (CHA) or a Local Conservation Area (LCA).

Societal Impact Statement: Rafflesia is the genus that contains the world's largest flowers. Despite their global appeal, most of the 42 known species are now at risk of extinction. Urgent action is needed to protect these remarkable flowers. A combined approach to conservation is recommended, including a greater level of habitat protection and support for local community action groups. Rafflesia is a suitable new icon for conservation in the Asian tropics.Summary: The genus Rafflesia, which includes the world's largest flowers, has aroused curiosity among scientists for centuries and features prominently in local culture across Southeast Asia. The plant has long been used in ethnobotanical medicine and, more recently, as a source of revenue from ecotourism. But despite its acclaim, Rafflesia remains poorly understood in many respects. Taxonomy is disputed, new species are described each year, and the plant has proven recalcitrant to cultivation. This has hindered conservation, and most of the 42 known species are now severely threatened, yet only one is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We estimate that 60% of Rafflesia species face a severe risk of extinction (equivalent to Critically Endangered [CR]). Moreover, we predict that at least 67% of known habitats fall outside protected areas, exacerbating their vulnerability. Alarmingly, recent observations suggest taxa are still being eradicated before they are even known to science. We present recent scientific discoveries and probable extinctions and highlight case studies of conservation success, with a focus on the role of local people. We propose a multi‐pronged conservation approach combining strengthened taxonomy, ex situ propagation, ecotourism, and an extension of protected areas. We suggest action devolved to local communities and awareness campaigns linked to social media networks will be crucial outside of protected jurisdictions. Finally, we propose to establish Rafflesia as a new icon for plant conservation in the Asian tropics. A combined approach might just save some of the world's most remarkable flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost.

The Southeast Asian genus Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) is famous for possessing the world's largest flowers. All species are rare or threatened, so understanding taxonomic diversity in the genus is crucial for informing effective conservation practice. Here we examine R. banaoana, a poorly known taxon from the remote montane rainforests of the Kalinga Province in the Philippines. This species has been treated as conspecific with R. leonardi, and overlooked in systematic studies. Using stable yet hitherto neglected features such as the stigmatic fascia surface, disk shape, process structure, annulus interior and exterior distinction, and ovary shape, we demonstrate that R. banaoana is morphologically as well as ecologically distinct from R. leonardi, and requires reinstatement at the specific rank. We present our findings in the broader context of complexity in the genus Rafflesia in the Philippines, now considered the center of diversity, with 15 species described to date. We highlight the taxonomically confused R. banaoana as a case for careful observation of previously unexamined morphological characters, as well as ecology, to avoid overlooking cryptic taxa or species complexes and to inform representative sampling in systematic treatments. Such an approach will be essential for enhancing our understanding of the diversity of this enigmatic yet poorly understood genus at a time of unprecedented anthropogenic change and species extinction. In light of our findings, we recommend a holistic approach to the conservation of Rafflesia in the Philippines.

This is the online version of the Philippine Journal of Science (PJS), a journal on natural sciences, engineering, mathematics and social sciences under ISI coverage, published by the Department of Science and Technology and managed by Science and Technology Information Institute of the Department of Science and Technology. The first issue of PJS was in 1906. Issues starting 1996 to 2006 display only the abstract of each manuscript. Full text is available only in hardcopy.

Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park (MIBNP) on the island of Mindoro provides various ecosystem services such as provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, especially to the Mangyans, who are highly dependent on these ecosystem services for a living. A Permanent Biodiversity Monitoring Area (PBMA) was established and surveyed to gather information for long-term ecological research that will serve as the basis for the proper management and application of conservation and protection efforts in MIBNP. The 100% inventory inside the MIBNP-PBMA revealed that it is home to 3,643 plant individuals belonging to 54 morpho-species, 45 genera, and 26 families. Ficus septica was the most dominant (1,524 individuals) and the most important species (IV = 146.76). Two hundred sixty-seven individuals with DBH >10 cm were recorded within the 2-ha plot. Tree density was recorded at 1,822 ha–1 or 18 trees per 10 m × 10 m quadrat. About 93% of the total individuals recorded inside the plot were classified as poles and saplings. MIBNP has a very low floral diversity with an overall Shannon-Weiner and Evenness index of 1.913 and 0.125, respectively. Five endemic species were recorded in the area, while nine species were found to be new province records. Information from the survey will serve as baseline data for long-term monitoring and a better understanding of the ecosystem dynamics of MIBNP through analysis of the behavior and changes in plant growth such as phenology, diameter, height, and more importantly, diversity.

The Role of Home Gardens in Conserving Threatened Plants of the Philippines