Rare plant rediscovered in Masungi Georeserve after 130 years

A plant species last recorded in the 1890s has been rediscovered at the Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal.

According to a news release, the Exacum loheri (H. Hara) Klack., a species considered to be lost, was found in Masungi 130 years after it was first collected by Swiss botanist August Loher in 1895. 

The Philippine Journal of Science, authored by scientists from the University of the Philippines Diliman and Philippine Normal University, recently published a research study titled "Notes on the Poorly Known Exacum loheri (H. Hara) Klack. (Gentianaceae) and a Key to the Philippine Species of Exacum," confirming the find.

The study documents the first verified sighting of Exacum loheri in over a century, along with the first-ever photographs of the plant in its natural habitat. The rediscovery was made during a snail survey within Masungi's "600 Steps" area in Baras and Tanay, Rizal. 

Exacum loheri is a mycoheterotrophic plant, which means it lacks chlorophyll and depends entirely on a symbiotic relationship with fungi for nourishment — a highly unusual trait among plant species.

Researchers Jayson Mansibang, Lawrence Jacob C. Alterado, Aaron Gabriel B. Espinosa, and Erwin M. Blancaflor said that the Masungi Georeserve is currently the only known location where this species exists in the wild.

"Considering its restricted distribution, this species is presumed to be extremely rare and probably threatened at present," the authors wrote.

Nestled in the lush landscape of Baras, Masungi Georeserve is a protected conservation area and eco-tourism destination known for its breathtaking views and unique limestone formations. Home to over 400 species of flora and fauna, the area is teeming with life, including birds, monkeys, lizards, snakes, and the rare Jurassic Plant, which grows only in parts of Luzon.

Aside from their rich eco-tourism, Masungi also offer a lot of activities such as their beginner-friendly Sunrise Trail. —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News