A giant Rafflesia, the largest flower species in the country, was spotted recently in a protected area in South Cotabato.

Personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12) measured the massive bloom during field work at the Allah Valley Protected Landscape in South Cotabato.

The flower measured 93 centimeters wide, making it the biggest ever recorded in the area.

“Detailed measurements recorded by the team include a perigone lobe size of 30 cm, a central disk width of 21 cm, and an opening diameter of 46 cm., DENR-12 said.

DENR-12 said the Rafflesia flower is a parasitic plant, classified as critically endangered, and recognized as the largest species in the Philippines and the second largest in the world.

Typically, it thrives only in undisturbed forest ecosystems.

Because of this, DENR-12 continues to strengthen its efforts to protect and preserve the species and its habitat.

“The discovery of another healthy bloom within AVPL highlights the landscape’s essential role in conserving rare and threatened flora,” DENR-12 said.

“PAMO-AVPL continues to strengthen its biodiversity programs, including habitat assessment and regular monitoring of key species, and information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign, to ensure the long-term protection of this symbolic and ecologically significant plant,” DENR-12 added.