What plant was rediscovered in the Philippines?

The Exacum loheri, a rare species of flora thought to be extinct, was rediscovered in the Philippines.

Where was the Exacum loheri found?

The Exacum loheri was found in the Masungi Georeserve in the Philippines.

Why is the Exacum loheri a unique plant?

The Exacum loheri is unique because it is a mycoheterotroph, meaning it relies on fungi for nutrients instead of producing its own chlorophyll.

Home / Science / Rare Bloom Resurfaces After 100 Years

Rare Bloom Resurfaces After 100 Years

28 Nov

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Summary

A plant thought extinct for over a century has been rediscovered.
The Exacum loheri relies on fungi for nutrients, not chlorophyll.
Its rediscovery strengthens the case for protecting the Masungi Georeserve.

Scientists have rediscovered a rare species of flora, Exacum loheri, in the Philippines, a plant that had not been seen for over a century. This botanical marvel, first documented in 1895, was recently photographed by researchers in the Masungi Georeserve. Its unique characteristic as a mycoheterotroph, deriving nutrients from fungi instead of producing its own chlorophyll, makes it a subject of significant scientific interest.

The reappearance of Exacum loheri underscores the exceptional biodiversity housed within the 2,700-hectare Masungi Georeserve. This discovery provides compelling evidence for stakeholders to enhance protection measures against potential threats such as raw material extraction and land speculation, even as conservationists weigh the development of renewable energy projects outside sensitive areas.

This rediscovery echoes similar botanical triumphs, including Amalophyllon miraculum in Ecuador and Millettia sacleuxii in Tanzania, offering a beacon of hope for countless endangered species. The persistence of Exacum loheri suggests that even the most vulnerable flora can adapt and survive, fostering optimism for global biodiversity conservation efforts.