In a twist of scientific fate, what began as a snail survey in the forests of the Masungi Georeserve led to one of the most significant botanical rediscoveries in recent Philippine history, the reappearance of Exacum loheri (H. Hara) Klack, a plant last recorded in the 1890s.
Published in the Philippine Journal of Science, the rediscovery was made by researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman and the Philippine Normal University during a malacological field study in Masungi’s “600 Steps” area in Baras and Tanay, Rizal.
The species was first collected by Swiss botanist August Loher in 1895. Since then, it had vanished from scientific records until now.
“Considering its restricted distribution, this species is presumed to be extremely rare and probably threatened at present,” author and researchers Jayson Mansibang, Lawrence Jacob Alterado, Aaron Gabriel Espinosa and Erwin Blancaflor wrote.
Even more remarkable is the plant’s biology: Exacum loheri is achlorophyllous, meaning it lacks chlorophyll, and is mycoheterotrophic, drawing all of its nutrients through a specialized relationship with underground fungi. This rare adaptation allows the plant to survive in the nutrient-poor, limestone-rich soils of Masungi’s karst landscape.
The discovery marks the first scientifically confirmed sighting of the species in over 130 years, and includes the first-ever photographs of a living specimen. The paper also introduces a new taxonomic key for identifying all Exacum species native to the Philippines.
The rediscovery adds to a growing list of rare and endemic life found in Masungi and strengthens calls for its protection.
“The rediscovery of this long-lost species shows why the Vena Group’s 603-MW wind project has no place in the Masungi Karst Conservation Area. Every year, science reveals more rare and endemic life thriving here — proof that this landscape is irreplaceable,” Billie Dumaliang, director for Advocacy at the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, said.
The foundation also said that the latest find reinforces Masungi’s role as a critical refuge for rare and endemic species within the Sierra Madre range, a landscape increasingly threatened by quarrying, encroachment and proposed infrastructure projects.
The Masungi Georeserve Foundation extended gratitude to UP Diliman’s Institute of Biology, Philippine Normal University, and the Malacological Society of Australasia, whose collaboration made the discovery possible.
—with Rosette Adel
