A plant species that had not been seen for over a century has been rediscovered in the Masungi Georeserve located in Baras, Rizal. The Exacum loheri (H. Hara) Klack., a species previously thought to be extinct, was identified 130 years after its initial collection by Swiss botanist August Loher in 1895.
A recent study published in the Philippine Journal of Science, authored by researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman and Philippine Normal University, confirmed this significant find. The research paper, titled “Notes on the Poorly Known Exacum loheri (H. Hara) Klack. (Gentianaceae) and a Key to the Philippine Species of Exacum,” documents the first verified sighting of Exacum loheri in over a century, as well as the first photographs capturing the plant in its natural habitat.
The rediscovery took place during a snail survey conducted in the “600 Steps” area of the Masungi Georeserve, which spans both Baras and Tanay in Rizal. Notably, Exacum loheri is classified as a mycoheterotrophic plant, indicating that it lacks chlorophyll and relies entirely on a symbiotic relationship with fungi for sustenance. This characteristic is quite rare among plant species.
The researchers, including Jayson Mansibang, Lawrence Jacob C. Alterado, Aaron Gabriel B. Espinosa, and Erwin M. Blancaflor, stated that the Masungi Georeserve is currently the only known location where this species can be found in its natural environment. They noted, “Considering its restricted distribution, this species is presumed to be extremely rare and probably threatened at present.”
Situated in the verdant landscape of Baras, the Masungi Georeserve serves as a protected conservation zone and an eco-tourism hotspot, renowned for its stunning vistas and distinctive limestone formations. The area supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including over 400 species, such as birds, monkeys, lizards, snakes, and the rare Jurassic Plant, which is endemic to certain regions of Luzon. In addition to its ecological significance, Masungi offers various activities, including the beginner-friendly Sunrise Trail.
