Researchers from the Philippine Taxonomic Initative (Phtaxa) who discovered the latest flowering plant species in El Nido, Palawan appeal to the public to protect the newly discovered flowering plant by avoiding collection and removal to its habitat. The plant known as Begonia canillasii is a genus perennial flowering plants and was commonly identify as ornamental house plants.
Rene Alfred Anton Bustamante, Executive Director of Phtaxa and the one who discovered the said plant, was able to document it three years ago and its population is not that plenty as of now. He hopes some law or local ordinance could protect it especially now that collecting and selling of plants are popular.
“We hope that the El Nido Taytay Management Resources Protected Area will be able to protect this species as there are only 50 plants documented in our 3 years of exploration in El Nido,” Bustamante said.
Bustamante was joined by Yu Pin Ang and John Michael Agcaoilli from Philippine Taxanomic Initiative in creating a paper for the recognition of the plant for journal Phytotaxa. Danilo Tandang was also with them representing the National Museum.
Begonia cabanillassi was named after a local guide Will Cabanillas that assist them in their exploration in El Nido, and this latest addition to almost 23 species of Begonia plants is found in Palawan.
