05/03/2026
LOOK: RARE "CO**SE FLOWER" DISCOVERED IN CALANASAN, APAYAO*
A group of blooming "Rafflesia lagascae" was discovered in Barangay Eva, Calanasan, Apayao, by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and Tourism offices. The discovery coincided with the celebration of World Wildlife Day on March 3, 2026.
According to MENRO Calanasan, the species was first recorded by Green Guards during a validation related to kaingin (slash-and-burn farming) in the barangay. Their staff quickly verified the location and, after an hour of investigation, successfully found several blooming Rafflesia lagascae at an elevation of over 600 meters above sea level (masl).
The "Rafflesia lagascae" is a rare, parasitic, and endemic "co**se flower" found in the mountains of Luzon. It's known for its smaller, plate-sized flowers compared to other Rafflesia species.
COURTESY: MENRO_Calanasan/APAYAO FACEBOOK
