IN PHOTOS: Pinoy biologists discover ‘the smallest among giant flowers’

A team of biologists from the University of the Philippines (UP) has discovered a new species of Rafflesia, the world’s smallest among giant flowers, near the Pantabangan Masiway Hydroelectric Power Plant (PMHEP) in Nueva Ecjia.

The new species named Rafflesia consueloae is a parasitic plant that has an average diameter of 9.73 centimeters but can reach up to 1.5 meters. Classified as critically endangered by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources), the new species can only be found in the country. Currently, it thrives at only two sites in the Pantabangan watershed area.

Rafflesia consueloae was named after Mrs. Consuelo ‘Connie’ Rufino Lopez, mother of First Gen chairman and CEO Federico R. Lopez who lauded the efforts of the scientists who conducted the study.

Lead researcher Professor Perry S. Ong of UP Biology and DSRF said: “With her demure, but strong personality traits, which Rafflesia consueloae also possesses, she provides the inspiration for Mr. Lopez’s pursuit of biodiversity conservation in the Philippines.”