Philippine Journal of Science
150 (S1): 377-382, Special Issue on Biodiversity
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 15 Oct 2020

Notes on the Habitat, Flower Clustering, and Perigone
Blooming of Corpse Flower Rafflesia lagascae Blanco
in Salazar, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Ryan P. Manuel¹* and Jolito T. Hermocilla²

¹College of Forestry, Nueva Vizcaya State University
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya 3700 Philippines
²Forest Management Program (FMP), Seguim Watershed Office
Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija 3119 Philippines

*Corresponding author: nayrleunam@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Rafflesia lagascae refers to corpse flower populations in Luzon, Philippines once listed under Rafflesia panchoana. The authors observed three ecological characteristics of R. lagascae cluster found in Salazar, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija province, Philippines: 1) biophysical survey of the habitat, 2) description of R. lagascae flowers and its clustering, and 3) observation of R. lagascae using time-lapse photography. Of the three identified R. lagascae sites in the area, only one had the viable cluster for observation. It was found that R. lagascae and its host, Tetrastigma loheri, thrive in forest patches within the grassy landscape. The authors also observed that R. lagascae flowering is not highly gregarious, where clusters are spaced considerably. Time-lapse photographic monitoring showed that R. lagascae requires about 70% of a day-night cycle to complete its flowering. Inherent biological traits of R. lagascae were primary factors for limited observation, but its constant presence in Salazar opens opportunities for long-term monitoring, which can raise better information for conservation efforts.