Caryl Trisha Yapac - MUCEP
April 10, 2026 10:20 A.M.
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Misamis University Researchers Contribute to Discovery of New Begonia Species in Mindanao
What began as a field survey in the forests of Misamis Occidental has led to an international scientific milestone. A newly identified species, Begonia occidentalis, has been formally published in the international scientific journal Phytotaxa, marking a significant milestone in Philippine botanical research. The discovery is the result of a collaborative effort among Misamis University, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), and the Department of Health – Center for Health Development, Northern Mindanao (Region 10).
The species was first documented during a botanical survey conducted in 2022 by Forester Bobby B. Alaman and EnP Grace V. Villanueva of Misamis University. The fieldwork formed part of the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project titled “Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Services of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP), Misamis Occidental.” The researchers discovered the species in Piduan Falls, located in Barangay Napangan, Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental. Subsequent observations of similar specimens were recorded by Donnafe Ancheta (2023) and Melbert James G. Baul (2025). These findings led to consultation with Mark Arcibal Naive, a specialist in the genus Begonia, for formal identification and confirmation.
Begonia occidentalis is distinguished by its unique morphological features, including an aranoid petiole, an ovate leaf lamina with a slightly overlapping cordate base and an acuminate apex, a weakly serrate margin lined with dense maroon hairs, and dorsally glandular floral bracts. The species thrives in moist environments, particularly on moss-covered rock walls in shaded-to-partially-lit microhabitats near waterfalls. It has been observed at elevations of up to 1,200 meters within the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park.
In accordance with the Red List criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Standards and Petitions Subcommittee (2024), Begonia occidentalis is hereby provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered, underscoring the urgency of its conservation.
The Philippines, recognized globally for its exceptional biodiversity, continues to yield important botanical discoveries. Scientists emphasize that findings such as Begonia occidentalis highlight the urgent need to conserve forest ecosystems, especially in Mindanao, where many endemic species remain undocumented and vulnerable to environmental threats. Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park is among the most ecologically significant protected areas in Mindanao and is designated as a key biodiversity area in the country.
With its official recognition, Begonia occidentalis stands as another testament to the Philippines’ rich natural heritage and the continuing efforts of researchers committed to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
Behind the discovery, the research team extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park for opening the doors to the study, and to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region X for granting a Gratuitous Permit. They also recognized the support of Dr. Karen Belina F. De Leon of Misamis University, whose encouragement helped sustain the work, and of Yuanito Eliazar for bringing the species to life through detailed scientific illustration. Further support for the research came from multiple institutions and funding bodies, including the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), the Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST–SEI), the International Association for Plant Taxonomy (IAPT), the American Begonia Society, and the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
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