New 'horn-leaf' Medinilla discovered inside Apayao eagle forest

Find in Calanasan comes as Apayao marks its 31st founding anniversary and highlights the biodiversity behind its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognition

CALANASAN, Apayao - Scientists and local partners have reported a new plant species from the forests of Barangay Eva in Calanasan, Apayao, an area known both as Philippine Eagle nesting habitat and as part of the core zone of the Philippines' newest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The species, named Medinilla calanasan, was formally described in the international journal Phytotaxa on 18 February 2026. The announcement coincides with Apayao Province's 31st Founding Anniversary, adding a new story of local pride to the province's growing conservation milestones.

A discovery made while documenting the Apayaos

Researchers first encountered the plant during a field expedition in November 2023, when partners were documenting botanical diversity to strengthen the nomination of the wider landscape as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. That inscription was granted on 4 July 2024, recognizing the Apayaos as a site of global ecological value and community stewardship.

The expedition was carried out through the biodiversity documentation work of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Co's Digital Flora of the Philippines and University of Canterbury team, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Calanasan, and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Division of Calanasan and Apayao.

What makes Medinilla calanasan different

Medinilla calanasan can be recognized by a feature not recorded in other known Medinilla species in Southeast Asia: a pair of small, horn-like protrusions at the base of each leaf blade. The plant is a glabrous shrub that can reach about 2 to 3 meters in height and bears drooping clusters of white flowers that may blush soft pink as they mature.

Botanists note that Medinilla is a diverse tropical plant group, and the Philippines is a center of endemism for the genus. New discoveries continue to emerge from forests that remain difficult to access and under-surveyed, especially in northern Luzon.

Meet Medinilla calanasan — a freshly discovered bloom flexing translucent petals, cotton-candy pink buds, and neon-tipped stamens like it knows it just dropped

A forest protected by people, wildlife, and tradition

So far, the species has been observed in only two locations in Barangay Eva at about 700 to 800 meters above sea level, with the two known plants roughly a kilometer apart. The sites fall within the Apayao Lowland Forest Key Biodiversity Area and are managed locally under the Indigenous 'Lapat' protection system, which reinforces community rules for safeguarding important places.

Because only two individuals have been documented and no targeted population survey has yet been completed, the researchers recommended that the species be treated as Data Deficient under international conservation guidelines until more fieldwork can determine how widespread it is and what threats it faces.

This ancient and lush Philippine eagle nesting territory validated by PEF in 2015 is also the habitat of Medinilla calanasan, and a host of unique flora and fauna at the core zone of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the yApayao (BRyA)

Voices from the partnership

Felicia Atienza, Chairperson of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, said the find underscores how protecting an apex species and its habitat can safeguard far more than a single animal."

When we protect the Philippine Eagle and its forest home, we protect entire ecosystems. The discovery of Medinilla calanasan within an eagle nesting territory shows that these forests still hold incredible secrets. Protecting apex predators safeguards countless other species, many of which we are only just beginning to discover," Atienza said.

Calanasan Mayor Shamir Bulut said the discovery is timely as the province celebrates its founding anniversary and the community continues to strengthen local stewardship.

"As we celebrate the 31st Founding Day of Apayao Province, this discovery affirms that our forests are globally important. Calanasan is proud of its Lapat system and strong local stewardship. Conservation is part of who we are," Bulut said.

Dr. Pieter Pelser of the University of Canterbury, one of the authors of the scientific description, said the plant's distinctive leaf features highlight how much remains to be documented in Philippine forests.

"This species is scientifically remarkable because of its unique leaf structures. Even in plant groups that have been studied for decades, the Philippines continues to reveal new discoveries. It reminds us that much of our biodiversity remains undocumented," Pelser said.

Mariglo Rosaida Laririt, Assistant Director of the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau, said discoveries like this help explain why protected areas and strong local partnerships remain essential for national conservation goals.

“The discovery reminds us of the Philippines’ status as a biodiversity hotspot- so much variety of life forms, so many active challenges.  Protected areas and biosphere reserves provide opportunities for exploration and discovery to continue while keeping threats at bay. Collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, like what we see in Apayao, is vital," Laririt said.

These horn-like protrusions at the base of the leaf blade of Medinilla distinguish it from other Medinilla species

Fast facts: Medinilla calanasan

Where it was found: Upper lowland rainforest in Barangay Eva, Calanasan, Apayao (about 700-800 meters above sea level).

What makes it unique: A pair of horn-like protrusions at the base of the leaf blade, a feature not reported in other Medinilla species in the region.

How many have been recorded so far: Two individual plants, about one kilometer apart.

Scientific publication: Phytotaxa, 18 February 2026 (article: 'Medinilla calanasan (Melastomataceae), a new species from Apayao Province, Philippines').

Current conservation note: Recommended as Data Deficient pending additional surveys.

Reference

Pelser, P.B., Dela Cruz, B., Suetos, K.J.E., Ibañez, J.C., & Barcelona, J.F. (2026). Medinilla calanasan (Melastomataceae), a new species from Apayao Province, Philippines. Phytotaxa 742(1): 99-104. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.1.7

For media inquiries, please contact:

IRICK FRANCISCO

Communications Officer

Philippine Eagle Foundation

0962-842-3464

irickfrancisco.work@gmail.com