New plant, flower species discovered in Davao Oriental

MANILA, Philippines — Researchers have discovered new species of flowering plant, orchid and fern on Mount Hamiguitan Range in Davao Oriental, according to the Department of Science and Technology.

DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said the research, conducted by a team from the Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon, was funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.

“The discovery of the new species is significant because we can now systematically study these organisms that were previously unknown to science,” Dela Peña said.

Among the discoveries were a new species of Orchidaceae, a terrestrial orchid called Dilochia deleoniae; a flowering plant called Hypericum perryongii Galindon, sp. nov. and a grass fern called Actinostachys minuta Amoroso & Coritico.

The researchers also discovered a new species of Metapocyrtus (Artapocyrtus) bronsi sp.  nov., a type of snoutbeetle.

They also collected a pygmy grasshopper called Arulenusvalidispinus, which has not been recorded for more than a century.

This species is commonly known as the four-spined pygmy devil.

The Dilochia deleoniae thrives in partly shaded habitat.

The Hypericum perryongii Galindon was observed to bear flowers during June until late July and fruits in August.

The Actinostachys minuta Amoroso & Coritico was found growing on the trunk of a tree.

The Metapocyrtus (Artapocyrtus) bronsi sp. nov., is named after the Mandaya word bronsi, or bronze, the color of the beetle’s scales.