One of the Planet's Most Mysterious Plants Blooms in the Forests of the Philippines

A rare botanical event has been documented deep within the forests of the Philippines. A rare Rafflesia—a member of a genus containing some of the largest and most elusive flowering plants in the world—was discovered within the protected AlaBuyCarPanSip forest reserve in the municipality of Cantilan.

At the peak of its bloom, the extraordinary flower measured 49 centimeters in diameter. The giant plant is currently thriving within the dense, pristine ecosystem of the protected sanctuary.

While botanists are still working to determine the exact species—as the Philippines is home to several unique endemic Rafflesia species, such as Rafflesia schadenbergiana and Rafflesia speciosa—the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has already placed the location under strict protection. Specialists have established around-the-clock monitoring of the site to shield this endangered botanical marvel from poachers and overly curious tourists.