Endangered species of world’s largest flower blooms anew in Malibcong, Abra

Malibcong, Abra – The Municipal Tourism Office of Malibcong, Abra is inviting tourists to visit one of their destinations where a rare and the smallest species of the Rafflesia flower can be found.

The tourism office shared some snaps of the flower which started blooming beautifully in the wilderness of Sitio Aguibo, Poblacion. The blooming season of said flowers starts from August until November and happens annually.

Named as Rafflesia Consueloea, such species, considered endangered, can only be found in some areas in Northern Luzon, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In Abra, this has been spotted only in Malibcong and Licuan-Baay.

The flowers could last for 7 days before they begin to wither, as stated by the tourism office. It could also grow an average diameter of 12 centimeters when it blooms.

To recall, the Rafflesia Consueloea was seen by hunters in the area in 2016. It was only confirmed in 2020 that the flowers belong to said species which was named after Consuelo Lopez, wife of businessman Oscar Lopez.

For tourists wanting to have a glimpse of the world’s smallest Rafflesia species, they can visit the area in coordination with the Malibcong Tourism Office. They can be contacted through their Facebook page.

In Kalinga, another rare species belonging to said parasitic plant was found in the mountainous areas of Balbalan, specifically at the Banao Protected Landscapes.

Called Rafflesia Banaoana, in honor of the Banao subtribe, the flower was first documented in 2010 by Professor Pastor Malabrigo Jr.