A new plant species, Begonia francisabuidii, was discovered in Albay and was named after the late young Bicolano conservation biologist Francis Gregor Abuid.
The plant was published by members of the Philippine Taxonomic (PTI) in collaboration with researchers from Bicol University. PTI is a non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to autonomously advancing the discovery and documentation of the country's plants and animals.
The researchers said the plan is endemic to Albay and was named after Abuid "in acknowledgment of his efforts in inspiring young Bicolanos to protect, conserve, and study the biodiversity in the Bicol region."
"The new species resembles B. madulidii but is distinguished by shorter and puberulent rhizomes, densely hirsute stipules, reddig and pubescent petiole, smaller leaves, puberulous panicle, smaller bracts, and four-tepaled pistillate flower," the authors said.
Researchers also said B. francisabuidii is proposed to be placed in the Critically Endangered category, based on International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List categories and criteria.
According to IUCN, critically endangered species are those species that possess "an extremely high risk of extinction as a result of rapid population declines of 80 to more than 90 percent over the previous 10 years."