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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider New Mount Apo helmet orchid species assessed as critically endangered after only 10 found

New Mount Apo helmet orchid species assessed as critically endangered after only 10 found

Published Jul 9, 2026 03:28 pm  |  Updated Jul 10, 2026 09:28 am
(PHOTO: DARYL SALAS)
(PHOTO: DARYL SALAS)
A newly discovered species of helmet orchid found in the mossy forests of Mount Apo has been assessed as critically endangered after researchers documented only 10 mature individuals from a single known site, according to a newly published study.
The species, Corybas apoensis, was formally described by Kier C. Agad of the University of the Philippines Mindanao, Archelito L. Mallari of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Davao del Sur, Danilo N. Tandang of the National Museum of the Philippines, Rene Alfred Anton Bustamante of the Philippine Taxonomic Initiative, Inc., and Daryl S. Salas of the University of Southeastern Philippines.
(PHOTO: DARYL SALAS)
(PHOTO: DARYL SALAS)
The researchers first surveyed the area in November 2023 but were able to collect only leaves and other non-flowering parts because the flowers had already withered, per the study. 
Later on, they collected additional flowering specimens in February and August 2024 and October 2025 and managed to obtain “only 10 mature individuals from a single known site.”
“Corybas apoensis is observed to thrive in mosses and humus along the ridge mossy forest,” their research revealed.
“Based on the very small population size and its restriction to a single site, Corybas apoensis is here qualifie[d] as ‘critically endangered.’”
(PHOTO: DARYL SALAS)
(PHOTO: DARYL SALAS)
The researchers said the species is threatened by its extremely small population size, narrow habitat specificity, possible trampling or disturbance along the access trail, and degradation of its microhabitat.
“No capsules or fruiting individuals were observed during the surveys; therefore, natural fruit set remains unconfirmed,” they said.
(PHOTO: DARYL SALAS)
(PHOTO: DARYL SALAS)
According to the study, although Corybas apoensis closely resembles Corybas viridisepalus, a helmet orchid species from Papua New Guinea, the new species can be distinguished by several unique features, including a rough texture on the dorsal petal and different ornamentation of the labellum.
“With the description of Corybas apoensis, there are now 10 recognized Corybas species in the Philippines, two of which are from Mindanao Island,” it stated.
“The continued discovery of new Corybas species in Mindanao suggests that several species still await discovery in this region.”

Related Tags

Corybas apoensis Mount Apo helmet orchid critically endangered Philippine flora plant discovery Mindanao biodiversity rare orchids botany endemic species
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