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New flower species named after Lea Salonga

Entertainment | Celebrities

New flower species named after Lea Salonga

By Neil Ramos

Lea Salonga has earned some of the entertainment industry's highest honors, from a Tony Award to a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

She can now add a distinction from an entirely different field after botanists named a newly discovered flowering plant in her honor.

The species, "Begonia leasalongae," was identified in Surigao del Sur and formally described in the scientific journal "Phytotaxa" by botanists Freddie A. Blasco, Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro, Junelito C. Cortes, and Rosario R. Rubite.

The plant was found growing on shady, moist, rocky slopes beside a small creek in Sitio Cabugi, Unidos, Tago, Surigao del Sur.

Naming newly discovered species after people is a long-standing practice in taxonomy, with the names becoming part of the permanent scientific record.

In Salonga's case, the honor places her among a select group of Filipino personalities whose names have been immortalized through Philippine plant discoveries.

In 2023, botanists named "Begonia noraaunorae" after the late National Artist Nora Aunor. Broadcaster Doris Bigornia was later honored with "Begonia dorisiae."

Researchers noted that "Begonia leasalongae" closely resembles "Begonia noraaunorae." Both are among the many Begonia species documented in the Philippines, one of the world's richest centers of plant biodiversity, where new species continue to be discovered.

Salonga is best known for originating the role of Kim in "Miss Saigon," a performance that earned her Tony and Olivier awards. She also became the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney's "Aladdin" and Fa Mulan in "Mulan," introducing her talent to audiences around the world.

With the naming of "Begonia leasalongae," her name now also has a place in Philippine botany.

Related Tags

Lea Salonga Begonia leasalongae Lea Salonga flower flower named after Lea Salonga Begonia Surigao del Sur Mindanao Philippine biodiversity Miss Saigon Tony Award Nora Aunor Doris Bigornia

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