New plant species in Albay named after late biologist

CONSERVATIONIST The late biology teacher and conservationist Francis Gregor Abuid, whom a newly discovered begonia species in Albay is named after, dedicated his young life to advocating the protection of biodiversity in the Bicol region and teaching young biologists. —PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL JOSEF ABUID

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines — An endemic plant species was discovered in Albay province and was named after the late Francis Gregor Abuid, a conservation biologist, for his efforts in protecting the rich biodiversity of the Bicol region.

The new species was named Begonia francisabuidii after the 25-year-old high school biology teacher who died in a vehicular accident in 2021.

The new begonia species is similar to Begonia madulidii but it is distinguished by shorter and puberulent rhizomes, densely hirsute stipules, reddish and pubescent petiole, smaller leaves, puberulous panicle, smaller bracts and four-tepaled pistillate flower, according to a research published by Taiwania International Journal of Biodiversity on March 28.

Research author Cyrus Job dela Cruz said the species resembled the personality of Abuid, as he always wanted to travel far to explore new places riding his bicycle.

“We discovered B. francisabuidii in a peaceful and far-flung area [in Albay]. It was so inspiring to name it after him because his level of determination to conquer every struggle was the same as when we were looking for francisabuidii,” he said.

Dela Cruz said the white flowers that bloomed from the B. francisabuidii species were as “pure as [the] heart and dedication” of Abuid to “inspire young learners to guard and conserve the biodiversity” of the region.

“The white flower represents his kind heart for young researchers who asked help from him for school-related work. He used to accompany these students from sampling to writing research papers,” he said.

Critically endangered

The research was a collaborative work of Dela Cruz and his coauthors Steven Concepcion from Bicol University and Yu Pin Ang from Philippine Taxonomic Initiative Inc.

Dela Cruz is a field biologist of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol and is currently taking a Master of Science in Biodiversity and Environmental Management at Bicol University graduate school in Legazpi City.

The species was discovered near Nahulugang-Patok Falls in Barangay Oma-Oma, an upland village in Ligao City.

B. francisabuidii is lithophytic and assumed to be highly dependent on moisture. Its flowers bloom during the months of September and November.

Dela Cruz said they considered it critically endangered because of its short dispersal and that they remained isolated in far-flung areas.

“We searched the area for the presence of the population, they were observed growing only in moist shaded rocks near the waterfall. I also can’t find the same in some other areas in Albay,” he said.

The species’ population is vulnerable and at risk of decline as the site is frequently visited by local tourists and there is an increase in anthropogenic activities, or environmental damage caused by human activity, added Dela Cruz.

RARE BLOOM Begonia francisabuidii, named after Abuid, is a new plant species discovered in Ligao City, Albay province. —PHOTO COURTESY OF CYRUS JOB DELA CRUZ

He also cited that the area is not currently protected under the country’s Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System by the DENR.

“We need to protect this species because it is very unique, it can be considered as a bioindicator. The exploitation of the area could destroy begonia, thus, the possibility of affecting the food chain or food web,” he added.

The researcher hoped that the recent discovery would encourage the younger generations to study biodiversity and guard the natural environment.

Living memory

Carl Josef, brother of Abuid, said they were surprised and honored that one of the dreams of his brother was achieved through his genuine friends.

“Even though he is gone, it makes me feel like there’s a piece of him on earth that lives among us and it gives us more reason to remember him and to celebrate the life he lived,” he said.

He said his brother loved outdoor activities, researching about conservation of animals and plants, and dreamed of being featured in wildlife-related magazines and television programs.

The late biologist’s mother, Francia, said she would want to grow the same species at her son’s grave in Guinobatan town.

“He may be gone physically but his memory lives in the plants. We are thankful to his friends for naming it after him,” she said.

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