A Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) blooms at the peak of the Masungi Georeserve Project in Baras, Rizal. Image: Courtesy of Masungi Georeserve/Facebook
An endangered Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) has been spotted blooming in a rare and stunning sight at the peak of the Masungi Georeserve Project in Baras, Rizal.
Endemic to the Philippines and locally known as Tayabak, the Jade Vine is a climbing plant that can grow up to 20 meters in height. Its most notable feature is the pendulous, chandelier-like growth of its flowers, which adds to the beauty of the country鈥檚 flora.
鈥淢asungi park rangers spotted the Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) at the peak of the Masungi Geopark Project, the same area that would have been leveled to the ground by quarries if not for citizens鈥� vigilance,鈥� the wildlife sanctuary wrote in its Facebook on Saturday, April 1.
Despite being more common than the rare JC鈥檚 Vine (Strongylodon juangonzalezii), which was also spotted recently at the project area, the Tayabak is regarded as a national treasure and even featured at the back of the five-peso coin.
The Jade Vine, also known as Tayabak, is featured at the back of the five-peso coin. Image: Courtesy of Masungi Georeserve/Facebook
Unfortunately, the Tayabak has been classified as endangered due to habitat loss caused by human activities.
鈥淭he presence of the Jade Vine in the Masungi Geopark Project underscores the importance of safeguarding the watershed against destructive activities,鈥� the Masungi Georeserve added.
鈥淲hile quarrying agreements in the watershed have already been cancelled, threats to the project area and [unique biodiversities], such as illegal entry and professional squatting, persist,鈥� they also said.
Meanwhile, park rangers and local authorities are calling on the public to support their efforts to save and preserve the geopark project and its precious ecosystem.
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