FILIPINO biologists have discovered two new species of “Begonia” from the lush forests of Davao Oriental, located within the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor (EMBC), one of the Philippines' most biologically diverse regions.
The findings, published on May 2, 2025 in the international botanical journal Phytotaxa, highlight the country’s vibrant endemic flora and the creative ways local scientists are bringing biodiversity closer to the Filipino public.
The newly described species called ”Begonia dorisiae” and “Begonia medinae”, were both found in Caraga, Davao Oriental. In a gesture that combines scientific recognition with cultural resonance, B. dorisiae was named after veteran broadcaster Doris Bigornia, while B. medinae, recommended to be classified as “critically endangered”, was named in honor of Dr. Milton Norman Medina, a distinguished Filipino entomologist from Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) and one of the first to spot the plant in the wild.
According to the research team, B. dorisiae grows on shaded rocky cliffs near the shore and typically flowers from July to August. However, due to its coastal habitat being susceptible to damage from Pacific storms, the species is considered vulnerable.
The scientists explained that naming B. dorisiae after Doris Bigornia was not only a tribute to her impact as a public figure but also a nod to how her name has become a popular nickname for Begonia among Filipinos. This unique association, they noted, has proven effective in helping local communities recognize and remember the plant genus.
“The epithet dorisiae is a tribute to broadcaster Doris Bigornia, whose name became an informal, yet very useful moniker of the genus Begonia, especially for local communities,” the authors wrote.
“Many Filipino botanists, particularly in this series of expeditions, find that the easiest way to make citizens remember the genus Begonia is to associate it with ‘Bigornia.’ Across different islands and demographics, the best way to capture citizens’ interest when communicating the biology of Philippine Begonia is, in fact, Doris Bigornia,” the authors added.
One of the study’s lead authors, Mark Angelo Bucay, emphasized the value of using scientific names as a tool for public communication, arguing that taxonomy should be inclusive and accessible.
“Hindi lang ito basta pagpapangalan sa kung sinuman, ngunit aking personal na gunitain na sa isang bansang iba-iba ang kultura, lalo pa sa panahon ngayong salu-salungat ang politikal at kultural na pagtingin mula sa iba't ibang pulo at demographics, napakarami pa ring aspeto, maliit man o malaki, kung saan mo makikita na kaya pa rin nating magkapisan at makita ang ating koneksyon bilang isang bansa,” the researcher explained in his Facebook post.
The article, titled “Morphological and molecular analyses revealed two new species of Begonia sect. Baryandra in the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, Philippines,” was authored by Mark Angelo Bucay, Danilo Tandang, Hong-Wun Chen, Li-Wei Tsai, Rosario Rubite, and Kuo-Fang Chung.
The authors noted that the discovery not only enriches the scientific record but also reinforces the critical importance of preserving the Philippines’ natural heritage.
It stands as a testament to the efforts of Filipino scientists in documenting and protecting the country’s unique biodiversity and in finding creative ways to inspire public appreciation for it. DEF