Ancient trees, rare plants tell Bicol Natural Park’s story

MANILA, Philippines — A centuries-old tree, a critically endangered plant and several rare and endemic species are among the botanical treasures documented in Bicol Natural Park during a biodiversity monitoring activity in the second half of 2026, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol.

The findings highlight the diversity of plant life within the protected area and the ecological importance of preserving its remaining forest habitats, the agency said.

Among the most notable features of the park is a massive dipterocarp tree known locally as Tiaong (Shorea ovata), estimated to be between 350 and 400 years old.

Referred to as the “Mother Tree,” it stands within an undisturbed portion of the park’s Strict Protection Zone, where it is regularly monitored along an established two-kilometer biodiversity monitoring transect.

According to DENR Bicol, the ancient tree supports various forms of plant and animal life, including pitcher plants (Nepenthes sp.) growing directly on its trunk.

Researchers also documented a rare epiphytic orchid, Dendrobium treacherianum, also known as Epigeneium lyonii, growing on trees near the Mother Tree.

Epiphytic plants grow on other plants, typically trees, for physical support.

The presence of these species underscores the ecological significance of mature trees and the surrounding forest habitat within the protected area.

Critically endangered plant among monitored species

DENR Bicol said the monitoring activity also covered the critically endangered Pongapong (Amorphophallus caudatus), a plant species that remains under observation within Bicol Natural Park.

The agency also documented several dipterocarp species, including some individuals that were flowering during the monitoring period.

Other recorded plants included Malabayabas (Tristaniopsis decorticata), Bagu-adlao (Xanthostemon philippensis) and the endemic Bicol Abiki (Pinanga bicolana).

Various species belonging to the genera Hoya, Medinilla and Begonia were also observed, further demonstrating the range of plant species supported by the park’s forest ecosystems.

According to DENR Bicol, the observations provide information on the condition of the protected area’s vegetation and the habitats supporting rare, endemic and threatened flora.

RELATED STORY: IN PHOTOS: Discovering Albay’s diverse birdlife

Monitoring beyond forest surveys

The biodiversity assessment was conducted through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Camarines Norte and the Protected Area Management Office of Bicol Natural Park (PAMO-BNP).

The activity formed part of the second-semester Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) for calendar year 2026.

DENR Bicol said the monitoring was undertaken in partnership with the University of Camarines Norte, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture and the municipal governments of Basud in Camarines Norte and Lupi in Camarines Sur.

Beyond scheduled surveys along established monitoring routes, PAMO-BNP personnel regularly patrol forest areas and conduct field observations to document changes in vegetation and other ecological conditions.

These activities include recording plant species, flowering patterns, habitat conditions and other indicators that help assess the state of biodiversity within the protected area.

The continuing observations also allow park managers to monitor changes in forest conditions over time.

Findings to guide conservation efforts

DENR Bicol said the information collected during the monitoring activity would help identify priority plant species and habitats requiring conservation attention.

The findings will also guide conservation interventions and support the implementation of the park’s Protected Area Management Plan.

The agency emphasized the importance of sustained biodiversity monitoring and collaboration with academic institutions and local government units in managing the park’s forest resources.

Through these efforts, DENR Bicol aims to strengthen science-based conservation measures for the park’s diverse plant life and ecologically significant forest habitats.

The continued monitoring of the centuries-old Mother Tree, threatened plant species and other forest vegetation forms part of the agency’s efforts to assess and protect the biodiversity of Bicol Natural Park. /dm