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REDISCOVERY HISTORY
Rediscovering History: Following the Malaspina Expedition's Path in Northern Luzon and Unveiling Plagiostachys parviflora after 196 Years
Mapping Early Explorations in NW Luzon
In 2007, the Northwesterniana Expedition was launched to document the biological diversity of Northwest Luzon. This ambitious undertaking aimed to conserve notable species critical and restricted to the region. Extensive archival work was done to trace the footsteps of early expeditions in the northern Philippines, utilizing the Smithsonian Institution Digital Collections and other online collaborative documents.
One of the earliest voyages to northern Luzon was the Malaspina Expedition, which departed from Cádiz, Spain, in 1789 in search of medicinal plants and notable spices. Aboard the Descubierta, the exploration reached northern Luzon, traveling from Cagayan to Pangasinan. Thadeus Haenke, who joined the expedition in 1790, collected numerous plant specimens, including gingers, Philippine hemp (Musa textilis) and betel nut (Areca catechu L.), their first introduction to Europe.
During the Spanish occupation, the establishment of Nueva Segovia in Northern Luzon facilitated also the influx of Spanish friars like Manuel Blanco, who first documented the pitcher plant Nepenthes alata in Vintar, Ilocos Norte. Between 1836 and 1840, Hugh Cuming collected the land snail Helicostyla iloconensis during his voyage from Cagayan to southern Ilocos. In the early 1900s, during the American occupation, Elmer Drew Merrill made significant collections, and the NWU team successfully recollected all Ilocos species, including the once-extinct-in-the-wild Psychotria ilocana Merr.
Over the past 18 years, the Northwesterniana Expedition has recollected and conserved these species of flora and fauna at the Northwestern University Ecological Park & Botanic Gardens (NEUBG) and the Herbarium of Northwestern Luzon, Philippines (HNUL). The NWU Biodiversity Expedition unit also has published 11 new plant species to science to date, with many more underway for publication in prestigious journals.
Plagiostachys parviflora (C.Presl) Ridl. photograph in the wild with its candid flower
Rediscovery of a Nearly Two-Century-Old Specimen by Thaddäus Haenke
With the effort of the CBCREEC to play its role on the global stage of botanical research and scientific cooperation, numerous top-tier universities in the Philippines and abroad have partnered with NUEBG for botanical undertakings. In 2016, the Far Eastern University Herbarium Division (FEUH), led by Sandra Yap, established their Long-Term Ecological Plot in Piddig—a 21-hectare in-situ research site of the Northwestern University Center for Biodiversity Conservation, Restoration Ecology, and Environmental Concerns (CBCREEC). This collaboration expanded from ecological research to marine ecosystem studies and plant systematics, focusing on various plant groups, including the family Zingiberaceae.
During a collaborative fieldwork effort led by ginger expert Duke Rodolph Ducot and Director Calaramo, the combined team from FEUH and HNUL recollected ginger species in Ilocos Norte. Herbarium specimens were prepared, while living specimens were brought to the NUEBG for conservation.
After rigorous taxonomic work involving visits to herbariums in Europe and the US, as well as examining specimens previously deposited at the Philippine National Museum, Duke concluded that Thadeus Haenke's collection in Ilocos during the Malaspina Expedition was indeed distinct as described earlier. The ginger Plagiostachys parviflora, notable for its small population confined within the Kalbario Patapat Natural Park, was rediscovered. Another ginger species, Leptosolena haenkei, previously thought to be extinct, was also found in this wet forest, along with Alpinia haenkei. These findings suggest that the expedition may have anchored in Pasaleng Bay.
In a whirlwind of scientific discovery, Duke meticulously crafted a groundbreaking manuscript, rallying the team to review its final draft before boldly submitting it for publication. This remarkable research endeavor represents a dynamic collaboration between the Northwestern University CBCREEC and the Far Eastern University Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Arts and Sciences. Their collective mission: to revolutionize taxonomic understanding of the Philippines' regional flora. Amidst this flurry of activity, Ducot, deep into his PhD studies in the historic city of Paris at the prestigious Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, joins forces with regional botanists to unravel the secrets of the ginger family. His journey takes him to the vibrant living plant collections at NUEBG and the meticulously preserved herbarium specimens at HNUL, where his curatorial expertise breathes new life into the study of these fascinating plants.
Plagiostachys parviflora, a botanical gem long thought to be lost to history, was serendipitously rediscovered in the wild, reigniting hope among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. This elusive species, characterized by its delicate, small flowers and slender, reed-like stems, was first described over a century ago but had since faded into obscurity, eluding scientific studies and plant collectors.
The dramatic rediscovery occurred during a routine field expedition led by a team of intrepid botanists exploring the dense, uncharted forests of the Philippines. As the team navigated through the lush, verdant undergrowth, their keen eyes caught sight of a cluster of unusual plants nestled in a secluded, mist-laden valley. Upon closer examination, they were astonished to identify the plants as Plagiostachys parviflora, their distinct floral structures and unique foliage unmistakable.
This unexpected find was nothing short of miraculous, a testament to nature's resilience and the unyielding spirit of scientific inquiry. The rediscovery of Plagiostachys parviflora not only enriches our understanding of the region's diverse flora but also underscores the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in preserving our planet's botanical heritage.
The Joint Expedition Team
Undeterred by the relentless onslaught of torrential rains and gale-force winds, the expedition team braved the unforgiving wilderness with unwavering determination. Each step through the mud-soaked terrain was a battle against nature’s fury, as the team pushed forward through thick underbrush and treacherous ravines. Their resolve was tested by the ceaseless downpour, which turned trails into rivers and made every movement a struggle. Yet, driven by an unyielding passion for discovery, they pressed on, knowing that the secrets of the forest lay just beyond the next ridge. Through sheer grit and unbreakable spirit, they endured the harshest conditions, forging a path to scientific revelation amidst the storm.
ASBP Symposium ASBP International Symposium & Annual Meeting 2024
The Association Systematic Biologist 41st International Symposium
More than 200 participants and volunteers attended the symposium — one of the best in the recent years with 164 researchers from top caliber universities in the country, exhibiting more than 20 new discoveries from 5 countries (France, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines), making it the largest fleet of biologists in the country.
Pinili Sanitary Landfill Establishment and Biodiversity Conservation Monitoring
In an effort to balance infrastructure development with environmental stewardship, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pinili, Ilocos Norte initiated a collaboration with Northwestern University through its Center for Botanical Research, Education, and Ecological Conservation (CBCREEC). The primary objective of this partnership was to conduct a comprehensive biodiversity survey in the proposed site of the municipality’s new sanitary landfill.
Recognizing the ecological implications of such a development, the LGU Pinili proactively reached out to Northwestern University to ensure that scientific guidance and ecological sensitivity would inform the planning and construction process. The biodiversity survey aimed to document existing flora and fauna, identify any species of conservation concern, and assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposed landfill on local ecosystems.
The CBCREEC research team conducted extensive field assessments, focusing on species richness, endemicity, habitat condition, and the presence of indicator species. The survey included plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals, with particular attention given to native and threatened plant species that may be affected by construction activities. The goal was to provide baseline data that could serve as a scientific reference for both mitigation strategies and future restoration programs.
One of the key findings highlighted the presence of remnant lowland vegetation and ecologically significant species that were once thriving in the area. This underscores the importance of implementing appropriate conservation measures before, during, and after construction. The CBCREEC team recommended establishing a buffer zone, transplanting vulnerable species where possible, and integrating ecological restoration plans once the landfill is operational.
Beyond environmental protection, the project also aims to serve as a model of sustainable land use in small municipalities—showing that waste management infrastructure can be planned in harmony with biodiversity conservation. This partnership between LGU Pinili and Northwestern University sets a precedent for evidence-based development, ensuring that local government actions are informed by science and committed to sustainability.
The collaboration further opens up opportunities for long-term ecological monitoring, with the CBCREEC proposing to return periodically to assess the recovery of flora and fauna and to ensure that ecological goals are being met. In doing so, Pinili affirms its role not only as a progressive municipality but also as a custodian of the region’s natural heritage.
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