Korona ka Amo, locally known in Tubungan, Iloilo, also called the Rafflesia, or “Uruy and Karay-a” in other areas of Panay, is a rare and giant flower that grows as a parasite on Tetrastigma vines in the rainforest. This plant has no leaves, stem, or roots and only appears when its large, red, foul-smelling flowers bloom for just a few days to attract flies for pollination. It is endemic to the Philippines and can be found in select upland areas like Brgy. Igtuble, Tubungan, where locals deeply respect its presence and associate it with forest-dwelling monkeys. The species is under serious threat due to habitat destruction, illegal picking, and disturbances from tourism. To protect it, locals prohibit poaching, and there is a strong community belief not to harm the flower.
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Photo Credit/s:
Dariel Tagong, 2022
Mappers:
Jean Mae Fundal
Tags:
community forest preservation, endangered Philippine plants, endemic plants Iloilo, forest conservation Tubungan, forest-dwelling monkeys Iloilo, foul-smelling flowers, habitat destruction Rafflesia, illegal flower picking threat, Korona ka Amo Iloilo, Korona ka Amo local belief, native Philippine parasitic plants, parasitic plant Philippines, Philippines rare flowers, poaching ban Tubungan, protected plants Iloilo, Rafflesia conservation Philippines, Rafflesia flower bloom, Rafflesia flower Tubungan, Rafflesia pollination flies, Rafflesia speciosa Philippines, rainforest biodiversity Iloilo, rainforest flowers Philippines, rare giant flower Philippines, sustainable tourism Iloilo, Tetrastigma vines host, traditional medicine Rafflesia, traditional uses Rafflesia buds, Tubungan rare flora, upland endemic species
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