Field Survey and Documentation
Extensive field surveys were carried out between 2021 and 2022 in the Banao Protected Landscape in Kalinga Province, and adjacent areas, with the aim of documenting localities for Rafflesia banaoanaMalabrigo. During these surveys, local guides also pointed out populations of an unknown Rafflesia species, first seen in 2013. From June to December 2022, the phenology of Rafflesia balatociana sp. nov. was monitored, and material was sectioned and examined. The coordinates of the location were recorded and stored using GaiaGPS. Associated vegetation and forest formation type were also documented.