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.