Newly discovered Philippine flower named after Lea Salonga

The naming mirrors a growing practice among Filipino taxonomists of honoring well-known public figures.

A newly discovered wildflower found in Surigao del Sur has been named after international theater icon Lea Salonga, adding the award-winning Filipina performer to the growing list of personalities honored through newly identified Philippine species.

Scientists officially introduced Begonia leasalongae in a July 2026 paper published in the peer-reviewed botanical journal Phytotaxa. The species was documented by Filipino researchers Freddie A. Blasco, Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro, Junelito C. Cortes, and Rosario R. Rubite from Saint Theresa College of Tandag, the University of Santo Tomas, and the University of the Philippines Manila.

The newly described begonia grows only on shady, moist rocky slopes beside a small freshwater creek in Sitio Cabugi, Barangay Unidos, Tago, Surigao del Sur.

Researchers described the plant as bearing delicate white flowers with bright yellow centers, upright stems, and elongated leaves. It can also be distinguished from its closest known relative by the fine white hairs covering its stems and seed capsules, making it a unique addition to the country’s already rich begonia diversity.

The research team said the species was named Begonia leasalongae in recognition of Lea Salonga’s extraordinary achievements in the performing arts and for elevating Filipino talent on the global stage through her acclaimed career on Broadway and the West End.

The naming also reflects a growing practice among Filipino taxonomists of honoring well-known public figures to draw greater public attention to biodiversity conservation. Earlier, another newly discovered Philippine begonia was named after broadcaster Doris Bigornia for the same purpose.

Although the flower has now been formally recognized as a new species, scientists say much remains unknown about it. Because only one isolated population has so far been documented, Begonia leasalongae is currently classified as Data Deficient (DD) under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria.

Researchers hope further field surveys in Surigao del Sur and neighboring areas will determine the species’ true distribution, population size, and possible threats, helping ensure that the newly named Philippine flower is protected before its habitat is put at risk.

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