DNC Garden

04/03/2026

A newly identified orchid species from the Sulu Archipelago has been placed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) category as Endangered by the authors of a recent scientific study, citing habitat destruction and past overcollection that have drastically reduced its population.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/02/newly-identified-philippine-orchid-faces-extinction-risk

25/02/2026

One day to go! 🥳

Don't forget to pin the 55th Los Banos Flower and Garden Show venue 📌 the UPOU Community Hub (https://maps.app.goo.gl/q19w85Mwaqxa7KsYA)!

Bring your reusable bags and your trolleys for your long awaited ornamental plant purchases 🤭

And make space in your garden for new trees or clay pots and planters 😌

The show is open from 8am til 6pm this February 26 until March 8! See you! 💚

16/02/2026

𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 UPLB Makiling Botanic Gardens 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

👃 Get ready for a plant that challenges your senses! This month, we're featuring Kantutan (Paederia foetida L.) from the UPLB Makiling Botanic Gardens – and yes, it lives up to its "stinky" scientific name! 😉🌿

Don't let the strong sulfuric smell fool you when its leaves are crushed! This vine is a plant of fascinating contradictions: its genus name means "opals" (for beauty!), and it boasts striking dark purple and grayish-white flowers.

Across Asia, Kantutan has been a culinary staple (boiled leaves, noodles, soups!) and a powerhouse in traditional medicine, used for everything from treating gas and fever to soothing snake bites and even preventing toothaches!

It's a reminder that beauty (and utility!) comes in many forms, even the stinky ones! Come discover the surprising story of Kantutan at the Makiling Botanic Gardens!

Read the full article here👉https://makiling.center/kantutan-is-mbgs-plant-of-the-month-for-february-2026/

Watch and listen to the video instead 👉https://youtu.be/3rgbQHAJoRs?si=dKWq0Ri82DOWVHfz



📸by For. Angela Limpiada & For. Analyn Malayba

29/01/2026

20/12/2025

RARE ORCHID ONCE PRESUMED EXTINCT SPOTTED IN THE PHILIPPINES

Researchers have confirmed that the rare orchid Bulbophyllum placochilum, once thought extinct and previously known only in Borneo, is now found in the Philippines. Populations were documented in Albay, South Cotabato, and Misamis Oriental, expanding its range across Luzon and Mindanao. The orchid thrives in cool, montane forests at 1,100–1,700 meters and remains vulnerable due to fragmented populations.

Read full story in the comments.

This story originally appeared on Manila Bulletin. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.