Ophiorrhiza ravifolia (Rubiaceae), a new endemic species discovered in Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape (NKPL), Zamboanga Peninsula, southwestern Philippines

Abstract

Continued extensive field exploration in Zamboanga Peninsula (Philippines) revealed a new endemic Ophiorrhiza species, which is herein described from Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape (NKPL) of Zamboanga Sibugay. The species is unique among Philippine Ophiorrhiza by having leaf lamina with gray to silver gray abaxial surface. The new species is morphologically similar to O. pubescens and O. erythropilosa by having hairy overall morphology, but it is easily distinguished by having a creeping to decumbent habit and inconspicuous, membranous bracts. A detailed description, color photographs, phenology, geographical distribution, habitat and IUCN conservation status are provided in this paper.