Critically endangered JC’s vine found in Cagayan forest

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — During a recent two-week habitat monitoring survey at Mt. Hamut in Peñablanca, Cagayan, researchers discovered a critically endangered plant species known as JC’s vine, which is also called the purple jade vine or dragon’s spine, a striking wild climber.

The JC’s vine (Strongylodon juangonzalezii) is a woody liana famed for its dense, claw-shaped flower clusters. These unique blooms vividly transition in color from pale lilac to electric violet.

It was documented by the Philippine Eagle Watch Team, composed of personnel from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cagayan, the PENR Sub-Office, and the Protected Area Management Office of the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape.

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The team was conducting monitoring activities primarily to locate the Philippine Eagle, which has previously been sighted in the protected forest, but instead recorded the rare plant species.

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JC’s Vine named after Filipino zoologist

The vine was named in honor of Dr. Juan Carlos Gonzales, a zoologist from the University of the Philippines, who helped highlight the importance of the species.

Although no eagle was sighted during the expedition, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Cagayan Valley said the documentation of endemic flora such as JC’s vine is still considered a significant achievement.

The agency said the discovery underscores the continued ecological richness of Mt. Hamut, which remains home to diverse wildlife and plant species, including threatened fauna such as the Philippine Eagle. INQ