Palms, the Journal of the International Palm Society (IPS), recently announced last March 2025 the release of its latest issue, Volume 69 (1), featuring significant contributions to palm research and conservation.
The UPLB Museum of Natural History is proud to share that one of the published articles is “Adonidia zibabaoa, a Remarkable New Palm Species from Samar Island, Philippines.” The paper was authored by Prof. Jiro T. Adorador, Prof. Zhereeleen D. Meneses-Adorador, and Professor Emeritus Dr. Edwino S. Fernando, in collaboration with international phylogenetic researchers Victor Perez-Calle, Sidonie Bellot, and William J. Baker.
The newly described palm species, Adonidia zibabaoa, is endemic to the Philippines and called by locals as “Amuring”. The etymology of the specific name “zibabaoa” in A. zibabaoa carries both geographic and historical significance. It is derived from the word “Zibabao,” a variant of “Ibabao,” an old name historically used to refer to Samar Island in the Philippines, where the palm species was discovered. In the Visayan language, “ibabao” or “ibabaw” translates to “atop” or “above,” aptly referencing the palm’s natural habitat—perched atop limestone karst formations in the elevated interior of the island.
Behind this remarkable find is a team of dedicated Filipino researchers with long-standing experience in botany and plant conservation.
Prof. Jiro T. Adorador, curator at the UPLB Museum of Natural History Botanical Herbarium is an assistant professor, teaching at the Plant Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS), UPLB. He is involved in several research projects with the DOST Conserve Kaigangan Program, UP-ECWRG, and the International Palm Society. He is a member of the IUCN-SSC Palm Specialist Group and an expert in Philippine palm taxonomy.
Prof. Zhereeleen D. Meneses-Adorador, a researcher and assistant Professor, is currently teaching in the Environmental Biology Division of IBS, UPLB. Focusing on Philippine orchids, she has co-authored several papers on new plant discoveries and the distribution records of orchids. She is also a curator at the Botanical Herbarium of the UPLB Museum of Natural History.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Edwino S. Fernando, the Museum’s Curator for Palms and other Forest Plants, is a distinguished forest botanist and plant taxonomist specializing in Biodiversity and Protected Areas, Biodiversity Conservation Policy and Planning, as well as Conservation Biology and Plant Genetic Resources. Throughout his career, Dr. Fernando has written and contributed to hundreds of scientific publications and technical references. His work has led to the discovery and formal description of at least 15 palm species under the Arecaceae family, marking a significant contribution to palm taxonomy and conservation in the Philippines.
In an interview, Prof. Jiro Adorador, lead author of the study, recalled the early beginnings of the discovery: “I first saw this palm 12 years ago, in December 2013. We had several expeditions to Samar,” he shared. The journey was far from easy. Reaching the species’ natural habitat required not only scientific curiosity, but also local knowledge and physical endurance.
“It was important to connect with the right people—those who knew the trails leading to the peaks of the karst formations,” Prof. Adorador explained. The team relied heavily on experienced local guides who understood the landscape and were committed to reaching the most peak parts of the karst, where the palm species thrived.
Navigating the region’s rugged terrain came with multiple hurdles. From the absence of established trails to limited funding and manpower, the study pushed the limits of what fieldwork often entails. “It was a challenge on many levels—logistics, finances, human resources, and physically navigating difficult terrain,” Prof. Adorador noted.
Despite identifying the plant as a likely new species as early as 2013, the team held off on publishing it immediately. “Taxonomy can be quite slippery,” Adorador explained. “We decided to wait for a more robust phylogenetic analysis.” That long-awaited data has now confirmed the species’ distinct identity.
The official naming of the species is more than just a scientific achievement—it’s a victory for conservation. “It’s a huge relief because once a species is officially named, people can finally recognize what it truly is,” said Prof. Adorador. “When something has a name, people become aware of the resource they have—and from there, conservation can begin, or even sustainable use can follow.”
He emphasized the broader impact of the discovery: “After all, anything without a name is considered non-existent. Now that we’ve finally given it a name, it’s a step toward something better. Instead of being overlooked in the wild, the community will start to recognize the value of what they have and begin to protect it.”
This milestone not only highlights the rich biodiversity of the Philippines but also underscores the dedication of Filipino researchers and communities working together to uncover, understand, and protect the country’s natural heritage. The discovery adds to the growing knowledge of endemic plant species and strengthens the call for their conservation.
For more information on the new species, see the published article at https://palms.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PALMSv69n1p005-020-Adorador-new-Adonidia.pdf
Written by Axel Orencia and Keysie Ocampo, interns, Southern Luzon State University.