Rare thumb-sized orchid recorded for the first time on Philippine soil at Dinagat mining site

A rare, thumb-sized orchid previously documented in Malaysia and parts of Indonesia has been recorded for the first time in the Philippines in a forest within the mining tenement of Cagdianao Mining Corp. (CMC) in Dinagat Islands, highlighting the biodiversity found in areas undergoing mining operations.

The species, Corybas pictus, was documented in the Luksuhan area during CMC’s 2025 Aquatic and Terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment, conducted by third-party environmental consultancy BIOTOPE Environmental Consultancy Services, the company said in a press release on Tuesday.

CMC is a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp.

The discovery marks a new country record for the species, which is native to Malaysia, Java, Sumatra, and Borneo. The orchid is highly sought after by rare plant collectors, terrarium hobbyists and jewel orchid enthusiasts.

Corybas pictus is a terrestrial orchid characterized by a single, heart-shaped leaf with silver to white veins and a solitary, hood-shaped flower measuring about two centimeters across. Its deep reddish-brown flower and white labellum give it a distinctive helmet-like appearance.

The species typically thrive in humid rainforest environments.

CMC Mine Environment Protection and Enhancement Officer Junmar Hayo said the discovery highlights the importance of monitoring and protecting natural forest areas within the company’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement.

“Biodiversity assessments give us a better understanding of the species and habitats in these areas and help guide our rehabilitation and environmental management efforts,” he said in a statement.

The assessment covered three sampling sites, including the natural forest areas of Luksuhan and Maraguing, where researchers recorded 274 species from 91 families.

Of these, 92 were identified as Philippine endemics, or species naturally found only in the country. The survey also identified 39 threatened and endemic plants, including Shorea polysperma, Terminalia surigaensis, Xanthostemon verdugonianus, and Tristaniopsis decorticata.

CMC conducts biodiversity monitoring every two years to track terrestrial flora within its mining tenement and guide its environmental management and rehabilitation plans.

The 2025 assessment also covered rehabilitation areas, including Areas 3 and 6, where native tree species have been replanted. The company said continued reforestation and habitat restoration had contributed to improved habitat conditions for amphibians and reptiles.

CMC Resident Mine Manager Christian Gascon said the latest findings add to the biodiversity records within the company’s mining areas and reinforce the importance of regular monitoring in its conservation and rehabilitation efforts. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba