In the Pursuit of the Philippine Begonia

It's an inspiring and interesting topic " In the pursuit of Philippine Begonia.  There a lot of plant species around the world (9,000 flowering and gymnosperm)  and in this particular country in the Philippines, this Philippine Begonia is growing vastly. 

photo courtersy: https://agriculture.com.ph/2022/02/08/two-endemic-begonia-species-found-in-palawan/

 Before researchers can research about this plant, they have to undergo so many obstacles and it's not easy. They have to experience walking on muddy roads, going to the mountain, climbing a steep hill, crossing the rivers, waterfalls, mangroves and jungles.  

I never thought this plant would be  very interesting. The locals of the land  said these are edible plants. They are able to mix this plant to food to make it sour. They can even cook the flower just like the squash plant and flower. Some species of this plant can be used as medicinal plants. They grow in different places. They are endemic. There are  varieties of Philippine Begonia,  some are hybrid, hairy, of different sizes, colors, beautifully patterned and prolific. It can be easily distingushed and recognized because of the leaves.

(Begonia L.  ornamental, value, 5th largest  pit genus • Hughes et.al 2015 ) 

They can also be found in some neighbouring countries of the Philippines. ( Begonia Sudolateralis)   In my opinion, the Philippines flora and fauna are abundant and yet there are few researchers.If they will be given support by the government, then it will be a great opportunity to discover more of these plants in the country.

I think being a researcher is very rewarding too because they get to experience a lot of things that are memorable.  They get to explore the nature, it is hazardous but at the same time it is fun and an exciting adventure.

photo courtersy: https://agriculture.com.ph/2022/02/08/two-endemic-begonia-species-found-in-palawan/

They can go to many different places and see the wonderful creation of God, meet many interesting people, talk with them and make friends with them. They can eat variety of food during their trips because the locals of the land may have them taste their delicacies. Its very inspiring because the researchers are very hardworking, adventurous and daring. Another thought is that it's interesting that  I've learned a lot about Philippine Begonia.  They had a lot of interesting pictures and slides which I feel that I was also in the trip together, touring virtually with them and researching the plant with them. I never thought the plant would be very interesting because it grows mainly in the mountain where it is watered by the water falls. But there are some species of Begonia where it grows in the boulder where it is watered by the splash of the sea water. Some species are edible and can be used as medicine for fever, cough and body pain but still has to make research and studies about this.

Rewards of  the researchers are;

• They will experience going to many beautiful places with free airfares, land fare and free hotel accomodation, some can stay in luxurious hotel.

• They are the one who can give name to the specie and that can be publish.

• They can get leisure trip just like trip of  (botanist and designer, Patric Blanc) in one trip the speaker was able to visit Paris, France.

• They can meet many interesting people. e.g Indigenous people

• They will experience adventure activities example zip line to the mountain

• It's really hard to find and discover especially the Philippine Begonia. Researcher said it is a goldmine and treasure whenever they found one,

It's a very happy feeling and fulfilling experience.

photo courtersy: https://agriculture.com.ph/2022/02/08/two-endemic-begonia-species-found-in-palawan/