Critically Endangered Voodoo Lily That Smells Like a Corpse Discovered in Philippines

Scientists have just lately documented an extremely uncommon and unknown plant that grows in the woods of Bicol, Philippines. The Amorphophallus caudatus is a member of the voodoo lily family and the gabi plant, whose leaves are used to make the Bicolano delicacy laing.

The Philippines is one of the world's 18 mega-biodiverse countries, accounting for two-thirds of the planet's biodiversity and 70 percent to 80 percent of all plant and animal species. The Philippines is home to 5% of the world's flora and ranks fifth in plant species. In addition, the nation ranks fourth in bird endemism, with at least 25 genera of plants and 49 percent of terrestrial animals covered by species endemism.

With at least 700 endangered species, the Philippines is also one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, making it one of the top worldwide conservation regions. The national list of endangered faunal species was created in 2004 and contains 42 land mammal species, 127 bird species, 24 reptile species, and 14 amphibian species. In addition, the Philippines has at least 3,214 fish species, with around 121 being indigenous and 76 being endangered. Furthermore, a nationwide list of endangered plant species was established in 2007 by an administrative order issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, showing that 99 species were severely endangered, 187 were endangered, 176 vulnerable, and 64 other threatened species.

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