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The Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) announced that the development of new Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and Hoya are “underway” as it launched two new breeding projects on the two ornamental plants. The first project focused on the development of new Hibiscus varieties through hybridization and embryo rescue. It was aimed at producing locally-adapted gumamela plants that can bloom well even under hot or tropical conditions, the DOST-PCAARRD said. “In the Philippines, there is a preference for imported or international varieties of Gumamela because of their large, multi-colored petals. However, these varieties do not bloom well in low and hot areas of the country,” it noted.