Cryptocoryne zamboangaensis, is described as a new water trumpet species discovered by citizen scientists in the streams of Zamboanga del Norte, southwestern Philippines. It resembles C. aponogetifolia in having a spathe tube longer than spathe limb, but differs significantly by its ovate, densely verrucose bright purple limb with a narrow collar. A preliminary analysis of the conservation status and a dichotomous key to the species of the genus in the Philippines are provided.