MMSU researchers identify vanishing plant species

BATAC, Ilocos Norte — Researchers of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), have identified and documented vanishing plant species in the Ilocos Region.

Dr. Miriam Pascua, Ms. Menisa Antonio, Dionisio Bucao, Epifania Agustin, Sosimo Ma. Pablico, Maura Luisa Gabriel and Beatriz Malab of MMSU conducted a survey in Laoag City, Batac, Pasuquin, San Nicolas and Dingras to document vanishing plant species as perceived by the old folks.

The old folks provided vital information such as the vanishing plants’ potential uses, unique characteristics, and places where they used to be planted or cultivated.

Of the one hundred twenty-four plants perceived to be vanishing by the old folks, 77 have been identified as such based on the validation made by agronomists and horticulturists of the MMSU’s College of Agriculture and Forestry. This is based on the criteria set by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

Forty-five of the vanishing plants were classified as endangered and thirty-two were vulnerable. The endangered plant species include nine vegetables, 16 fruit and forest trees, 13 ornamentals and medicinal, four root crops, and three others. The vulnerable plants include four vegetables, 10 fruit and forest trees, 15 ornamentals and medicinal, one root crop and two others.

Among the endangered vegetables identified were rice bean or balinsoek (Vigna umbellata), kapas-kapas, sugod-sugod (Momordica cochinchinensis), wild sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica), kalumpagi (Clitoria ternatea) and red serrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa). Endangered fruits and forest species include dalayap (Citrus aurantifolia), caburao (Citrus macroptera), custard apple (Anona reticulata), native mansanas (Zyzyphus mauritiana), bitongol or selery (Flacourtia sepiaria), and bignay (Antidesma bunius).

Endangered ornamentals include cat tail (Typha aungustifolia), rosal (Gardenia florida), dama de noche (Cestrum nocturnum) and camia (Hedychium coronarium).

Vulnerable vegetable species include red cowpea, cayenne powder and wax gourd while vulnerable fruit and forest tree species include starfruit (Averrhoa carambola), allagat (Uvaria rufa), mabolo (Diospyrus philippinensis), antipolo or pakak (Artocarpus blancoi) and breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis).

With regards to ornamental and medicinal plants, kataka-taka (Kalanchoe pinnata), cock’s comb (Celosia cristata), tsaang gubat (Ehretia macrophylla), and luyang dilaw (Curcuna longa) were found to be vulnerable.

Planting materials of selected species have been collected and are being propagated in the greenhouse and field. The collection includes 20 endangered and 14 vulnerable species.

MMSU researchers claim that appropriate strategies should be developed to help conserve these endangered and vulnerable species.

The MMSU is a member of the Ilocos Agriculture Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILARRDEC), one of the consortia for research and development organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).