Aeschynanthus madulidii

Scientific name: Aeschnanthus madulidii Mendum

Family: Gesneriaceae

Description: Trailing epiphyte. Leaves are opposite, ovate, green, margins entire. Flowers are in leaf axils. Calyx tubular, greenish at base, turning red at the upper part, with 5 shallow lobes. Corolla tubular, bright red, 2-lipped. Fruit is a capsule with 2 valves.

Distribution: Palawan (Pto. Princesa, Thumb Peak) Endemic.

Habitat: Primary forest. Altitude 850 m. altitude.

Economic uses: Potentially an ornamental plant.

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Propagation: Vegetatively by stem cuttings and by seeds.

Conservation Notes: This species is rather rare and is known only, so far, from the type collection in Palawan. The flowers are showy and beautiful. It is not yet cultivated in local gardens but it is reported in botanical gardens abroad. The plant is found inside a protected area and is not presently endangered from habitat destruction. However, because of its limited distribution it is vulnerable to extinction.

Photo by: George Argent

For further information write to: [email protected]

The Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines will hold its General Membership meeting today, Feb 4, 2012, Saturday at the garden of Ms. Ging Caperal at 45-B Maginoo St., Teachers’ Village, Quezon City. For more information, call Norma Villanueva at 09285047410 or 09228136879.

Last 3 Days of the Philippine Horticulture Society, Inc. (PHSI)- Horti Show 2012. Today up to February 6. Theme: Modern Trends and Creative Techniques in Gardening. Quezon Memorial Circle. Open to General Public. For more information, call Philippine Horticulture Society Inc. @ 377-0234.

11 February 2012, 12 Noon. Fern and Nature Society of the Philippines Inc. General Membership Monthly Meeting will be held at the Sabangan Beach Resort. For more information, all (02) 810-8489, 817-5082 or 812-7799 or log in www.fernandnaturesociety.org