Philippine Journal of Crop Science (PJCS) December 2011, 36 (3):57-64 Copyright 2011, Crop Science Society of the

Diversity of Vascular in an Agroforest: The Case of a Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) Plantation in Makilala, North Cotabato

Angelo R. Agdumar, Marion John Michael M. Achondol, Bryan Lloyd P. Bretanal, Violeta P. Bello', Leopoldo L. Remo 11o3, Liezl S. Mancao2, Janette P. Supremo', James Gregory C. Salem' and Florence Roy P. Salvalia1

'Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern , Kabacan, Cotabato, 9407 Philippines; 2Colegio de Kidapawan, Kidapawan City, 9400 Philippines; 3Mindanao State University, Dinaig, Maguindanao, 9607 Philippines; *Corresponding Author, [email protected] The study aimed to document taxonomically the diversity of vascular in a rubber (Hevea brasiliensis (H.B.K.) Muell.-Arg.) agroforest in Makilala, North Cotabato, Philippines and identify species with economic importance. Species inventory in 23 plots was carried out using modified stripline- transect line method. The study identified 110 floral species co-occurring with rubber , of which 100 were angiosperms, nine pteridophytes and one gymnosperm. Dominant families include , Euphorbiaceae, , , , and . These plants are utilized as food, medicine and sources of construction materials while some are used as fodder for livestock, fuel wood, source of fiber and other industrial and household uses. Three of the eight identified species are critically endangered namely: validus, acuminata and almon, belonging to the family Dipterocarpaceae. The other five species categorized as vulnerable are: Macaranga bicolor, blancoi, paniculatus, Cyathea contaminans, and Drynara quercifolia. The presence of threatened and some economically but ecologically important plant species calls for a high protection and conservation priority.

Keywords: agroforest, critically endangered, rubber, vascular plants

INTRODUCTION thatplantationscanplayanimportantrolein biodiversity conservation and restorationof forest Clearing of forests and deforestation brought about by speciesparticularly when plantation management human activities have contributed to the continuous tends to balance environmental and economic goals. decline of the forests of the Philippines. As cited by Su Agroforestry is a working- farming system that et al. (2011), Philippine government classified about integrates crops or livestock or both with trees and 15 M ha or 53% of the total land area as forestland. .Itis about multipurpose land use and tree However, only 5.70 M ha or 37% classified as forest products are not always intended to be a source of land are actually forest covered. There had been a income, but considers the values of trees on the land general failure of development policies on use ofas being multiple and widely varied (Beetz 2002; natural resources. As a result, there is a continuing Simmon 2007). A well-designed agroforestry system loss of biodiversity and general degradation of the results in biological interactions that provide multiple environment. In addition,rapidandwidespread benefits, including diversified income sources, agricultural expansion poses serious threat to natural increased biological production, better water quality, ecosystems. Primary forests have been converted to and improved habitat for both humans and wildlife agricultural lands which is a foremost contributor for (Beetz 2002). This practice often allows landholders to biodiversity loss. The replacementofforests, utilize their land resources efficiently for maximum wetlands, savannahs and other native landscapes output.This has been common because ofits poses a threat in the capacity of the environment to numerous advantages compared to monocropping sustain foodproduction,maintain freshwater and method of cultivation (Verheij 2003). Agroforestry can other ecosystem services (Maeda et al. 2010). be economically viable and productive over the long term when well-managed. Moreover, such complex Ecosystem-based management attempts to regulate agroforestry in buffer zones of forest fragments can the use of ecosystems so that benefits can be derived assist in maintaining forest ecosystem integrity and from these ecosystems, while major modifications are building ecological corridors done so that basic ecosystem functions are preserved (Pirotetal.2000). Low levels of biodiversityin The sustainability of ecosystem services depends on agricultural plantation had been reported by Bremer the conservation of biodiversity. Thus, conservation is and Farley (2010). However, other studies suggested the prominent reason for studying biodiversity.Itis important to conduct biological surveys to document to opportunistic identification. Species found in every species present in the area because this will provide sampling plot were noted, and quick characterization, opportunities for the government as well as non- description and identification were done on site. For governmental organizations in crafting environmental each plant species in the survey area, the official policy, management, education and protection common name and widely accepted scientific name advocacies.Thisresearchwasundertaken to was placed first in the checklist. Several field guides taxonomically document and assess vascular plants were used from which the most appropriate local associated with rubber in a rubber agroforest. The name for the scientific name of the plant species was study aimed to determine present selected. These guides included the: de Guzman et species with economic importance. al. (1986), Hutchinson (1967), Pancho (1983), Pancho and Gruezo (2006; 2009), Rojo (1999), Salvoza (1963), Seeber (1979), and Whitemore (1975). MATERIALS AND METHODS Determination of Economic Importance of Plants The data presented in this paper were collected in Identified May 2010 in Platinum Rubber Development The economic importance of each species identified Corporation, Inc., Makilala, North Cotabato, was determined using published literatures/guides. A Philippines. The study area is located 6.81408° N focused group discussion (FGD) was conducted with 124.95744° E with an elevation of 152 masl and a local community people to determine the use of the IV climate according in Coronas' classification identifiedspecies. The panel was composed of which is characterized by rainfall throughout the year. community people among them being traditional folk While most of the total land area covered by the healers, farmers, homemakers and elders. plantation used rubbermonocropping method, agroforest system is also employed in some of the areas. The study used the rubber agroforest area as RESULTS AND DISCUSSION the survey site. Species of vascular plants identifiedin the rubber The study areaisplanted to Hevea brasiliensis agroforest under survey are shown in Table 1. They following the land contour on both sides of the river, are classified as Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, and with moderate to steep slopes and is not intercropped Pteridophytes. Angiosperms were further categorized with any other high-value crops (HVC). The owner did as tree, , herb, vine, palm, grass and sedge. A not employ any intercropping because he projected total of 110 taxa of vascular plants were recorded higher cost due to the hiring of more manpower. Also, from 23 plots representing 95 genera distributed in 58 the rubber trees are prone to contact diseases that families (Table 2). may come from the intercropped HVC. The rubber trees are 40 years old, and presently yield an average Angiosperms dominated in the community with 100 of 1.4 kg of latex per tree per 30 days. The trees were different species (91%), the Pteridophytes spaced at 2 m x 8 m because of the sloping terrain, represented 8% of thespecies,while only one with a rubber density of 628 trees per hectare. The species of Gymnosperm (Gnetum gnemon, plantation site was once a lowland dipterocarp forest, Gnetaceae) was found which make the 1% of the total with several tree and fern species. species. Out of the 100 angiosperms identified, 44 species (44%) were trees,15 shrubs (15%),13 Sampling Method species (13%) of vines, 13 species (13%) were herbs, The ModifiedStripline-Transect Line Method was 3 species (3%) of palms, 4 species (4%) of grasses, used to qualify allplants. Two transect lines were and 2 (2%) were sedges. established. The length of the transect lines varied depending on the size of the sampling site and the The total number of angiosperm species identified in terrain. This method was implemented to cover a wide the study was higher than what Diaz-Novellon et al. range of situations. In the first sampling site, a 200 m (2004) found in improved rubber agroforest in West- X 20 m sampling area was established (4000 m2 Kalimantan, with 96 species. The present sampling plot). This was done by laying a continuous study observed a low number of pteridophytes, which 200 m line/strip on the ground, measuring 10 m on is seven times lesser than what reported by Beukema both sides of the strip. The transect was divided into and van Noordwijk (2004) in a rubber agroforest in the 10 sampling plots or stations. Hence, each sampling lowlands of Jambi, Sumatra, where 65 species were plot measured 20 m X 20 m. The second line found. In the survey conducted by Beukema et al. measured 260 m X 20 m (5200 m2) with 13 sampling (2007) comparing plant diversity of the Indonesian stations. rubberagroforestwiththeprimaryforestand monoculture rubber plantations revealed that plant Species Identification and Nomenclature species richness in rubber agroforest was relatively A census within the transect line was done in addition higherthan in monoculturerubberplantations.

58 Vascular plants in rubber agroforest Table 1. Vascular plants in Platinum Rubber Plantation, Inc. Makilala, North Cotabato. Scientific Name Common Name Family Acanthus sp. Marabelos Acanthaceae Ageratum conyzoides (L). L. Goat weed Asteraceae Albizia acle (Blanco) Merr. Akle Fabaceae Albizia saponaria (Lour.) Miq. Salingkugi Fabaceae Alocasia portei Schott. Badiang Araceae Alpinia elegans (C. Presl.) K. Schum Tagbak Zingiberaceae Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. Dita Apocynaceae Amaranthus spinosus L. Urai/Kulitis Amaranthaceae Anamitta cocculus (L.) Wight. & Am. Ligtang Angiopteris palmifonnis (Cay.) C. Chr. Salagisog Marattiaceae Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall) R.Parker Kangko Meliaceae Arenga undulatifolia Becc. Anibong Arecaceae Artocarpus blancoi (Elmer) Merr. Antipolo Moraceae Artocarpus odoratissimus Blanco Marang Banguhan Moraceae Artocarpus ovatus Blanco Anubing Moraceae Astrocaryum standleyanum L. H. Bailey Black palm Arecaceae Bauhinia integtifolia Roxb. Agpoi Fabaceae coccinea Hook Angel-Wing Begonia Breynia vitis-idaea (Burm. f.) C. E. C. Fisch. Matanghipon Euphorbiaceae Bride lia insulana Hance Subiang Euphorbiaceae mucunoides Desv. Santing Fabaceae asperum Benth. Pagsahingin rumphiana Mart. Fishtail palm Arecaceae Cassia alata L. Acapulco Fabaceae Centrosema plumieri (Pers.) Benth. Centrosema Fabaceae Commelina benghalensis L. Alikbangon Commelinaceae barbatus Suess. Spiral ginger Cratoxylum sumatranum (Jack) Blume Pag-uringon Clusiaceae Cyathea contaminans (Wall. ex Hook.) Cope!. Pakong Buwaya Cyatheaceae Cyclea merrillii Die Is. Cyclea Menispermaceae Cyperus rotundus L. Mutha Cyperaceae Dendrocnide luzonensis (Wedd.) Chew Lipa Urticaceae Denis elliptica (Roxb.)Benth. Tub li Fabaceae Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.f.) Underw. Kilob Gleicheniaceae Dioscorea pentaphylla L. Lima-lima Discoreaceae Turcz. Balobo Dipterocatpus validus Blume Hagakhak Dipterocarpaceae Donax canniformis ( G. Forst.) K. Schum. Banban Marantaceae Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Sm. Kabkab Polypodiaceae Elephantopus tomentosus L Dilang baka Asteraceae Euphorbia hirta L. Tawa-tawa Euphorbiaceae Evodia confusa Merr. Bugawak Rutaceae Ficus balete Merr. Balete Moraceae Ficus bottyocarpa Miq. var. linearifolia (Elmer) Corner Daing-daing Moraceae Ficus congesta Roxb. var. Malatibig Moraceae Ficus heteropleura Blume Up ling buntotan Moraceae Ficus heteropoda Miq. Alangas Moraceae Ficus magnoliifolia Blume Kanapai Moraceae Ficus minahassae (Teijsm. & Vriese) Miq. Hagimit Moraceae Ficus odorata (Blanco) Merr. Pakiling Moraceae Ficus religiosa L. Bo tree/ Sacred tree Moraceae Ficus ruficaulis Merr. Tabgun Moraceae Ficus septica Burm. f. Hawili Moraceae Garcinia dives Pierre Pildes Clusiaceae Glochidion album (Blanco) Boerl. Malabagang Phyllantaceae Glochidion canescens Elmer Bagnang abuhin Euphorbiaceae Gnetum gnemon L. Bago Gnetaceae Gymnacranthera farquhatiana (Hook.f.& Thomson.) Warb. Anuping Myristicaceae Heliconia rostrata Ruiz & Pay. Lobster Claw Heliconiaceae Hernandia ovigera L. Koron-Koron Hernandiaceae Homalanthus populneus (Geiseler) Pax. Malabalante Euphorbiaceae philippinensis Engl. Alupaye Araceae

AR Agduma et al 59 Table 1. Continued... Scientific Name Common Name Family Hopea acuminata Merr. Manggachapui Dipterocarpaceae lchnocarpus volubilis (Lour.) Merr. Hingiw Apocynaceae lmperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. Cogon Poaceae 1pomoea aquatica Forssk. Kangkong Convolvulaceae 1pomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. Kamkamote Convoivulaceae Leea guineense G. Don Mali-mali Leeaceae Leucosyke capitellata (Poir.) Wedd. Alagasi Urticaceae Lindera apoensis Elmer Sarirab Lauraceae Litsea perrottetii (Blume) F. -Viii. Marang Lauraceae Macaranga bicolor Muell.-Arg. Hamindang Euphorbiaceae Magnolia sp. Magnolia Magnoliaceae Mal lotus resinosus (Blanco) Merr. Gitisan Euphorbiaceae Melastoma malabathricum L. Malatungao Melastomataceae Melicope triphylla (Lam.) Merr. Matang araw Rutaceae Mimosa pudica L. Makahiya Fabaceae Musa sp. Banana Musaceae Myristica elliptica Wall. Ex Hook. F. & Thorns. Tanghas Myristicaceae Neonauclea formicaria (Elmer) Merr. Hambabalod Nephelium lappaceum L. Sapindaceae Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott. Alolokdo Nephrolepidaceae Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz. Pingkapinkahan Bignoniaceae Pandanus exaltatus Blanco Pandan Layugan Pandanaceae Pangium edule Reinw. Ex Blume Pangi Flacourtiaceae Papualthia lanceolata (Vidal) Merr. Anulang Annonaceae Paspalum conjugatum P.J.Bergius Carabao grass Poaceae Passiflora sp. Pasiflora Passifloraceae Phaleria perrottetiana (Decne) Fern.-Vil.) Tuka Thymelaeaceae Piper interruptum Opiz. Pamintang Aso Piperaceae Pityrogramma calomelanos var. austroamericana (Domin) Farw. Silver Fern Pteridaceae Polyscias nodosa (Blume) Seem Malapapaya Araliaceae Pometia pinnata J.R. Forst. & G. Forst Malugai Sapindaceae Sandoricum koetjape (Burm.f.) Merr. Santol Meliaceae Schefflera odorata (Blanco) Merr. & Rolfe Galamay-amo Araliaceae rupestris Zoll. & Moritzi ex Zoll. Pihau Araceae lima (Blanco) Merr. Fishing Rod Poaceae Scleria scrobiculata Nees & Meyen Arat / Sarat Cyperaceae Selaginella plana (Desv. ex Poir.) Heiron. Kamariang Gubat Selaginellaceae Setaria palmifolia (Koenig.) Stapf. Ayas-as Poaceae Shorea almon Foxw. Almon Dipterocarpaceae Spathodea campanulata P.Beauv. African Tulip Bignoniaceae Spathoglottis plicata Blume Ground Orchid Orchidaceae Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl. Kandikandilaan Verbenaceae Stenochlaena palustris (Berm. f.) Bedd. Diliman Blechnaceae Strelitzia regime Ait. Bird of Paradise Strelitziaceae Syzygium densinervium (Merr.) Merr. Salakadan Myrtaceae Thelypteris terminans (J. Sm.) Tagawa & K. Iwats Lokdo Thelypteridaceae Uvaria grandiflora Roxb. Susong-kalabaw Annonaceae

Table 2. Taxonomic inventory of vascular plants in Platinum Rubber Plantation, Inc. Makilala, North Cotabato. Total Number of Plant Groups Families Genera Species Angiosperm 100 Trees 19 32 44 Shrubs 12 15 15 Herbs 15 18 18 Vines 9 13 14 Palms 1 3 3 Grasses 1 4 4 Sedges 1 2 2 Gymnosperm 1 1 1 Pteridophyte 9 9 9 Total 110

60 Vascular plants in rubber agroforest However, species richness in rubber agroforest was Poaceae lower intrees and other vascular plants thanin primaryforestbutslightlyhigherin terrestrial Moraceae pteridophytes. Fabaceae The most important families,namely: Moraceae, Euphorbiaceae Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae with14,8 and 7 Dipterocarpaceae species,respectively, had the highest number of species recorded (Figure 1). This was followed by Arecaceae Poaceae. Other important families were Araceae Dipterocarpaceae,Arecaceae and Araceae.The remaining 51 plant families were represented by less 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 than three species. This conforms with the study of Madulid (2000) in Samar, Philippines, where some of Figure 1. The most common families recorded from the dominant families include Euphorbiaceae, 23 plotsin the study area (Platinum Arecaceae/Palmae, Dipterocarpaceae, Moraceae, Rubber Development, Inc., Makilala, North Cotabato, May 2010). and Fabaceae/Leguminosae.

Occurrence of Threatened Plant Species primary forests at low elevations, but their population The question whether agroforestry system could is decreasing due to logging and slash and burn contribute to the conservation of forest plant species farming (de Guzman et al.1981). is very significant. Thus, the conservation status of the species identified was assessed according to the Another five threatened plants were also identified, definition of Fernando et al. (2008), the International namely: Macaranga bicolor (Hamindang, Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Euphorbiaceae), Artocarpus blancoi (Antipolo, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Moraceae), Diplodiscus paniculatus (Balobo, (DENR). Conservation status assessment revealed Malvaceae), Drynaria quercifolia (Kabkab, the occurrence of eight threatened species, namely: Polypodiaceae) and Cyathea contaminans (Pakong Hopea acuminata,Shoreaalmon,Dipterocarpus buwaya,Cyatheaceae),allbeingclassifiedas The assessment ofthe validus,Macarangabicolor,Artocarpusblancoi, . Diplodiscus paniculatus, Cyathea contaminans, and conservationstatusof Aphanamixis polystachya Drynara quercifolia. (Kangko, Meliaceae) revealed that it has a vulnerable status (Fernando et al. 2008). However, IUCN (2010) categorized it under lower risk, least concern (LR/Ic) Fernandoetal.(2008)classifiedH.acuminata (Manggachapui) as critically endangered (CR) and S. category or other wildlife species (OWS). Itis not almon (Almon) as vulnerable (VU) species. However, threatenedbuthasthetendencytobecome IUCN assessed S. almon as critically endangered as threatened due to predation and destruction of habitat with H. acuminata. On the other hand, D. validus was or other similar causes. On the other hand, not included in the threatened list of Fernando et al. Syzygium densinervium (Salakadan, Myrtaceae) was (2008) but a critically endangered taxon in IUCN assessed as "other threatened species" (OTS) which redlist.Thus,thisstudyidentifiedthreecritically is equivalent to IUCN's lower risk, near threatened endangered speciesinthe area as follows:H. (LR/nt) category; i.e.it is not yet threatened but is acuminata, S. almon and D. validus, all belonging to under threat from adverse factors, such as over collection, throughout their range and is likely to move the family Dipterocarpaceae. tothevulnerablecategoryinthenearfuture Critically endangered species refers to species or (Fernando et al. 2008). subspecies facing extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. Vulnerable species, Eight out of 110 species (7%) occurring in the study on the other hand, refers to a species or subspecies area were assessed as threatened, which were either that is neither critically endangered nor endangered critically endangered or vulnerable. This information is but is under threat from adverse factors throughout essential because there are plant species inhabiting their range and is likely to move to the endangered the area which are considered to be 'vanishing in the category in the near future (Fernando et al. 2008). It is wild' and if not because of the present study, no also important to note that, H. acuminata is endemic baseline knowledge could be generated that the to the Philippine islands, that is, it is only found in the rubber plantation in this side of the country maintains species that are nearing extinction. Thus, there is a country(Pancho1983). A studyconductedby Langenberger (2006) in Leyte recorded fragments of need to protect and conserve their habitat. D. validus from its former distribution in which it was concluded that the species lost most of its potential It is also .important to note that the study area was habitat. H. acuminata and S. almon are common in once a lowland dipterocarp forest, along with several tree and different fern species before it was converted

AR Agduma et al 61 to a rubber plantation. McNeely and Schroth (2006) available, they are priced the same way.Light affirmed that agroforestry practices increase levels of construction materials are priced between Php 15-25 wild biodiversity on farmland, and are also able to play per board foot. a supporting role in the conservation of biodiversity in remnants of natural habitat that are interspersed with The of Cassia alata or Acapulco are widely farmland. used by the local community people to treat skin diseases. The leaves of Elephantopus tomentosus Occurrence of Plant Species with Economic and are crushed or powdered and freelyappliedto Ecological Significance wounds as a vulnerary and a decoction of the whole The indigenous cultural communities (ICC) or the plant or of parts is given as a diuretic and as a ethnic tribes living within or at the periphery of the febrifuge whereas the leaves of Alagasi (Leukosyke forest have direct access to exploit forest resources. capitellata)are reportedto be a good cure for They rely on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for carbuncles, and a decoction of its roots is an efficient subsistence. As noted by Lapis (1995), NTFPs diuretic and also prescribed for asthma and coughs. include all forest products except timber, i.e. bamboo, Traditionally, the crushed leaves of Dicranopteris rattan, palm and palm products, fiber and bast fiber linearis are applied as a poultice to control fever; the plants, resins, gums and other exudates, seed and plant is also used to get rid of intestinal worms and to essential oils, vines and ferns, dyes, wild food plants, treat boils,ulcers and wounds. Other plants with medicinal and pesticidal plants, among others. NTFPs medicinal value includeScleriascrobiculata and are second only to timber in importance because Nephrolepis biserrata. The latter is used for blisters, tropical forests have been traditionally managed for boils, abscesses and sores. Derris elliptica and timber products, yet these are integral components of on the other hand, are known for the forest ecosystem. Moreover, NTFPs are also used their pesticidal activity. by forest dwellers as raw materials for cottage and pharmaceutical industries. In most part, NTFPs are Edibleplants werealsolistedwithArtocarpus directly consumed as fuel wood, fodder for livestocks odoratissimus (Marang bang uhan), Musa sp. and food (Lapis 1995). (Banana) and Sandoricum koetjape (Santo!) being the most common. The and of these plants Local community people living near the study area are important to vertebrates and insects making them were familiar with the potential uses of the plant ecologically and biologically important. A number of species,particularlyas:construction materials, Nephelium lappaceum (Rambutan), an edible plant, medicine, food, and as ornamental plants. Thirty-six was also found in the area. The fruits however are not species were identified as sources of construction soldbutareintendedforplantationworkers' materials, such as the high grades or hard timbers of consumption. These plants are not intercropped but Dipterocarpspecies,suchas:D. validus, H. grew in the area as dispersed by animals. Like acuminata, and S. almon. The family rambutan, the fruits of Ficus botryocarpa are also Dipterocarpaceae produces the bulk of commercial eaten. The stem of Piper interruptum,tuber of wood in the country. Laarman et al. (1994) reported Dioscoreapentaphylla, leaves ofAmaranthus that one dipterocarp tree of 60-70 cm in diameter at spinosus, Ipomoea aquatica and young fronds of breast height generally yields 3-5 m3 of saleable Stenochlaena palustris and C. contaminans are used timber. Other examples of high-grade construction as vegetables by the locals. materials include: Albizia acle, A. saponaria, and Ficus balete. Light construction materials include A. Other plants identified are used as ornamentals, tying polystachya, Artocarpus ovatus, Bridelia insulana, D. material, and for other household uses. Common paniculatus, Evodia confusa, Ficus magnoliifolia, F. ornamental plants include Begonia coccinea, minahassae, F. odorata, F. religiosa, F. ruficaulis, F. Spathoglottis plicata,Strelitzia reginae, Angiopteris palmiformis, C. contaminans, Pityrogramma septica,Garciniadives, Glochidioncanescens, calomelanus,Passiflorasp., Uvariagrandiflora, Gymnacranthera farquhariana,Hemandia ovigera, Astrocaryum standleyanum,Thelypteris terminans, Homalanthus populneus, Lindera apoensis,Litsea Caryota rhumphiana, and Costus barbatus. Bauhinia perrottetii. M. bicolor, Melicope triphylla, Neonauclea integrifolia, Cyclea merrillii, Ichnocarpus volubilis and sp., Mal lotus resinosus, formicaria, Magnolia 1pomoea obscura, are used as tying materials. Papualthialanceolata, Cratoxylumsumatranum, Canarium asperum, and G. gnemon. A survey done Donax cannaeformis(Bamban)isoneofthe on Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-registered substitutes of rattan as local material used in novelty wood furniture shops in the vicinity of the rubber items such as placemats, baskets, flowerpot holders plantation found that manggachapui (H. acuminata) as well as Pandanus exaltatus whereas Imperata commands the highest price of Php 55 per board foot. cylindrica was noted important as roofing material. Another high-grade construction material available for Fishing rod bamboo, Schizostachyum lima, is also an them to make furniture is narra (P. indicus) priced at important walling material. Still, other plants are used more than Php 50 per board foot, depending on the as firewood and charcoal production while some are size and grade of wood. If other high-grade woods are used as animal feeds, bait and forage crops.

62 Vascular plants in rubber agroforest Considered as ecologically important species,10 -Zonal Research Center (CHED-ZRC). Dr. Emma K. species offigtree(Ficus spp.) wereidentified. Sales, CHED-ZRC Director, provided guidance on the According to Madulid (2000), the fruits of these plants project. Heartfelt gratitude is also due to those who are eaten by mammals and birds, hence, of ecological cooperated in the survey. and biological importance. He added that numerous species of Ficus are endemic to the Philippines but they are less threatened compared to the Dipterocarp REFERENCES species. Paspalum conjugatum, Calopogonium mucunoides,Centrosema plumiereandMimosa Beetz AE.2002.Agroforestry:anoverview.National pudica are common examples of naturally growing Sustainable Agriculture Service. Appropriate cover crops. These are important in maintaining soil Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA). 20 pp. fertility through prevention of soil erosion and nutrient Beukema H, Danielsen F, Vincent G, Hardiwinoto S. van recycling. Other examples of weeds present in the AndelJ.2007.Plant and birddiversityinrubber area areCyperus rotundas, 1. cylindrica, 1. aquatica, 1. agroforestsin the lowlands of Sumatra, Indonesia. obscura, A. spinosus, Commelina benghalensisand Agroforestry System 70: 217-242. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis. Beukema H, van Noordwijk M. 2004. Terrestrial pteridophytes as indicators of a forest-like environment CONCLUSION in rubber production systems in the lowlands of Jambi, Sumatra. Agriculture,Ecosystems and Environment Conservation of biodiversity is just one of the potential 104: 63-73. contributions and services that a rubber agroforest Bremer LL,Farley KA. 2010. Does plantation forestry canprovide.Thisbiodiversitystudyonrubber restorebiodiversityorcreategreendeserts? A agroforest in Makilala, North Cotabato revealed the synthesis of the effects of land-use transitions on plant area being a refuge of economically important plant species richness. Biodiversity and Conservation 19: species used for food, fodder, timbers, medicines, 3893-3915. ornaments, and other household uses. Moreover, the de Guzman E, Umali RC, Sotalbo ET. 1986. Guide to presence of eight threatened species (three critically Philippine Flora and Fauna: Philippine Dipterocarp, Vol. endangered and five vulnerable), and a number of 2 and 3. Natural Resources Management Center, JMC ecologically important species highlighted the Press Inc. Quezon City, Phil. 414 p. importance of an agroforest to support biodiversity. Diaz- Novel Ion S, Penot E, Arnaud M. Theresultsofthestudyprovide benchmark 2004. Characterisation of biodiversityin improved informationonthefloraldiversityinarubber rubber agroforests in West-Kalimantan, Indonesia. real agroforest consistent with the ecosystem approach to and potential Uses for Spontaneous Plants Inc.In: Gergold G, Fremerey M, Guhardjae, editors. Land-use, natural resource managementand biodiversity Nature Conversation and thestabilityof rainforest conservation. margins in Southeast Asia. 19 p. Fernando ES, Co LL, Lagunzad DA, Gruezo WS, Barcelona JF, Madulid DA, Lapis AP, Texon GI, Manila AC, and RECOMMENDATIONS Zamora PM. 2008. Threatened plants ofthe Philippines:Apreliminaryassessment.AsiaLife Itis more practical and feasibleif the plantation Sciences. Supplement 3. 1-52. manager has the spirit of conservation by balancing HutchinsonJ.1967. The generaof floweringplants. environmental concern with economic profit.In the Volume 2. Oxford University Press. London. 659 p. case of the rubber plantation in Makilala under study, IUCN 2010. Red list of Threatened Species. Version 2010.4. it is recommended that the management continue to www.iucnredlist.org. Accessed 20 April 2011. adopt its present cultural practices where the diverse forest species are conserved and allowed to grow Laarman JG, Stewart EJ, and Dugan PC. 1994. The economics of extractioninPhilippine forests: when alongwiththerubbertrees.Moreover,having timber turns to gold. Southeastern Center for Forest understood its economic potential, economic analysis Economics Research, Research Triangle Park, NC. of rubber agroforest system should be conducted FPEI Working Paper No. 54. 22 p. comparing its profitability with other land practices to strengthen initiatives of promoting rubber agroforest Langenberger G. 2006. Habitat distribution of dipterocarp species in the Leyte Cordillera: an Indicator for species- as a vital tool to conserve biodiversity. site suitability in local reforestation programs. Annals of Forest Science 63:149-156.

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