Species Richness, Assessment, and Distribution of Zingiberaceae in the Forest Patches of Barangay Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon: Species Richness, Assessment, and Distribution of Zingiberaceae in Kalabugao forests, Bukidnon, Philippines

Jorengel Mae  M. LABO; Noe  P. MENDEZ

doi:10.51200/jtbc.v23i.6170

Authors

Jorengel Mae M. LABO Plant Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Mindanao University, University Town, Musuan, Maramag, 8714, Bukidnon, Philippines.
Noe P. MENDEZ Plant Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Mindanao University, University Town, Musuan, Maramag, 8714, Bukidnon, Philippines.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51200/jtbc.v23i.6170

Keywords:

Wild Gingers, morphological characteristics, endemic, conservation status

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the Zingiberaceae species, assess their conservation status and endemism, and generate a distribution map of the species within the forest patches of Barangay Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. Transect walks were performed along established trails, with 5 meters on each side, covering 200 meters for every 2 kilometers. Opportunistic sampling was also carried out across four selected study sites: Site 1 (mid-elevation of Sitio Nasandigan), Site 2 (Mt. Palusongan in Sitio Nasandigan), Site 3 (secondary forest in Sigayan Forest, Sitio Ulayanon), and Site 4 (dipterocarp forest in Barangay Kalabugao). Data revealed 17 Zingiberaceae species (13.05% of the total Zingiberaceae species in the Philippines), representing seven genera, two tribes (Alpinieae and Zingibereae), and two subfamilies (Alpinioideae and Zingiberoideae). The cluster analysis revealed three major groups: Cluster I with eight species, Cluster II with four species, and Cluster III with five species. The study identified two endangered species – Etlingera lacerata Naive and Hedychium philippinense K.Schum., and 10 species of gingers are endemic to the Philippines. Zingiberaceae species were widely distributed across the four forest patches in the area, with only one species found in site 1, eleven species in site 2, three species in site 3, and four species in site 4. The findings of this study are helpful to the local government of Barangay Kalabugao to guide management and promote conservation strategies that could help protect and preserve the remaining Zingiberaceae species in the area.

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