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

Copyright 2011, Crop Science Society of the Philippines

Diversity of Vascular Plant Species 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 Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, 9407 Philippines;
2Colegio de Kidapawan, Kidapawan City, 9400 Philippines; 3Mindanao State University, Dinaig, Maguindanao,
9607 Philippines; *Corresponding Author, geloagduma@gmail.com

The study aimed to document taxonomically the diversity of vascular plants 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 trees, of which 100
were angiosperms, nine pteridophytes and one gymnosperm. Dominant families include Moraceae,
Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Araceae and Poaceae. 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: Dipterocarpus validus, Hopea acuminata and Shorea almon, belonging to
the family Dipterocarpaceae. The other five species categorized as vulnerable are: Macaranga bicolor,
Artocarpus blancoi, Diplodiscus 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 that plantations can play an important role in

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

pteridophytes. Fabaceae

The most important families, namely: Moraceae, Euphorbiaceae

Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae with 14, 8 and 7 Dipterocarpaceae

species, respectively, had the highest number of Arecaceae
species recorded (Figure 1). This was followed by
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 plots in the study area (Platinum
Arecaceae/Palmae, Dipterocarpaceae, Moraceae, Rubber Development, Inc., Makilala, North
Cotabato, May 2010).
and Fabaceae/Leguminosae.

Occurrence of Threatened Plant Species
The question whether agroforestry system could
contribute to the conservation of forest plant species
is very significant. Thus, the conservation status of the
species identified was assessed according to the
definition of Fernando et al. (2008), the International
Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR). Conservation status assessment revealed
the occurrence of eight threatened species, namely:
Hopea acuminata, Shorea almon, Dipterocarpus
validus, Macaranga bicolor, Artocarpus blancoi,
Diplodiscus paniculatus, Cyathea contaminans, and
Drynara quercifolia.
Fernando et al. (2008) classified H. acuminata
(Manggachapui) as critically endangered (CR) and S.
almon (Almon) as vulnerable (VU) species. However,
IUCN assessed S. almon as critically endangered as
with H. acuminata. On the other hand, D. validus was
not included in the threatened list of Fernando et al.
(2008) but a critically endangered taxon in IUCN
redlist. Thus, this study identified three critically
endangered species in the area as follows: H.
acuminata, S. almon and D. validus, all belonging to
the family Dipterocarpaceae.
Critically endangered species refers to species or
subspecies facing extremely high risk of extinction in
the wild in the immediate future. Vulnerable species,
on the other hand, refers to a species or subspecies
that is neither critically endangered nor endangered
but is under threat from adverse factors throughout
their range and is likely to move to the endangered
category in the near future (Fernando et al. 2008). It is
also important to note that, H. acuminata is endemic
to the Philippine islands, that is, it is only found in the
(Pancho 1983). A study conducted by
country
Langenberger (2006) in Leyte recorded fragments of
D. validus from its former distribution in which it was
concluded that the species lost most of its potential
habitat. H. acuminata and S. almon are common in
primary forests at low elevations, but their population
is decreasing due to logging and slash and burn
farming (de Guzman et al.1981).
Another five threatened plants were also identified,
namely: Macaranga bicolor (Hamindang,
Euphorbiaceae), Artocarpus blancoi (Antipolo,
Moraceae), Diplodiscus paniculatus (Balobo,
Malvaceae), Drynaria quercifolia (Kabkab,
Polypodiaceae) and Cyathea contaminans (Pakong
buwaya, Cyatheaceae), all being classified as
vulnerable species. The assessment of the
conservation status of Aphanamixis polystachya
(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)
category or other wildlife species (OWS). It is not
threatened but has the tendency to become
threatened due to predation and destruction of habitat
or other similar causes. On the other hand,
Syzygium densinervium (Salakadan, Myrtaceae) was
assessed as "other threatened species" (OTS) which
is equivalent to IUCN's lower risk, near threatened
(LR/nt) category; i.e. it is not yet threatened but is
under threat from adverse factors, such as over
collection, throughout their range and is likely to move
to the vulnerable category in the near future
(Fernando et al. 2008).
Eight out of 110 species (7%) occurring in the study
area were assessed as threatened, which were either
critically endangered or vulnerable. This information is
essential because there are plant species inhabiting
the area which are considered to be 'vanishing in the
wild' and if not because of the present study, no
baseline knowledge could be generated that the
rubber plantation in this side of the country maintains
species that are nearing extinction. Thus, there is a
need to protect and conserve their habitat.
It is also .important to note that the study area was
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)
affirmed that agroforestry practices increase levels of
wild biodiversity on farmland, and are also able to play
a supporting role in the conservation of biodiversity in
remnants of natural habitat that are interspersed with
farmland.
Occurrence of Plant Species with Economic and
Ecological Significance
The indigenous cultural communities (ICC) or the
ethnic tribes living within or at the periphery of the
forest have direct access to exploit forest resources.
They rely on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for
subsistence. As noted by Lapis (1995), NTFPs
include all forest products except timber, i.e. bamboo,
rattan, palm and palm products, fiber and bast fiber
plants, resins, gums and other exudates, seed and
essential oils, vines and ferns, dyes, wild food plants,
medicinal and pesticidal plants, among others. NTFPs
are second only to timber in importance because
tropical forests have been traditionally managed for
timber products, yet these are integral components of
the forest ecosystem. Moreover, NTFPs are also used
by forest dwellers as raw materials for cottage and
pharmaceutical industries. In most part, NTFPs are
directly consumed as fuel wood, fodder for livestocks
and food (Lapis 1995).
Local community people living near the study area
were familiar with the potential uses of the plant
species, particularly as: construction materials,
medicine, food, and as ornamental plants. Thirty-six
species were identified as sources of construction
materials, such as the high grades or hard timbers of
Dipterocarp species, such as: D. validus, H.
acuminata, and S. almon. The family
Dipterocarpaceae produces the bulk of commercial
wood in the country. Laarman et al. (1994) reported
that one dipterocarp tree of 60-70 cm in diameter at
breast height generally yields 3-5 m3 of saleable
timber. Other examples of high-grade construction
materials include: Albizia acle, A. saponaria, and
Ficus balete. Light construction materials include A.
polystachya, Artocarpus ovatus, Bridelia insulana, D.
paniculatus, Evodia confusa, Ficus magnoliifolia, F.
minahassae, F. odorata, F. religiosa, F. ruficaulis, F.
septica, Garcinia dives, Glochidion canescens,
Gymnacranthera farquhariana, Hemandia ovigera,
Homalanthus populneus, Lindera apoensis, Litsea
perrottetii. M. bicolor, Melicope triphylla, Neonauclea
formicaria, Magnolia sp., Mal lotus resinosus,
Papualthia lanceolata, Cratoxylum sumatranum,
Canarium asperum, and G. gnemon. A survey done
on Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-registered
wood furniture shops in the vicinity of the rubber
plantation found that manggachapui (H. acuminata)
commands the highest price of Php 55 per board foot.
Another high-grade construction material available for
them to make furniture is narra (P. indicus) priced at
more than Php 50 per board foot, depending on the
size and grade of wood. If other high-grade woods are
62
available, they are priced the same way. Light
construction materials are priced between Php 15-25
per board foot.
The leaves of Cassia alata or Acapulco are widely
used by the local community people to treat skin
diseases. The leaves of Elephantopus tomentosus
are crushed or powdered and freely applied to
wounds as a vulnerary and a decoction of the whole
plant or of parts is given as a diuretic and as a
febrifuge whereas the leaves of Alagasi (Leukosyke
capitellata) are reported to be a good cure for
carbuncles, and a decoction of its roots is an efficient
diuretic and also prescribed for asthma and coughs.
Traditionally, the crushed leaves of Dicranopteris
linearis are applied as a poultice to control fever; the
plant is also used to get rid of intestinal worms and to
treat boils, ulcers and wounds. Other plants with
medicinal value include Scleria scrobiculata and
Nephrolepis biserrata. The latter is used for blisters,
boils, abscesses and sores. Derris elliptica and
Anamirta cocculus on the other hand, are known for
their pesticidal activity.
Edible plants were also listed with Artocarpus
odoratissimus (Marang bang uhan), Musa sp.
(Banana) and Sandoricum koetjape (Santo!) being the
most common. The flowers and fruits of these plants
are important to vertebrates and insects making them
ecologically and biologically important. A number of
Nephelium lappaceum (Rambutan), an edible plant,
was also found in the area. The fruits however are not
sold but are intended for plantation workers'
consumption. These plants are not intercropped but
grew in the area as dispersed by animals. Like
rambutan, the fruits of Ficus botryocarpa are also
eaten. The stem of Piper interruptum, tuber of
Dioscorea pentaphylla, leaves of Amaranthus
spinosus, Ipomoea aquatica and young fronds of
Stenochlaena palustris and C. contaminans are used
as vegetables by the locals.
Other plants identified are used as ornamentals, tying
material, and for other household uses. Common
ornamental plants include Begonia coccinea,
Spathoglottis plicata, Strelitzia reginae, Angiopteris
palmiformis, C. contaminans, Pityrogramma
calomelanus, Passiflora sp., Uvaria grandiflora,
Astrocaryum standleyanum, Thelypteris terminans,
Caryota rhumphiana, and Costus barbatus. Bauhinia
integrifolia, Cyclea merrillii, Ichnocarpus volubilis and
1pomoea obscura, are used as tying materials.
Donax cannaeformis (Bamban) is one of the
substitutes of rattan as local material used in novelty
items such as placemats, baskets, flowerpot holders
as well as Pandanus exaltatus whereas Imperata
cylindrica was noted important as roofing material.
Fishing rod bamboo, Schizostachyum lima, is also an
important walling material. Still, other plants are used
as firewood and charcoal production while some are
used as animal feeds, bait and forage crops.
Vascular plants in rubber agroforest
Considered as ecologically important species, 10
species of fig tree (Ficus spp.) were identified.
According to Madulid (2000), the fruits of these plants
are eaten by mammals and birds, hence, of ecological
and biological importance. He added that numerous
species of Ficus are endemic to the Philippines but
they are less threatened compared to the Dipterocarp
species. Paspalum conjugatum, Calopogonium
mucunoides, Centrosema plumiere and Mimosa
pudica are common examples of naturally growing
cover crops. These are important in maintaining soil
fertility through prevention of soil erosion and nutrient
recycling. Other examples of weeds present in the
area are Cyperus rotundas, 1. cylindrica, 1. aquatica, 1.
obscura, A. spinosus, Commelina benghalensis and
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis.
CONCLUSION
Conservation of biodiversity is just one of the potential
contributions and services that a rubber agroforest
can provide. This biodiversity study on rubber
agroforest in Makilala, North Cotabato revealed the
area being a refuge of economically important plant
species used for food, fodder, timbers, medicines,
ornaments, and other household uses. Moreover, the
presence of eight threatened species (three critically
endangered and five vulnerable), and a number of
ecologically important species highlighted the
importance of an agroforest to support biodiversity.
The results of the study provide benchmark
information on the floral diversity in a rubber
agroforest consistent with the ecosystem approach to
natural resource management and biodiversity
conservation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is more practical and feasible if the plantation
manager has the spirit of conservation by balancing
environmental concern with economic profit. In the
case of the rubber plantation in Makilala under study,
it is recommended that the management continue to
adopt its present cultural practices where the diverse
forest species are conserved and allowed to grow
along with the rubber trees. Moreover, having
understood its economic potential, economic analysis
of rubber agroforest system should be conducted
comparing its profitability with other land practices to
strengthen initiatives of promoting rubber agroforest
as a vital tool to conserve biodiversity.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This is part of the research project entitled: Floristic
and Wildlife Survey and Conservation in Protected
Areas, Rubber and Oil Palm Plantations in North
Cotabato funded by Commission on Higher Education
AR Agduma et al
-Zonal Research Center (CHED-ZRC). Dr. Emma K.
Sales, CHED-ZRC Director, provided guidance on the
project. Heartfelt gratitude is also due to those who
cooperated in the survey.
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