Monday, December 6, 2010

Scientists discover endemic plant species in Camiguin


AFTER the discovery of "Kulasisi" (Loriculus camiguinensis) which scientists say can only be found in this volcanic pear shaped island of Camiguin in the northern part of Mindanao, Philippines, scientists discovered anew some interesting flower and plant species which are endemic in Camiguin.

A team of Singaporean scientists who recently visited Camiguin has confirmed that some interesting flower and plant species are found in the rain-forest of Camiguin, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) report says.

Most of the plants identified are endemic in the island.

Scientists identified these as red and yellow colored rhododendron orchid, begonia, nepenthes pitcher plant, spathoglottis orchid, aeschymanthus, balanophora plant, lopidium moss and the coral fugus.

They said bryophytes are chiefly terrestrial, nonvascular plants, like the mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.

Dr. Lesley C. Lubos who made the study on the diversity of bryophytes plants in Camiguin, has led to the discovery of these plants, the report says.

Lubos, a faculty member of the Liceo de Cagayan University, was among the Ten Outstanding Filipino Researchers in 2009 awarded during the 4th National Research Forum held in Aklan State University, Boracay, Aklan, on December 12, 2009.

Dr. Lubos, in a press release, said it took him a month to finish the study under the mentorship of Singaporean Bryologist and a herbarium keeper Dr. Benito C. Tan. The study focuses on the importance of bryophytes in preserving the forest ecosystem, he added.

Because of this study, more scientists are visiting the province and discovered some interesting endangered flowers and other plant species here.

As this developed, the provincial government, in cooperation with the Office of Lady McNiece in Singapore, Philippine Association of Institutions for Research and the Liceo the Cagayan University are now actively campaigning for the protection of the endangered plant and flower species in Camiguin.

A poster has been posted around the island showing the images of the flowers and plant bearing the slogan "Discover, Enjoy and Conserve the richness of the plant diversity in Camiguin Island."

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