Ethnomedicinal Properties and Distribution of Macrolichens in Mt. Apo Natural Park, Davao, Philippines

Abstract

The distribution of epiphytic macrolichens in the montane forest of Mt. Apo Natural Park was investigated. The overall objective of the study was to determine the species richness, composition, taxonomy and ecology of the macrolichen species; recognize their medicinal properties and identify the conservation status of the species as rare, endemic and endangered. Transect method and 8 randomly quadrat plots were sampled in a 20 x 20 m plot in a 12 hectares of the montane forest identified as lower and upper montane. Taxonomic treatments of the collected macrolichens species were performed in the field and in the laboratory.The curren study revealed 117 macrolichens species belonging to 19 genera and 9 families. Comparison of the taxa were based upon observable characters such as the notable growth forms and mirohabitats distribution of species that are closely epiphytic on tree trunks is represented by family Lobariaceae. Local assessment further revealed 2 critically endangered lichens species namely: Lobaria retigera (Bory) Trevisan and Pseudocyphellaria aurata (Ach.) and 1 species nearly threatened, Usnea sp. Of the collected species, 8 macrolichens were noted to have ethnobotanically recorded with medicinal properties. The macrolichens distributions in the park suggests that environmental and ecological interactions within and among the species play an important role in the dynamics of the forest ecosystem. It is therefore recommended that a stronger effort in the documentation and its floristic analysis on their occurrence to ensure their survival and diversity. Keywords : conservation status, ethnobotany, floristic, taxonomic characters