Fern Species Research Articles

In vitro propagation of the rare fern Polystichum craspedosorum (Maxim.) Diels. via green globular bodies

Polystichum craspedosorum (Maxim.) Diels. is a rare species of fern listed in the Red Data Book of the Amur Region. Cultivation of ferns in vitro via green globular bodies (GGBs) is a promising direction for the conservation and reproduction of ferns. The objective of the study was to estimate the efficiency of different media on GGB propagation and sporophyte regeneration of P. craspedosorum. Two media options were effective for GGB propagation and sporophyte regeneration: 1/2MS without ammonium nitrate, vitamins and plant growth regulators (variant 1) and 1/2MS without plant growth regulators (variant 2), both of which were also supplemented with 2 % sucrose and 0.8 % agar, and adjusted to pH 5.8. At the same time, media containing a single cytokinin (0.5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine) and a single auxin (0.5 mg/l indolylbutyric acid) were less effective for GGB propagation and sporophyte regeneration. The total number of initiated GGBs was 313.4 and 275.8 as a mean per explant after two months in vitro culture for variant 1 and 2, respectively. The number of GGBs with developed sporophytes was 187.1 and 158.4, the sporophyte regeneration rate was 59.7 % and 57.4 %. The sporophytes survival rate was 85 %.under ex vitro conditions.

Dynamic evolution of MADS-box genes in extant ferns via large-scale phylogenomic analysis.

Several studies of MADS-box transcription factors in flowering plants have been conducted, and these studies have indicated that they have conserved functions in floral organ development; MIKC-type MADS-box genes has been proved to be expanded in ferns, however, few systematic studies of these transcription factors have been conducted in non-seed plants. Although ferns and seed plants are sister groups, they exhibit substantial morphological differences. Here, we clarified the evolution of MADS-box genes across 71 extant fern species using available transcriptome, genome, and gene expression data. We obtained a total of 2,512 MADS-box sequences, ranging from 9 to 89 per species. The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of ferns contained approximately three type I genes and at least 5-6 type II MADS-box genes. The domains, motifs, expression of type I and type II proteins, and the structure of the both type genes were conserved in ferns as to other land plants. Within type II genes, MIKC*-type proteins are involved in gametophyte development in ferns; MIKCC-type proteins have broader expression patterns in ferns than in seed plants, and these protein sequences are likely conserved in extant seed plants and ferns because of their diverse roles in diploid sporophyte development. More than 90% of MADS-box genes are type II genes, and MIKCC genes, especially CRM1 and CRM6-like genes, have undergone a large expansion in leptosporangiate ferns; the diverse expression patterns of these genes might be related to the fuctional diversification and increased complexity of the plant body plan. Tandem duplication of CRM1 and CRM6-like genes has contributed to the expansion of MIKCC genes. This study provides new insights into the diversity, evolution, and functions of MADS-box genes in extant ferns.

Nutrient‐demanding and thermophilous plants dominate urban forest‐edge vegetation across temperate Europe

AbstractQuestionsForests are highly fragmented across the globe. For urban forests in particular, fragmentation increases the exposure to local warming caused by the urban heat island (UHI) effect. We here aim to quantify edge effects on herbaceous understorey vegetation in urban forests, and test whether these effects interact with forest structural complexity.LocationWe set up a pan‐European study at the continental scale including six urban forests in Zurich, Paris, Katowice, Brussels, Bremen, and Stockholm.MethodsWe recorded understorey plant communities from the edge towards the interior of urban forests. Within each urban forest, we studied edge‐to‐interior gradients in paired stands with differing forest structural complexity. Community composition was analysed based on species specialism, life form, light, nutrient, acidity and disturbance indicator values and species' thermal niches.ResultsWe found that herbaceous communities at urban forest edges supported more generalists and forbs but fewer ferns than in forests' interiors. A buffered summer microclimate proved crucial for the presence of fern species. The edge communities contained more thermophilous, disturbance‐tolerant, nutrient‐demanding and basiphilous plant species, a pattern strongly confirmed by corresponding edge‐to‐interior gradients in microclimate, soil and light conditions in the understorey. Additionally, plots with a lower canopy cover and higher light availability supported higher numbers of both generalists and forest specialists. Even though no significant interactions were found between the edge distance and forest structural complexity, opposing additive effects indicated that a dense canopy can be used to buffer negative edge effects.ConclusionThe urban environment poses a multifaceted filter on understorey plant communities which contributes to significant differences in community composition between urban forest edges and interiors. For urban biodiversity conservation and the buffering of edge effects, it will be key to maintain dense canopies near urban forest edges.

Propagation of Some Wild Edible Ferns for Environmental Sustainability and Nutritional Security in Sikkim Himalaya

Wild edible ferns are considered as high value nutritive indigenous crops in Sikkim Himalayan region. These edible ferns are directly harvested from the wild and sold in local markets. Foraging is an age old tradition in the Sikkim Himalayas which has adverse effects. Wild edible ferns are given least attention on their conservation as compared to higher plants and indiscriminate collections and foraging endangered the very existence of wild edible ferns. Therefore, the present study aimed at propagating three edible fern species viz. Dryopteris cochleata, Diplazium esculentum and Tectaria coadunata through rhizomes in hydroponics and soil and through spores in soil has been attempted as part of our continued efforts to conserve these species through cultivation. Growth parameters like germination percentage, time taken for germination, time taken for harvest, length and weight of the crozier, leaf per rhizome were recorded during the growth period. This study can be useful for the propagation and conservation of wild edible ferns.

α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity of flavonols from Stenochlaena palustris (Burm.f.) Bedd

Stenochlaena palustris (Burm.f.) Bedd., a fern species native to India, Southeast Asia, Polynesia, and Australia, has a long history of medical including as a diabetic therapy. This study aimed to isolate bioactive compounds from S. palustris ethyl acetate extract and assess their in vitro and in silico inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The successful separation of five flavonols, namely stenopalustroside A (1), tiliroside (2), kaempferol (3), quercetin (4), and rutin (5), was achieved through phytochemical analysis. The compounds exhibited a range of inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, with IC50 values ranging from 40 to 250 µg/mL. Notably, the biological activities of compound 1 have been reported for the first time. Compound 4 was the most effective inhibitor of both enzymes among the isolated compounds. Studies performed in silico reveal that the interactions between amino acids in compounds 4 and 5 are remarkably comparable to those observed in the positive control. These compounds share this commonality, and as a result, they both have the potential to be active agents.

Developing customized fuel models for shrub and bracken communities in Galicia (NW Spain)

Geospatial fire behaviour and fire hazard simulators, fire effects models and smoke emission software commonly use standard fuel models in order to simplify data collection and the inclusion of complex fuel scenarios. These fuel models are often mapped using remotely sensed data. However, given the great complexity of fuelbeds, with properties that vary widely in both time and space, the use of these standard fuel models can greatly limit accurate fuel mapping. This affects fuel hazard assessment, fuel reduction treatment plans, fire management decision-making and evaluation of the environmental impact of wildfire. In this study, we developed unique customized fire behaviour fuel models for shrub and bracken communities, by using k-medoids clustering analysis based on both fuel structural characteristics and potential fire behaviour. We used an original database of 722 destructive sample plots in nine different shrub and bracken communities covering the entire distribution area in Galicia (NW Spain), one of the regions in Europe most affected by forest fires. Measurements of cover, height and fuel fractions loads differentiated by size and vegetative state (live or dead) were used to estimate the potential rate of fire spread with five different models including fireline intensity, heat per unit area and the flame length for each sampling site and considering extreme environmental conditions. The optimal number of clusters was established by combining practical knowledge about the shrubland communities under study and their associated fire behaviour, with maximization of the mean value of the silhouette variable and minimization of the within-cluster sum of squares. The structural characteristics of the medoids derived from the analysis were associated with each of the proposed customized fuel models. Finally, a simple dichotomous classification based only on shrub height was developed to enable construction of spatially explicit fuel model maps based on remotely sensed data. Thus, the methodology applied allows generation of a more realistic representation of fuel distribution in the landscape, based on fuel structure measurements of natural regional ecosystems rather than on the use of standard models. We believe that the proposed methodology is generally applicable to communities composed of other shrub and fern species in different biogeographical regions.

Prodromus of a fern flora of Bolivia. XLII. Update I.

We here provide a taxonomic and nomenclatural update of the Prodromus of the Bolivian fern flora published between 2017 and 2019. We describe one new species (Elaphoglossum neglectum F.B.Matos & R.C.Moran), provide four new combinations (Argyrochosma flavens (Sw.) A.R.Sm. & M.Kessler, Ceradenia werffii (L.E.Bishop) A.R.Sm. & M.Kessler, Enterosora dudleyi (L.E.Bishop) A.R.Sm. & M.Kessler, Phlegmariurus aristei (Nessel) B.Øllg.), report 13 new species records for Bolivia, delete 4 species from the Bolivian list, and update the names of 17 species previously known from Bolivia. With these new records and species, the number of fern and lycophyte species known from Bolivia increases by 10 to 1210.

Anatomical and histochemical adaptations of Melpomene peruviana to the xeric environment of high altitudes

Melpomene peruviana is one of the ecologically toughest fern species that prospers under climatically extreme conditions between 3400-5200 meters above sea level and occasionally in dry areas at lower elevations. To gain a better understanding of the adaptations that allow this species to withstand such extreme environmental conditions, we investigated the anatomy and histochemistry of the sporophyte of three populations of M. peruviana. All plant organs exhibited thick cuticles, and vascular bundles surrounded by a ring or cap of sclereids and suberized endodermis. Roots also showed an exodermis with U-shaped thickening. The sclereids and the chlorenchyma of the leaf mesophyll were rich in phenolic compounds. Tannins were detected in the spongy parenchyma close to the vascular bundles of the leaf. Hydathodes revealed a cutinized endodermal layer and the presence of flavonoids, lipidic/terpenoid droplets, and free sugars in the epidermis and parenchyma cells. Rhizome scales had basal idioblasts and apical clavate glands with complex contents rich in phenolic compounds, lipids, terpenes, mucilaginous polysaccharides and proteins. Some of the observed morpho-anatomical characteristics such as microphylly, small stomata in high densities, thick cuticles and sclerenchyma close to the vascular tissue, reduce water loss by evapotranspiration and correspond to typical xeromorphic fern features. Among the histochemical characteristics, mucilaginous polysaccharides may act as gels to absorb and retain water while phenolic compounds are recognized for their antioxidant activity. The three populations exhibited a remarkable uniformity concerning their histochemical assays, stomatal dimensions and densities, and tissue thickness. The anatomy and histochemistry of M. peruviana are described for the first time, highlighting morphoanatomical and histochemical characteristics that act as key adaptations to xeric environmental conditions.

Digestibility of dinosaur food plants revisited and expanded: Previous data, new taxa, microbe donors, foliage maturity, and seasonality

Although the living relatives of the Mesozoic flora were once assumed to constitute a nutritionally poor diet for dinosaur herbivores, in vitro fermentation of their foliage has shown that gymnosperms, ferns, and fern relatives can be as highly digestible as angiosperm grasses and dicots. Because nutritional information cannot be preserved in the fossil record, this laboratory approach, first published in 2008, provides a novel alternative to evaluate the digestive quality of the plants that were available to dinosaur megaherbivores such as sauropods. However, very few further studies have since been conducted to supplement and confirm the high fermentative capacity of nonangiospermous taxa. Here we show that the living relatives of the Araucariaceae and Equistaceae are consistently highly digestible, even between taxa and when influenced by environmental and biological factors, while fern taxa are inconsistent on the family level. These results reinforce previous findings about the high energetic potential of Jurassic-age plant families. Fourteen species of fern and gymnosperm foliage from five Jurassic families were collected in the spring and fall, then analyzed for their digestibility using the in vitro Hohenheim gas test. Equisetum, Araucaria, and Angiopteris were the most digestible genera in both seasons, while Agathis, Wollemia, and Marattia were the least digestible. The season in which specimens were collected was found to have to a significant effect on gas production in four out of 16 samples (P < 0.05). Furthermore, leaf maturity influences digestibility in Marattia attenuata (P < 0.05), yet not in Cyathea cooperi (P = 0.24). Finally, the species of the rumen fluid donor did not influence digestibility (P = 0.74). With the original data set supplemented by one new genus and four species, this study confirms and expands previous results about the nutritional capacity of the living relatives of the Jurassic flora.

Development of Pteridophyte Taxonomic Learning Resource to Foster Cognitive and Psychomotor Learning Outcomes

Authentic learning resources are meaningful for Biology learning, particularly in conceiving Plantae topic. The availability of plants, especially Pteridophyte in school environment is very limited and require more adequate plant learning resources. This study aimed to develop a Pteridophytes Taxonomic Learning Resource (PTLR) and tested its validity, practicality, and effectiveness. Research and Development were done refers to the ADDIE model. The PTLR was validated by a taxonomist and instructional media expert. The practicality was observed from the responses of teachers and students, while the effectiveness was explored based on cognitive and psychomotor learning outcomes. The PTLR was developed by container gardening method with 29 fern species representing the classes of Pteridophyte and showed specific characteristics which organized in their taxonomic groups. The results showed that PTLR is very valid with average score of 85.5% and considered practical by teachers (81.25%) and students (90.65%). The PTLR was also effective in achieving two basic competencies by Curriculum of 2013 of Biology with cognitive outcome N-gain of 0.57 (moderate) and psychomotor 86.34% (very good). In summing up, the PTLR is recommended as a learning resource of Plantae topic at senior high school. This research result enriches the types of innovative biology learning resources.

Identification of Ferns in the Suranadi Nature Tourism Park Area, West Lombok Regency in 2023

This research aims to determine the species of ferns (Pteridophytes) and to determine the relationship patterns of ferns (Pteridophytes) in the Suranadi Natural Tourism Park Area, West Lombok Regency. The research was conducted from June to July 2023. This type of research is descriptive research using the roaming method, with a roaming area of 52 Ha. The samples of this research were ferns (Pteridophytes) found at the research location. Data collection techniques are carried out by means of observation, identification and documentation. The results of the research show that in the Suranadi Nature Tourism Park there are 3 orders, 10 families, 16 genera and 33 species of ferns. The fern grouping pattern is depicted in the form of a dendogram, the dendogram was created using the NTSYS application. In this study, the closest level of relationship is species Christella parasitica with species Christella subpubescens namely 94%. Meanwhile, the ferns with the furthest degree of relationship are the species of the family Polypodiaceae and species of the family Thelypteridaceae, with a kinship level of 50%.

Development of Pteridophyta E-Teaching Materials In The Bantarbolang Natural Reserve Whit A Scientific Approach To Train Critical Thinking Skills

Bantarbolang Nature Reserve as a conservation area has not been widely recognized, and has not been utilized in learning. Students also need learning that can train critical thinking skills. The aim of the research is to analyze the diversity of pteridophyta in the Bantarbolang Nature Reserve, to analyze the characteristics, validity and effectiveness of the E-peteridophyta teaching materials in training students' thinking skills. This research is Research and Development (R&D) using 4D model swhich includes four stages, that is Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate. The results of the study showed (1) Diversity of Pteridophyta in the Bantarbolang Nature Reserve, whichfound 14 species of ferns, from 6 different families. The diversity of ecosystems in the Bantarbolang Nature Reserve, there are River Ecosystems, Forests and Teak Forests. (2) The characteristics of the Pteridophyta E-Materials in the Bantarbolang Nature Reserve have advantages, such as providing contextual examples of images, presented by collaborating between scientific approaches and process skills, and displayed in electronic form which makes it easy to use. (3) The validity of the Pteridophyta E-teaching materials in the Bantarbolang Nature Reserve, obtained an assessment score from material experts of 94.38% so that it is included in the very valid category, and an assessment score from media experts of 98.30% so that it is included in the very valid category. (4) The effectiveness of E-teaching materials on students' critical thinking skills obtains an N-gain score of 0.70, which means the high category, and obtained an Effect size score of 0.49, which means the medium category, thus showing effective results on critical thinking skills with the application of E - Teaching materials.

Floristic composition of the local family forest in Panarung Village, a subdistrict of Bentian Besar, West Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri T et B.) is a unique tree species in Kalimantan because its most durable wood and only grows in mixed lowland dipterocarp forest habitat. The purpose of this study is to examine the floristic composition, variety, and structure of the mixed ulin forest in Penarung village, subdistrict of Bentian Besar, West Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan. Each sample plot was rectangular and was 125 m by 20 m in size. For the tree stage, each sample plot was divided into subplots that measured 25 m by 20 m. Each subplot measured 2 m by 2 m for seedlings, thickets, and herbs and 5 m by 5 m for saplings The Result showed the species richness was 196 species, which consisted of 147 tree species, 16 species of lianas, 13 species of herbs, 12 species of shrubs, 5 species of ferns, 2 species of rattan and 1 species of palm. The tree stage consisted of 97 species, 70 genera, and 36 families. Species diversity (H’), showed that tree and sapling stages were high 3.82 for tree and 3.92 for sapling stages, while seedlings in moderate, with H’= 2.49. Evenness (E) in the tree stage was 0.83, while sapling and seedling were 0.87 and 0.55 respectively. This forest contained 28 species of endemic, 2 species of critically endangered (CR), 2 species endangered (EN), and 10 species of vulnerable (Vu).

Szea yunnanensis sp. nov., a new leptosporangiate fern from the Lopingian of Southwest China

A new species of adpressed leptosporangiate fern, Szea yunnanensis sp. nov., is described from the Xuanwei Formation (upper Permian) of Yunnan Province, Southwest China. Fronds of this new species are at least bipinnate, with suboppositely to alternately arranged cladophleboid pinnules. Fertile pinnules are triangular to falcate shaped and show slightly decurrent entire bases, acute apices, and proximally lobed margins. Sporangia are grouped into abaxial sori arranged in one row on each side of the midvein from the basal to the 1/2–2/3 portion of the pinnule. The number of sori per row varies from one to four. Sori are exindusiate, ovoid/ellipsoid, with a diameter of 1.3 mm on average, and each consists of approximately 25 sporangia. Sporangia with biseriate annuli are ovoid or ellipsoid, approximately 330 μm long and 230 μm wide, and each produces approximately 100 or more spores. Sporangial walls have one layer of polygonal/elongated cells. Trilete auriculate in situ spores of the Triquitrites-type have verrucate-rugulate-reticulate sculpture. The exine is 2–3 μm thick and without identifiable layers. The family relationship of Szea may belong to the Gleicheniaceae or Sermayaceae, but the combination of sporangium and spore characteristics of Szea inclines us to place this genus among Incertae Sedis. The family relationships of Chansitheca, Henanotheca, and Oligocarpia which were originally affiliated with the Gleicheniaceae are also questionable.

The early Paleocene (Danian) climate of Svalbard based on palaeobotanical data

AbstractThe early Paleocene (Danian) Barentsburg flora from the Firkanten Formation, Svalbard, provides a valuable insight into the environment and climate of the Arctic early in the warm Palaeogene prior to the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) event. The flora includes c. 50 species of ferns, ginkgos, conifers and angiosperms. Angiosperms predominate and are represented by the families Platanaceae, Cercidiphyllaceae, Trochodendraceae, Hamamelidaceae, Fagaceae, Betulaceae, Nyssaceae and several taxa of uncertain taxonomic position. Palaeoclimate parameters, calculated using a new calibration of the Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program (CLAMP), indicate that Svalbard in the early Paleocene was characterized by a temperate, maritime, humid, seasonal climate with cool mild winters and warm summers. Humidity was highest during winter months. Short‐term winter snow cover and light frosts were likely to have been frequent. The CLAMP analysis yields a mean annual temperature of 10.1 ± 1.98°С, a warmest month mean temperature of 19.2 ± 2.49°C and a coldest month mean temperature of 1.7 ± 3.24°С. The growing season lasted c. 6 months. Precipitation during this growth period was 572.4 ± 296.50 mm, while vapour pressure deficit and potential evapotranspiration indicate very high humidity year‐round, with summer being only slightly drier than winter. Taken together with data from other early Paleocene circum‐Arctic sites, these results point to highly uniform, temperate and extremely humid conditions around the margins of the early Cenozoic Arctic Ocean. This condition represents the warm background condition that dominated in the Arctic prior to the anomalous extreme warmth of the early Eocene.

KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS TUMBUHAN PTERIDOPHYTA DI HUTAN KAKAHA DESA PRAIWITU KABUPATEN SUMBA TIMUR SEBAGAI SUMBER BELAJAR BIOLOGI

Research to describe the prevalence of Pteridophyta species in the Kakaha Forest of Praiwitu Village, East Sumba, and to explain how Pteridophyta species are used as subjects of biological instruction in the form of textbooks. The data collection technique was carried out using a purposive sampling method, namely by making transect lines in several locations representing Ptedirophyta plants in the Kakaha Forest, Praiwitu Village. Data from this study will be analyzed descriptively, and samples will be identified based on morphological characteristics to match their characteristics with an index to help their knowledge of diversity. Based on the results of the data analysis and discussion that has been described, it can be concluded as follows: The results of the identification of ferns found in the Kakaha Forest are 17 species of ferns consisting of 4 classes, namely class filicinae 4 Order, flicopsida 1 Order, pteridopsida 3 Order, and lycopodiopsida class 1 Order, 9 families, and 13 genera. The results of the calculation of Pteridophyta plants in the Kakaha Forest from the observation of the ecological index are the value of the density totaling 127.4 individuals, the relative density is 1000 individuals, the dominance index is 0.068371 individuals in the low category, and the diversity index value is 3.279 individuals in the medium category.

Fern species and seasonal variation alter arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization and co-occurrence patterns in the Heishiding Natural Reserve, South China

The establishment of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis is generally considered an important pathway that assists ferns in their adaption to a variable environment in the forest ecosystem. However, how both fern species and seasonal variation affect the symbiotic characteristics and AMF community structure remains largely unknown. In this study, the AMF colonization status of 19 fern species in the Heishiding Nature Reserve located in south China was assessed. The effects of seasons on AMF colonization and community structure were also determined. The results showed that both seasons and species significantly affected AMF colonization rate (1.88–56.03 %) and spore density (94–546/25 g dry soil). In addition, according to principal component analysis, in spring, AMF colonization and spore density differed considerably from other seasons. The total AMF sequences detected in spring were significantly higher than in winter (p < 0.05). Glomus was the dominant genus, accounting for >75 % of all sequences. The AMF Chao1 and Faith PD indexes of Blechnum orientale Linn as well as the Shannon and Simpson indexes of Selaginella doederleinii Hieron were significantly higher in spring than in winter (p < 0.05). According to partial least squares path modeling, season had a significant influence on AMF colonization by varying the AMF alpha diversity rather than their community composition. Notably, network analysis showed that seasonal variation induced differences in AMF network structure, keystone taxa, and the number of links between species. This study highlights the symbiotic relationship between ferns and AMF in different seasons. The results provide novel insights on terrestrial ecosystem management and fern conservation from the perspective of plant-AM symbiosis.

Comparative rhizome anatomy of polypodiaceous ferns from eastern Himalaya and its taxonomic implications

Polypodiaceae is the second largest family of ferns characterized by creeping rhizomes covered with scales whose systematics however is mainly focused on frond and reproductive structures. Over the years, studies have demonstrated the significance of rhizome anatomical characters for fern taxonomy. However, work focusing on rhizome anatomy from the eastern Himalayan species is scanty. Morpho-anatomical characters of rhizome and rhizome scales of 30 fern species have been evaluated and compared for its taxonomic significance. Detailed observations were made using a light microscope (LM). Comparative micro-morphological and anatomical traits shared by close phylogenetically related species are also discussed. Anatomical traits like the presence and position of sclerenchymatic tissues, sclereids, thick lignified circumendodermal (CB) bands of vascular bundles, rhizome scales are taxonomically relevant. Characters of rhizome scale delimit several genera and are diagnostic for Polypodiaceae. The comparative rhizome anatomy helps us to better understand this fern family and the scale features outlined will aid in easy identification of several species. An artificial dichotomous key is constructed to discern the morpho-anatomical characters in the segregation of the examined species.

Checklist and Assessment of Pteridophytes in Amai Manabilang, Lanao Del Sur, Philippines

The species of ferns and lycophytes in Municipality of Amai Manabilang are documented here in a checklist, along with information on their morphological characteristics, and conservation status. A series of field surveys in two barangays in Amai Manabilang determined the lycophytes and ferns, namely Frankfort and Sumugot. A total of 56 species were recorded, belonging to 18 families and 36 genera. Of these species, 50 are ferns and 6 are lycophytes. The highest number of species was observed in Sumugot (42 species) followed by Frankfort (26 species). Thirty-one species are terrestrial, 19 are epiphytes, 1 tree fern and 5 species have more than one growth form. The number of species is approximately about 5% and 9% of the total number of pteridophytes species in the Philippines and Mindanao, respectively.

Species Composition and Assessment of Zingiberaceae in the Forest Patches of Mt. Musuan, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines

This study documented 11 species of gingers belonging to nine genera distributed in three tribes and two subfamilies from Mt. Musuan and its vicinity in Bukidnon, Southern Philippines. Data revealed that Zingiberaceae species in these sites constitute ca. 8% of the total number of Philippine Zingiberaceae. Alpinia haenkei C.Presl., A. purpurata (Vieill.) K.Schum., Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe, Etlingera philippinensis (Ridl.) R.M.Sm., Hornstedtia conoidea Ridl., Meistera muricarpa (Elmer) Škorničk. &amp; M.F.Newman, and Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith. were recorded in Mt. Musuan, while Amomum dealbatum Roxb., Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm., Hedychium coronarium Koenig, Hornstedtia conoidea Ridl., and Wurfbainia elegans (Ridl.) Škorničk. &amp; A.D.Poulsen. were collected in CMU View Deck in Kibulawan. Of the collected species, five of these (3.52% endemicity compared to the total number of Philippine Zingiberaceae) are endemic to the Philippines, while the other six species are introduced. These species are mostly associated with fern species, such Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.f.) Underw. and Lygodium circinnatum (Burm.f.) Sw., and angiosperms Musa textilis and under the shades of dipterocarpaceae species. This paper is the first taxonomic report on Zingiberaceae in Mt. Musuan and vicinity which was not documented in the previous studies conducted at Philippine Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Sites. Since Mt. Musuan is not a protected area and an open site for ecotourism which is constantly visited by daily hikers, these species might be prone to depletion in their wild habitats. There is an urgent call for in situ conservation efforts that should be done by the concerned authorities of Central Mindanao University to help preserve and protect these ginger species.