FLORA-AND-FAUNA

Introduction to Flora

  • Definition: Flora refers to the collective term for plant life found in a specific region, originating from the Latin term for the "Goddess of the Flower."

  • Classification: Flora is classified based on various factors, primarily the area in which plants grow, including deserts, aquatic environments, hilly areas, or locations endemic to specific regions.

Specific Flora of the Philippines

Paphiopedilum (Fowlie)

  • Native Region: Southeast Palawan Island, Philippines.

  • Altitude: Grows at elevations of 600-950 m.

  • Habitat: Found on limestone rocks in deciduous litter; prefers shaded environments that are not directly exposed to sunlight.

Nepenthes peltata

  • Common Name: Tropical pitcher plant.

  • Location: Upper slopes of Mount Hamiguitan, Mindanao, Philippines.

  • Unique Features:

    • Distinctive peltate tendril attachment.

    • Produces ovoid pitchers with a prominent basal crest and large nectar glands on the lid.

    • Named "peltata" for its unique tendril insertion.

Paphiopedilum ciliolare

  • Endemic Areas: Found on four islands: Luzon, Mindanao, Camiguin, and Dinagat.

  • Altitude: 300 to 1830 meters above sea level.

  • Growth Conditions: Thrives at the base of bushes along limestone in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Medinilla magnifica

  • Family: Melastomataceae.

  • Native Regions: Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Panay.

  • Characteristics:

    • Epiphytic tropical evergreen shrub growing up to 8’ tall.

    • Grows in part shade on rainforest trees or on the ground in clearings.

Strongylodon macrobotrys (Jade Vine)

  • Native Habitat: Tropical rain forests in the Philippines.

  • Growth Habit: Clings to tall trees to seek sunlight; can grow 30-50’ long.

  • Conservation Status: Close to extinction due to deforestation, but cultivated in various nurseries worldwide.

Amyema incarnatiflora

  • Family: Lorantacae.

  • Location: Mountainous regions of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; jungles of Cagayan province.

  • Floral Characteristics: Features slender pink flowers shaped like a half-open parasol.

Dillenia monantha

  • Unique Status: Endemic to the Philippines.

  • Floral Trait: Produces a single richly colored yellow flower resembling a spider.

  • Nomenclature: "Monantha" from Greek meaning one flower.

Xanthostemon fructicosus

  • Family: Myrtaceae.

  • Distinguishing Features: Notable for its red bunches of actinomorphous flowers.

  • Relation: Connected to approximately 3,000 other species, many found in Australia and other regions.

Plumeria acuminata

  • Family: Apocynaceae.

  • Common Names: 'Perungalli' in Tamil; widely distributed in Southern India.

  • Uses: Traditionally used for medicinal purposes, including treating diarrhea and inflammation; milky juice for rheumatism, bark for tumors.

Paphiopedilum adductum

  • Endemic Location: Mindanao Island, found at elevations between 1250-1350 meters.

  • Growth Environment: Grows as an epiphyte in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests with mid-shaded habitats.

Rafflesia manillana

  • Common Name: World's largest flower species.

  • Name Origin: Named after Sir Stamford Raffles and Manila; known for its foul smell, attracting carrion flies for pollination.

Introduction to Fauna

Definition and Origin

  • Fauna Definition: Represents the animal life that is indigenous to a specific region.

  • Etymology: Named after the Roman goddess of fertility, Fauna.

Significant Fauna in the Philippines

World’s Largest Clam

  • Description: Holds the largest pearl, "The Pearl of Lao Tzu," weighing 14 pounds and measuring 9.5 inches long.

  • Valuation: Estimated worth is $42 million, believed to be 600 years old.

Endangered Dwarf Buffalo

  • Common Name: Tamaraw, found only in Palawan.

  • Historical Context: Once had around 10,000 in population; now critically endangered due to habitat loss.

Dwarf Goby (Pandaka pygmaea)

  • Size: Measures only 1.2 centimeters, the smallest freshwater fish.

  • Discovery: First described by Albert Herre in 1925 in the Malabon River.

Pilandok (Philippine Mouse-Deer)

  • Habitat: Endemic to Balabac, Bugsuk, Ramos Islands, southwest of Palawan.

  • Characteristics: Stands about 40 centimeters at the shoulder; lacks antlers found in traditional deer.

Philippine Eagle

  • Scientific Name: Pithecophaga jefferyi.

  • Significance: One of the world's largest eagles, lives in the rainforests of the Philippines and measures about one meter in height.

Magellan Birdwing

  • Significance: Known for its striking coloration and unique iridescence that is only visible from specific angles.

Calamian Deer

  • Unique Habitat: Found only in the Calamian Islands north of Palawan; referred to as Calamian deer.

Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox

  • Location: Subic Bay and Bataan are home to the world’s largest bats, notable for their size.

Philippine Tarsier

  • Size: Rated as the world's smallest primate, measuring about 12 centimeters in length.

  • Unique Traits: Can turn its head 180 degrees; has grooming claws and a long tail.

Philippine Crocodile

  • Species Comparison: Distinct from Mindoro’s freshwater counterpart; the saltwater crocodile can reach lengths of 20-23 feet.

  • Historical Note: A notable 27-foot crocodile was reportedly captured in 1823.