SAGIP SARIHAY #11
Species: Alocasia sanderiana (Kris plant)
Words by Marc Erickson Mosqueda
Artwork by Aya El Oirdighi
Description
Alocasia sanderiana is a critically endangered, tropical perennial plant endemic to the Philippines. The plant can be identified by glossy V-shaped leaves adorned with large whitish veins, glossy deep green on the adaxial side and purple on the abaxial side (Hay, 1999). It can also grow up to 2.0 meters tall in its natural habitat. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant for its distinct arrow-shaped glossy-green leaves and large white leaf veins.
Locality
This plant is endemic to the Mount Malindang range in Misamis Occidental and in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon in the Mindanao island group. There is little to no information regarding the population size of the species, but current evidence suggests that the population trend is decreasing (Medecilo et al., 2008).
Threats
One primary threat to the survival of A. sanderiana is the slash-and-burn forests known as “kaingin” which is used for agricultural expansion and has been linked to increased exploitation. Recreational activities are also threats to this species. The habitat of the plant is, after all, frequently visited by tourists due to its close proximity to waterfalls and other tourist attractions (Medecilo et al., 2008).
How can we help this endangered species?
Both the Malindang mountain range and Impasug-ong, Bukidnon are protected areas. However, the implementation is inadequate as evidenced by the online selling of wild plants (including A. sanderiana) which became more popular amidst the pandemic.
Collection of endangered plants, especially within the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS), is only allowed for research which require permits from DENR (Garcia, 2020). A strict watch over protected areas will be needed to prevent illegal collection of critically endangered plants.
Research involving the species population, evaluation of population trends, and habitats are also needed in order to provide adequate information and better implementation of laws protecting the endangered plant species.
References
Garcia, T. (2020). DENR-9 warns public vs. illegal collection of wild plants. Retrieved from: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114863
Hay, A. (1999). The Genus Alocasia (Araceae-Colocasia) in the Philippines. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore, 51, 1–41. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344180175_The_genus_Alocasia_Araceae-Colocasieae_in_the_Philippines
Medecilo, M., Ong, R.G. & Amoroso, V.B. (2008). Alocasia sanderiana. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008: e.T133707A98840843. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T133707A3873252.en
