SAGIP SARIHAY #21
Villaria acutifolia (Elmer) Merr.
Words by John Jerald Villamanca
Artwork by Lemuel John Hermogino
Description
Villaria acutifolia (Elmer) Merr., locally known as Tango, is a small tree endemic mostly to the coastal forests of the Philippines that can grow up to four meters high and possess prominently long calyx lobes (up to 15 mm) that exceeds the corolla length. The plant also has a distinct mid-nerve and a unique shape of corolla lobes which are elliptic to ovate, unlike other Villaria species that possess rounded corolla lobes (Alejandro et al., 2011). The continuous studies of the phytochemistry of the endemic Villaria genus have successfully isolated iridoids, morindolide, hydrophylin and vomifoliol, which are chemotaxonomic markers and/or possess moderately active, antagonizing effects against certain microorganisms (Tan et al., 2014). It must be noted, however, that none of these studies have specifically isolated iridoids from V. acutifolia.
Locality
V. acutifolia is restricted to the coastal areas of Padada, Davao (Mindanao), near the border of Davao Gulf. This species probably strives best on clay-sandy soils (Alejandro et al., 2011).
Threats
Apart from its inclusion in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (EDC, 2020), V. acutifolia is also included in the National List of Threatened Philippine Plants of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Unfortunately, no documented activities have been associated with the conservation status of the said species since its restrictive geographic distribution inhibits the plant from growing in other areas, aggravating its status. This is the underlying reason why minimal photographs of the plant have been recorded.
How can we help this endangered species?
As mentioned above, Villaria is a genus of Philippine endemic plants in the family Rubiaceae. This genus includes six plant species which all strive in the coastal areas of the Davao (Mindanao). In order to prevent the extinction of the species, scientists in the country focus their efforts in elucidating its taxonomic classification and its evolutionary relationship with other plant species. The information gathered from these studies can be utilized to educate the public on the importance of maintaining genetic diversity. Efforts in growing the species in an artificial environment for its preservation are also recommended.
References
Alejandro, G. J. D., Meve, U., Mouly, A., Thiv, M., & Liede-Schumann, S. (2011). Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the Philippine endemic Villaria Rolfe (Rubiaceae). Plant Systematics and Evolution, 296(1–2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-011-0472-9
Tan, M. A., Villacorta, R. A. U., Alejandro, G. J. D., & Takayama, H. (2014). Iridoids and a Norsesquiterpenoid from the Leaves of Villaria odorata. Natural Product Communications, 9(9), 1934578X1400900. https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x1400900902
