Sagip Sarihay Series features critically endangered species in the Philippines, with weekly posts of alternating plant and animal species, and with the primary aims of awareness and call to action. This series is a project of the SciTech and the VA sections of UST-CSJ. (Note: Weekly order of posting does not reflect actual order of intensity of endangerment. Database reference for selection of species is the IUCN Red List.)

SAGIP SARIHAY #23

Heterospathe brevicaulis (Marighoi-baba)

Words by: John Lemuel Hermogino

Artwork by: Jan Andrew Bautista

A visual representation of Marighoi-baba

Description:

Heterospathe brevicaulis is a plant species endemic in the Philippines. It is a solitary, rare dwarf palm that grows up to 2.5 m tall. Its diagnostic characteristic is its stem that measures less than 1 m long. Its leaves comprise leaflets attached to a long petiole, where the young ones are characterized by their distinct reddish-brown or maroon color (Fernando, E. E., 1990). It is generally used as an ornamental and horticultural plant, generally due to its small manageable size.

Locality:

This plant species is endemic to the localities of Baler and Divilacan in Aurora, Philippines. Unfortunately, there are no current records available regarding its exact population, but a continuing decline in its population size is expected (EDC, 2020). Thus, such information can be addressed with further research and documentation.

Threat:

The minimal occurrence of Heterospathe brevicaulis is one of its main threats to its survivability. Due to anthropogenic factors, such as shifting agriculture and urbanization, a significant loss of its habitat led to its decrease in number. Its population has been dramatically fragmented, and with its distribution, genetic exchange and reproduction between the two localities will be very unlikely. The species population is expected to decrease further based on the forest loss records (EDC, 2020).

How can we help this endangered species:

This plant is already assessed by the DENR as an endangered species and is listed in DAO 2017–11. Despite the implementation of the Republic Act no. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, where unauthorized utilization and collection of the plant and disturbance of its natural habitats are punishable by law, there are still people who cultivate this species for personal use.

Strict protection and surveillance over protected areas are needed to avoid unlawful actions and plant utilization. Moreover, its population distribution, size, and trends require further investigation in order to generate specific strategies for species recovery

References:

Energy Development Corporation (EDC). (2020). Heterospathe brevicaulis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T153873804A153890361. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T153873804A153890361.en.

Fernando, E. S. (1990). The Genus Heterospathe (Palmae: Arecoideae) in the Philippines. Kew Bulletin, 45(2), 219. https://doi.org/10.2307/4115681