Available via license: CC BY-NC 4.0
Content may be subject to copyright.
RUHUNA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
eISSN: 2536-8400 Faculty of Science
http://doi.org/10.4038/rjs.v13i2.122 University of Ruhuna
Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna
Sri Lanka
150
Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo,
Southern Philippines
Lilibeth V. Rufila1, Fulgent P. Coritico1,2*, Hannah P. Lumista1,2, Florfe M. Acma1,2,
Noe P. Mendez1,2, Joevina C. Nobleza1,2 and Victor B. Amoroso1,2
1Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM), Central Mindanao
University, Musuan, Maramag, 8714 Bukidnon, Philippines
2Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Mindanao University, Musuan,
Maramag, 8714 Bukidnon, Philippines
*Correspondence: cfulgent@cmu.edu.ph, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3876-6610
Received: 27th April 2022, Revised: 20th November 2022, Accepted: 20th December 2022
Abstract: This research was carried out to study the diversity and assess the
conservation status and endemism of ferns and lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo,
Datu Salumay, Southern Philippines. Repeated transect walks were done with 20
sampling plots delineated on the site. Specimens were collected, identified, and
assessed for their conservation status and endemism. Data gathered were analyzed
employing the Shannon-Weiner Index. The inventory revealed 215 species (202
species of ferns and 13 species of lycophytes) belonging to 74 genera and 23
families. Polypodiaceae, Aspleniaceae, Hymenophyllaceae, and Pteridaceae were
the species-rich families collected. Asplenium nidus L., Pneumatopteris costata
(Brackenr.) Holttum, and Asplenium thunbergii Kunze obtained the highest
species importance values. Mt. Malambo has a diversity value of H’=1.83 which
is higher compared to other mountains in Mindanao. This study reports 20
Philippine endemic and 19 threatened species of ferns and lycophytes in the area.
Of these, one is critically endangered, 11 are endangered, five are vulnerable, and
two are other threatened species. The presence of many threatened and endemic
species in the area implies that high priority should be addressed in protecting and
conserving these species of ferns and lycophytes in Mt. Malambo.
Keywords: Diversity assessment, inventory, montane forest, pteridophytes,
threatened species
1 Introduction
The ferns and lycophytes (monilophytes) in the Philippines consist of ca. 1,100 species
distributed in 154 genera and 34 families. Species richness is continuously increasing
as a result of discoveries of new species and new species records in the Philippines
(Smith et al. 2008, Barcelona et al. 2013, Amoroso et al. 2019). With the highest
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
151
elevation of 1,354 m above sea level (masl) and classified as a montane forest located
at 07°29’87’N and 125°15’22’E, Mt. Malambo is one of the remaining forested
mountains in Datu Salumay, Marilog District but continuously faces anthropogenic
disturbances, such as the conversion of forestland into residential and mountain resorts,
agriculture for high-value-crops, and overharvesting of plants for ornamentals, food,
and handicraft materials for livelihood or household consumption. These
anthropogenic activities coupled with accessibility, the rate of forest decline in Mt.
Malambo is fast resulting in a loss of biodiversity. An inventory for ferns and
lycophytes has not been done in many places in the Philippines, particularly on the
island of Mindanao. Therefore, an inventory of ferns and lycophytes is needed,
including their diversity and assessment as a basis to protect and conserve the
remaining biodiversity of Mt. Malambo. This study aimed to prepare an inventory,
including diversity, conservation status, and assessment of ferns and lycophytes in Mt.
Malambo, Datu Salumay, Southern Philippines.
2 Material and Methods
2.1 Study site
The research proposal was presented to the local government officials and to the
members of the Matigsalug-Manobo Tribal Council for Elders City of Davao, Inc.
(MAMATRIPCEDI) in Mt. Malambo, Marilog District for their information, and a
Prior Informed Consent (PIC) was obtained from them after. The PIC was used as a
supporting document to obtain the gratuitous permit from the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as a requirement to conduct the study.
The study site is located in the lower montane rainforest having clay and loam subrates
at an elevation of 1,345 masl (Acma et al. 2021).
2.2 Species inventory and abundance
The inventory of ferns and lycophytes in Mt. Malambo, Datu Salumay, Marilog
District in Davao, Philippines (Figure 1, 2) was conducted through repeated transect
walks and the establishment of sampling plots. Twenty sampling plots of 20 x 20 m
(Figure 1c, red dots) were established inside the forest of Mt. Malambo. The total
number of individuals in all plots was counted to determine their abundance.
2.3 Specimen collection, processing and identification
At least four fertile fronds were collected for each species using pruning shears and a
trimming cutter. Small ferns and lycophytes (ca. 4–20 in.) were collected by uprooting
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
152
the whole plant, removing the earthy matter, and pressing the specimens. For the
epiphytic ferns and lycophytes, the whole plants were detached to the trunk and the
earthy matter or barks were removed. For tree ferns, each entire frond was collected
and cut into five parts: leaf apex, middle pinna, lower pinna, basal pinna and stipe. All
specimens were processed using the wet method (Hodge 1974).
Fig 1. Study Site. A) Map of the Philippines, B) Mt. Malambo in the island of Mindanao, C)
Close-up view of Mt. Malambo and sampling area, D) Sampling plots (red marks) and
transect walks (white line).
Identification of the specimens was done using fresh materials from the field and
compared to some Floras, monographs, field guides, scientific journal articles, such as
Copeland (1958–1961), Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines of Pelser et al. (2011
onwards), and digitized plant specimens available in the Global Plants on Journal
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
153
Storage (JSTOR). The classification system used was based on the Pteridophyte
Phylogeny Group (PPG I 2016). These specimens were then processed and included
in the prepared voucher specimens. All specimens were accessioned and deposited at
the Central Mindanao University.
Fig 2. Panoramic view of Mt. Malambo with montane vegetation.
2.4 Assessment of conservation status and endemism
Assessment of conservation status and endemism of the species was based on the
recently published book of Philippine threatened plants (Fernando et al., 2022) which
follows the criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
This information is important because it serves as a basis for governmental agencies
like the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) and Local Government Units (LGUs) which formulate
policies and guidelines for monitoring and protecting the threatened and endemic
species.
2.5 Species Importance Value (SIV) and diversity values
Species richness of ferns and lycophytes was estimated by determining the number of
species. Calculation for frequency, relative frequency, density, relative density and
Importance Value Index (IVI) were derived from Curtis & McIntosh (1951).
SIV or ni = RD + RF + Rdom
where, RD is relative density, RF is relative frequency, and Rdom is relative
dominance.
The diversity values were computed using the Shannon-Weiner index (H’) (Shannon
and Weiner 1963) by,
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
154
H = -∑ [ni /N] ln [ni/N]
where, ni = number of individuals of each species, N = total number of individuals, ln
= the natural log of the number.
3 Results and Discussion
3.1 Species richness
Repeated transect walks and sampling plots in Mt. Malambo revealed 215 species from
23 families and 74 genera of ferns and lycophytes (Table 1; Figure 3).
Table 1. Total number of families, genera and species of ferns and lycophytes in Mt. Malambo, Datu
Salumay, Marilog District.
Family
Number of genera
Number of species
LYCOPHYTES
Lycopodiaceae
2
5
Selaginellaceae
1
8
FERNS
Aspleniaceae
1
21
Athyriaceae
4
18
Blechnaceae
1
1
Cyatheaceae
2
6
Davalliaceae
2
8
Dennstaedtiaceae
4
5
Dicksoniaceae
2
2
Dryopteridaceae
5
15
Gleicheniaceae
3
5
Hymenophyllaceae
6
19
Hypodematiaceae
1
1
Lindsaeaceae
3
10
Marattiaceae
1
1
Nephrolepidaceae
1
5
Oleandraceae
1
3
Ophioglossaceae
3
3
Polypodiaceae
16
38
Pteridaceae
5
17
Tectariaceae
4
9
Thelypteridaceae
7
15
TOTAL
74
215
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
155
Of these, 202 species are ferns and 13 are lycophytes. The species richness is ca. 20.8%
of the total number of ferns and lycophytes in the Philippines and ca. 34.0% of the total
number recorded in Mindanao Island (Amoroso et al., 2011). Polypodiaceae (32
species) obtained the highest number of species, followed by Aspleniaceae (21
species), Hymenophyllaceae (19 species), Athyriaceae (18 species), Pteridaceae (17
species), and Dryopteridaceae and Thelypteridaceae (both with 15 species). These
families have the highest number of species in the entire country (Salgado 1990).
Data on species richness in Mt. Malambo was comparatively higher compared to the
previous works of Amoroso et al. (1996) in the Marilog forest which documented 183
species of ferns and lycophytes and Coritico et al. (2020) in Mt. Tago Range in
Bukidnon with 203 species, Silverio et al. 2021 in Mt. Sinaka, North Cotabato with
163 species, Amoroso et al. (2016) in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in
Davao Oriental with 152 species (14.1% compared to the total number of species in
the Philippines), Gonzales (2000) in Mt. Matutum with 188 species (17.1%), and
Silverio (2014) in Mt. Apo with 106 species (9.6%). The high species richness in Mt.
Malambo may be due to its high elevation intact forest and the extensive inventory of
ferns and lycophytes in the said area (Sosanika et al. 2022). However, the species
richness of ferns and lycophytes in Mt. Malambo is relatively lower than the number
of species found in Mt. Kitanglad, Bukidnon with 439 species (39.9%) (Amoroso et
al. 2011) and Mt. Malindang in Misamis Occidental with 371 species (33.7%) (Rufila
2016).
The high species richness in these mountain forests is due to the presence of diverse
habitats, such as the humid lower montane forest. Mt. Malindang Range and Mt.
Kitanglad possess several vegetation types, viz., mossy forest, montane forest,
dipterocarp forest, almaciga forest, mixed dipterocarp forest, lowland dipterocarp
forest, plantation forest and agroecosystem (Amoroso et al. 2006; Amoroso et al.
2012). Several factors may affect the species richness of local montane forests in the
Philippines, including the size of the area sampled, climate conditions, soil type, and
geographic location (Kessler 2010). Species richness is also affected by some
anthropogenic disturbances, such as the conversion of forests to agricultural or
industrial lands and pollution (Amoroso et al. 2016). These factors are more likely to
affect the variability of species richness reported in the studies on mountains in
Mindanao, Philippines.
Table 2. Species checklist of ferns and lycophytes in Mt. Malambo, Datu Salumay, Marilog District,
Philippines.
FERNS
Aspleniaceae
1. Asplenium affine Sw.
2. A. apoense Copel.*
3. A. caudatum G Forst.
4. A. crinicaule Hance
5. A. cymbifolium Christ
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
156
Table 2 continued.
Aspleniaceae
6. A. excisum C.Presl
7. A. lobulatum Mett.
8. A. longissimum Blume.
9. A. nigrescens Blume
10. A. nidus L.
11. A. normale D. Don
12. A. persicifolium J.Sm. ex Mett.
13. A. phyllitidis D. Don.
14. A. polyodon G. Forst.
15. A. rhizophyllum L.
16. A. subnormale Copel.
17. A. tenerum G Forst.
18. A. thunbergii Kunze
19. A. unilaterale Lam.
20. A. vittaeforme Cav.
21. Asplenium sp.
Blechnaceae
22. Blechnopsis orientalis (L.) C.Presl
Athyriaceae
23. Athyrium brevipinnulum Copel.
24. A. elmeri Copel.
25. A. puncticaule (Blume) Moore.
26. Cornopteris decurrenti-alata (Hook.) Nakai.
27. Deparia confluens (Kunze) M.Kato.
28. D. lancea (Thunb.) Fraser-Jenkins
29. D. petersenii (Kunze) M.Kato.
30. Diplazium altum (Copel.) C.Chr.
31. D. cordifolium Blume
32. D. costulisorum (Copel.) C.Chr.
33. D. davaoense Copel.*
34. D. dilatatum Blume
35. D. esculentum (Retz.) Sw.
36. D. forbesii (Baker) C.Chr.
37. D. geophilum (Copel.) Alderw.
38. D. melanopodium Fée*
39. D. oligosorum Copel.
40. D. pallidum (Blume) Moore
41. D. sorzogonense (C.Presl) C.Presl
Cyatheaceae
43. Alsophila commutata Mett.
44. A. fuliginosa Christ*
45. A. loheri Christ
46. Sphaeropteris elmeri (Copel.) R.M.Tryon
47. S. glauca (Blume) R.M. Tryon
48. S. tripinnata (Copel) R.M. Tryon
Davalliaceae
49. Davallia denticulata (NL Burm.) Mett., ex Kuhn
50. D. hymenophylloides (Blume) Kuhn
51. D. embolostegia Copel.
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
157
Table 2. Continued.
Davalliaceae
52. D. pubescens C.W.Chen
53. D. repens (L.f.) Kuhn/ Humata repens (L.f.) Diels
54. D. solida (Forst.) Sw.
55. D. trichomanoides Blume.
56. D. wagneriana Copel.
Dennstaedtiaceae
57. Dennstaedtia hooveri Christ.
58. Histiopteris incisa (Thunb.) J.Sm.
59. Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn
60. Microlepia protracta Copel.*
61. M. speluncae (L.) T.Moore.
Dicksoniaceae
62. Calochlaena javanica (Blume) M.D.Turner & R.A.White
63. Dicksonia mollis Holttum
Dryopteridaceae
64. Arachniodes aristata (Forster) Tindale
65. Bolbitis heteroclita (C.Presl) Ching.
66. Dryopteris formosana (Christ) C.Chr.
67. D. nodosa (C.Presl) Li Bing Zhang
68. D. pseudocaenopteris (Kunze) Li Bing Zhang
69. D. purpurascens (Blume) Christ.
70. D. sparsa (Don) Kuntze.
71. Dryopteris sp.
72. Elaphoglossum blumeanum (Fée) J.Sm.
73. E. callifolium (Bl.) Moore.
74. E. latifolium (Sw.) J. Sm.
75. E. luzonicum Copel.*
76. E. petiolatum (Sw.) Urb.
77. Polystichum elmeri Copel.*
78. P. nudum Copel.*
Gleicheniaceae
79. Dicranopteris curranii Copel.
80. D. linearis (Burm.) Underw.
81. Diplopterygium longissimum (Blume) Nakai
82. Sticherus loheri (Christ) Copel.*
83. S. truncatus (Willd.) Nakai
Hymenophyllaceae
84. Abrodictyum setaceum (Bosch) Ebihara & K.Iwats
85. A. obscurum (Blume) Ebihara & K.Iwats.
86. Callistopteris apiifolia (C Presl) Copel.
87. Cephalomanes extravagans Copel.
88. Crepidomanes bipunctatum (Poir.) Copel.
89. C. brevipes (C. Presl) Copel.
90. Hymenophyllum acanthoides (Bosch) Rosenst.
91. H. angulosum Christ
92. H. badium Hook. & Grev.
93. H. denticulatum Sw.
94. H. digitatum (Sw.) Fosberg
95. H. emarginatum Sw.
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
158
Table 2. Continued.
Hymenophyllaceae
96. H. fimbriatum J.Sm.
97. H. nitidulum (Bosch) Ebihara & K.Iwats.
98. H. pallidum (Blume) Ebihara & K. Iwats.
99. H. paniculiflorum C.Presl
100. H. polyanthos (Sw.) Sw.
101. H. productum Kunze
102. Vandenboschia maxima (Blume) Copel.
Hypodematiaceae
103. Leucostegia truncata (D.Don) Fraser-Jenk
Lindsaeaceae
104. Lindsaea adiantoides J.Sm.
105. L. apoensis Copel.*
106. L. fissa Copel.*
107. L. lucida Blume
108. L. pulchella (J.Sm.) Mett. ex Kuhn.
109. L. repens (Bory) Thwaites
110. L. rigida J.Sm. ex Hook.
111. Odontosoria chinensis (L.) J.Sm.
112. Tapeinidium luzonicum (Hook.) Kramer
113. T. pinnatum (Cav.) C.Chr.
Marattiaceae
114. Angiopteris evecta (G.Forst.) Hoffm.
Nephrolepidaceae
115. Nephrolepis bisserrata (Sw.) Schott.
116. N. cordifolia (L.) Presl.
117. N. exaltata (L.) Schott.
118. N. falcata (Cav.) C. Chr.
119. N. hirsutula (G Forst.) C. Presl
Oleandraceae
120. Oleandra maquilingensis Copel.*
121. O. neriiformis Cav.
122. O. nitida (Copel.) Copel.*
Ophioglossaceae
123. Botrychium daucifolium Wall. ex Hook. & Grev.
124. Ophioderma pendulum C.Presl
125. Ophioglossum ramosii Copel.*
126. O. reticulatum L.
Polypodiaceae
127. Aglaomorpha cornucopia (Copel.) Roos*
128. A. descensa (Copel.) Hovenkamp & S.Linds.
129. A. heraclea (Kunze) Copel.
130. A. splendens (Hook. & Bauer) Copel.
131. A. sparsisora (Desv.) Hovenkamp & S. Linds.
132. A. quercifolia (L.) Hovenkamp & S. Linds.
133. Calymmodon gracilis (Fée) Copel.
134. Dasygrammitis mollicoma (Nees & Blume) Parris
135. Goniophlebium persicifolium (Desv.) Bedd.
136. G. pseudoconnatum (Copel.) Copel.*
137. G. subauriculatum (Blume) C.Presl
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
159
Table 2. continued.
Polypodiaceae
138. Lecanopteris deparioides (Cesati) Baker
139. Lemmaphyllum accedens (Blume) Donk
140. Lepisorus mucronatus (Fée) Li Wang
141. L. platyrhynchos (Kunze) Li Wang
142. L. spicatus (L.f.) Li Wang
143. Leptochilus sp.
144. Loxogramme scolopendrioides (Gaudich.) C.V.Morton
145. Microsorum commutatum (Blume) Copel.
146. M. congratifolium (Alderw.) Holttum
147. M. insigne (Blume) Copel.
148. M. monstrosum (Copel.) Copel.
149. M. musifolium (Blume) Copel.
150. M. phanerophlebium (Copel.) Copel.
151. Oreogrammitis reinwardtii (Blume) Parris
152. Platycerium grande (Fée) Kunze*
153. Prosaptia celebica (Blume) Tagawa & K Iwats
154. P. contigua (Forst.) C.Presl
155. P. nutans (Blume) Mett.
156. P. obliquata (Blume) Mett.
157. Pyrrosia adnascens (Sw.) Ching.
158. P. sphaerotricha (Mett.) Ching.
159. Selliguea albidosquamata (Blume) Parris
160. S. taeniata (Sw.) Parris
161. S. triloba (Houtt.) M.G.Price
162. Scleroglossum pusillum (Blume) Alderw.
Pteridaceae
163. Antrophyum plantagineum (Cav.) Kaulf.
164. Haplopteris alternans (Copel.) S.Linds. & C.W.Chen
165. H. ensiformis (Sw.) E.H. Crane
166. H. elongata (Sw.) E.H. Crane
167. H. scolopendrina (Bory) E.H. Crane
168. Pteris blumeana J Agardh.
169. P. longipinnula Wall. ex J Agardh.
170. P. mertensioides Willd.
171. P. oppositipinnata Fée.
172. P. pacifica Hieron.
173. P. schlechteri Brause.
174. P. tripartita Sw.
175. P. vittata L.
176. Syngramma alismifolia (C.Presl) J.Sm.
177. S. wallichii (Hook.) Bedd.
178. Vaginularia paradoxa (Fee) Mett.
179. V. trichoidea (J.Sm.) Fée
Tectariaceae
180. Ctenitis submarginalis (Langsdorff & Fischer) Ching
181. Pleocnemia irregularis (C.Presl) Holttum
182. P. leuzeana (Gaudich.) C.Presl
183. P. macrodonta (C.Presl) Holttum
184. Pteridrys syrmatica (Willd.) C.Chr. & Ching.
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
160
Table 2. continued.
Tectariaceae
185. Tectaria angulata (Willd.) Copel.
186. T. athyriosora M.G.Price.
187. T. decurrens (C.Presl) Copel.
188. T. griffithii (Baker) C.Chr.
Thelypteridaceae
189. Chingia ferox (Blume) Holttum.
190. Christella dentata (Forssk.) Brownsey & Jermy.
191. C. hispidula (Decne.) Holttum.
192. C. parasitica (L.) Lév.
193. Coryphopteris pubirachis (Baker) Holttum
var. philippinensis Holttum*
194. Plesioneuron savaiense (Baker) Holttum
195. Pneumatopteris costata (Brackenr.) Holttum
196. P. laevis (Mett.) Holttum*
197. P. nitidula (C.Presl) Holttum*
198. Pronephrium amphitrichum Holttum*
199. P. clemensiae (Copel.) Holttum*
200. Sphaerostephanos heterocarpus (Blume) Holttum
201. S. polycarpus (Blume) Copel.
202. S. unitus (L.) Holttum
LYCOPHYTES
Lycopodiaceae
203. Phlegmariurus nummularifolius (Blume) Ching
204. P. pinifolius (Trevis.) Kiew
205. P. salvinioides (Herter) Ching
206. P. squarrosus (G.Forst.) Á.Löve & D.Löve
207. Palhinhaea cernua (L.) Vasc. & Franco
Selaginellaceae
208. Selaginella aristata Spring, Bull.
209. S. cupressina (Willd.) Spring
210. S. delicatula (Desv.) Alston
211. S. eschscholzii Hieron.
212. S. flagellifera Hieron
212. S. intermedia (Blume) Spring
214. S. involvens (Sw.) Spring
215. S. ornata (Hook. & Grev.) Spring
Legend: Asterisk (*) after the scientific names indicates that the particular species is endemic to the
Philippines.
3.2 Species Importance Values (SIV)
The five species of ferns that obtained the highest SIV include Asplenium nidus L., A.
thunbergii Kunze, Lindsaea fissa Copel., Davallia hymenophylloides (Blume) Kuhn,
Oleandra neriiformis Cav., and Hymenophyllum polyanthos (Sw.) Sw. (Table 3).
Among these species, A. nidus and D. hymenophylloides are the most frequently
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
161
collected species. These species ultimately play an important role in regulating the
ecological stability of the forest ecosystem. Some ferns with higher SIV conform to
the reports of Amoroso et al. (2015) and Amoroso et al. (2018) revealing Nephrolepis
hirsutula (G Forst.) C. Presl and Asplenium spp. as the species with high SIV in the
montane forest of Mt. Kitanglad, Bukidnon and Mt. Apo, North Cotabato.
Fig 3. Some ferns and lycophytes in Mt. Malambo, Datu Salumay, Southern Philippines.
A) Lindsaea apoensis Copel., B) Lindsaea fissa Copel., C) Lindsaea pulchella (J.Sm.) Mett. ex Kuhn., D)
Sphaeropteris glauca (Blume) R.M.Tryon, E) Angiopteris palmiformis (Cav.) C.Chr., F) Oleandra
neriiformis Cav., G) Botrychium daucifolium Wall. ex Hook. & Grev., H) Ophioderma pendula C.Presl,
I) Phlegmariurus salvinioides (Herter) Ching, J) Phlegmariurus squarrosus (G.Forst.) Á.Löve & D.Löve,
K) Palhinhaea cernua (L.) Vasc. & Franco, L) Selaginella involvens (Sw.) Spring.
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
162
3.3 Diversity value
Mt. Malambo is classified as a montane forest based on the apparent change in forest
structure and floristic composition. The ferns and lycophytes in the area have a
diversity value of H’=1.83 which closely resembles that of the montane forests of Mt.
Malindang with H’=1.80 (Rufila 2016). Also, the montane forest of Mt. Kitanglad
(Amoroso et al. 2011) and Mt. Apo (Silverio 2014) showed the highest diversity values
for pteridophytes. The diversity value is relatively higher compared to Balinsasayao
Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental with H’=1.41 (Amoroso et al. 2018) and
Mt. Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental with H’=1.01 (Amoroso et al. 2015). This suggests
that the montane forest is the most diverse vegetation for the ferns and lycophytes.
Fern and lycophyte diversity is much higher in mid-elevation of the mountain,
usually in the montane forests. This pattern of distribution is affected by different
abiotic factors, such as climate and edaphic features. Adean tropical forests also
revealed that elevational richness patterns for ferns and lycophytes are symmetrically
hump-shaped and overall richness is virtually equal along most of the tropical
latitudinal gradient (Salazar et al. 2013). Mehltreter et al. (2018) also mentioned that
fern diversity is highest in the mid-elevation with utmost richness and diversity and
lesser in the lower and higher elevations. In addition, the peak of fern species richness
at mid-elevations has often been interpreted as reflecting the ambient conditions of a
balanced climate without extremes, such as drought at low elevations and frost at high
elevations (Bhattarai et al. 2004; Krömer 2007; Kluge et al. 2008; Kessler et al. 2011).
In addition, it has often been linked to an optimal combination of high humidity,
rainfall, and moderate temperatures at mid-elevations (Lauer et al. 1996).
Table 3. Ferns and lycophytes with highest species importance value (SIV) in Mt. Malambo,
Datu Salumay, Southern, Philippines.
Species
(%)
1. Asplenium nidus L.
17.98
2. Pneumatopteris costata (Brackenr.) Holttum
11.54
3. Asplenium thunbergii Kunze
11.53
4. Davallia hymenophylloides (Blume) Kuhn
11.21
5. Lindsaea fissa Copel.
10.43
6. Oleandra neriiformis Cav.
9.94
7. Dryopteris nodosa (C.Presl) Li Bing Zhang
9.58
8. Polystichum elmeri Copel.
8.90
9. Nephrolepis hirsutula (G Forst.) C. Presl
7.94
10. Selaginella involvens (Sw.) Spring
7.76
3.4 Endemism and conservation status
A total of 20 Philippine endemic species of ferns are recorded in Mt. Malambo. These
species include A. apoense Copel., D. davaoense Copel., D. melanopodium Fée,
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
163
Alsophila fuliginosa Christ, Microlepia protracta Copel., Elaphoglossum
luzonicum Copel., Polystichum elmeri Copel., P. nudum Copel., Sticherus
loheri (Christ) Copel., Lindsaea apoensis Copel., L. fissa Copel., Oleandra
maquilingensis Copel., O. nitida (Copel.) Copel. Ophioglossum ramosii Copel.,
Aglaomorpha cornucopia (Copel.) Roos, Goniophlebium pseudoconnatum (Copel.)
Copel., Coryphopteris pubirachis (Baker) Holttum, Pneumatopteris laevis (Mett.)
Holttum, P. nitidula (C. Presl) Holttum, Pronephrium amphitrichum Holttum and P.
clemensiae (Copel.) Holttum (Table 2).
Among the 215 species of ferns and lycophytes, 19 species were recorded as
threatened. Of these threatened species, one is critically endangered, 11 are
endangered, five are vulnerable and two are other threatened species (Table 4).
Furthermore, of the 24 threatened species, three are Philippine endemics namely: A.
cornucopia, M. protracta and P. grande. Local assessment revealed that there are 37
species classified as very abundant, 21 are abundant, and 76 are rare. Local assessment
of the Mindanao endemic species is rare except for Ophioglossum ramosii.
Table 4. Conservation status and endemism of ferns and lycophytes in Mt. Malambo, Datu Salumay,
Marilog District.
Species
Conservation Status
1. Aglaomorpha cornucopia (Copel.) M.C. Roos
Vulnerable
2. Aglaomorpha heraclea (Kunze) Copel
Vulnerable
3. Aglaomorpha splendens (Hook. & Bauer) Copel.
Vulnerable
4. Alsophila fuliginosa (H. Christ) Copel.
Endangered
5. Asplenium vittiforme Cav.
Vulnerable
6. Davallia embolostegia Copel.
Other threatened Species
7. Davallia solida (Forst.) Sw.
Other Threatened Species
8. Dicksonia mollis Holttum
Endangered
9. Diplazium costulisorum (Copel.) C.Chr.
Endangered
10. Lecanopteris deparioides (Cesati) Baker
Endangered
11. Lepisorus platyrhynchos (Kunze) Li Wang
Endangered
12. Microlepia protracta Copel.
Endangered
13. Ophioderma pendula C.Presl
Endangered
14. Phlegmariurus salvinioides (Herter) Ching
Endangered
15. Phlegmariurus squarrosus (G.Forst.) Á.Löve & D.Löve
Endangered
16. Platycerium grande (Fée) Kunze
Critically Endangered
17. Polystichum nudum Copel.
Endangered
18. Sphaeropteris elmeri (Copel.) R.M. Tryon
Vulnerable
19. Sphaeropteris glauca (Blume) R.M. Tryon
Endangered
Ten (10) endangered species were recorded inside the sampling plots, viz., D. mollis,
L. platyrhynchos, A. fuliginosa, S. glauca, P. nudum, O. pendulum, D. costulisorum,
P. squarrosa, and P. salvinioides. These threatened species were also documented on
different protected areas in Mindanao Island (Coritico & Amoroso 2020; Amoroso et
al. 2018). Other endangered species were seen along the trail from the foot of the
mountain to the peak of Mt. Malambo. Furthermore, P. grande, a highly priced
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
164
ornamental plant, was recorded while doing the repeated transect walks. P. grande is
a Mindanao Island endemic species and may become extinct in the wild if no
conservation measures are adopted in the area. Alombro (1999) documented the
endangered Tmesipteris zamorarum Gruezo and Amoroso in the area. However,
present exploration revealed the absence of this endangered fern species together with
Phlegmariurus banayanicus (Herter) A.R.Field & Bostck. The absence of T.
zamorarum could be due to the loss of its only habitat, which are the tree ferns
(Alsophila spp. and Sphaeropteris spp.). Tree ferns are widely collected and sold
commercially as a potting medium to grow other plants and as posts. Mt. Malambo and
its vicinity show a high number of threatened and endemic species; therefore, high
priority should be given to the protection of these species by the local stakeholders.
Regulation on the collection and the need to propagate the economically important
species should be addressed. Further, data from this research can be used as a sound
basis in the formulation of policies that are effective for the conservation and protection
of the whole Mt. Malambo.
4 Conclusions and Recommendations
Mt. Malambo in Barangay Datu Salumay, Marilog District is home to 215 species of
ferns and lycophytes belonging to 74 genera and 23 families. The species richness of
this group of flora is ca. 23% of the total number of species in the Philippines and ca.
39% compared with the total number of species in Mindanao. Mt. Malambo has a
diversity value of H’=1.83, which is higher compared to the other mountains in
Mindanao Island. Twenty endemic species and 24 species are threatened. Of these, one
species is critically endangered, 12 species are endangered, seven species are
vulnerable and four are other threatened species. The high species richness and high
diversity of ferns and lycophytes in Mt. Malambo represent a significant floral resource
of the Philippines but should be protected and conserved by the stakeholders since
some species are placed in the threatened category.
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by CHED - DARE TO (Commission on Higher Education -
Discovery-Applied Research and Extension for Trans/Inter-disciplinary Opportunities)
research grant. The gratuitous permit from DENR Region XI and logistic support from the
Marilog District stakeholders, Matigsalug-Manobo Tribal People Council of Elders Davao, Inc.
(MAMATRIPCEDI), and the Central Mindanao University (CMU) are gratefully
acknowledged. Comments from anonymous reviewers are acknowledged.
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
165
References
Acma FM, Mendez NP, Lagunday NE, Amoroso VB. 2021. Diversity of understory flowering plants in
the forest patches of Marilog District, Philippines. Journal of Threatened Taxa 13(5): 18247–18256.
doi: 10.11609/jott.6278.13.5.18247-18256.
Alombro NC. 1999. Pteridophyte Flora of Mt. Malambo in Barangay Datu Salumay, Marilog District,
Davao City. [MS thesis]. Musuan, Bukidnon: Central Mindanao University, Philippines.
Amoroso VB, Acma FM, Pava HP. 1996. Diversity status and ecology of pteridophytes in three forests in
Mindanao, Philippines. In: Camus JM and Johns RJ, editors. Pteridology in Perspective. Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Amoroso VB, Arances JB, Gorne ND, Ruba RP, Rufila LV, Opiso GS, Demetillo MT, Noval KG, van
den Berg A, Stortelder A, Kessler PJA, Gruezo W, Lagunzad DA, Tan BC, Co LL, Aranico EC,
Roscom BA, Alava CG. 2006. Plant diversity in the northern landscape of Mt. Malindang Range and
environs, Misamis Occidental, Philippines. College Laguna: SEAMCO SEARCA and Quezon City:
PDM Press, Philippines. 116 p.
Amoroso VB, Obsioma LD, Arlalejo JB, Aspiras RA, Capili DP, Polizon JJA, Sumile EB. 2009. Inventory
and conservation of endangered, endemic and economically important flora of Hamiguitan Range,
Southern Philippines. Blumea 54(1–3): 71–76. doi: 10.376/000651909X474113.
Amoroso VB, Laraga SH, Calzada BV. 2011. Diversity and assessment of plants in Mt. Kitanglad Range
Natural Park, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines. Gardens Bulletin Singapore 63(1/2): 219–239.
Amoroso VB, Amoroso CB, Coritico FP. 2012 Diversity and status of plants in three mountain ecosystems
in southern Mindanao, Philippines. Asian Journal of Biodiversity 3(1): 50–73. doi:
10.7828/ajob.v3i1.83.
Amoroso VB, Chiou WL, Liu YC, Callado JRC, Briones NNG, Coritico FP. 2015. Threatened Endemic,
Rare, Economic species of Philippine Pteridophytes. Central Mindanao University, Musuan,
Bukidnon, Philippines: Instructional Materials and Development Center, 173 pp.
Amoroso VB, Coritico FP, Fritsch PW. 2016. Species richness and conservation status of ferns and
lycophytes in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Philippine
Journal of Science 145: 127–137.
Amoroso VB, Coritico FP, Bucol AA, Aribal LG, Alcala EL. 2018. Biodiversity Inventory, Assessment
and Monitoring in Balinsasayao Twin-Lakes Natural Park (BTLNP). Technical Report. Central
Mindanao University. Philippines.
Amoroso VB, Acma FM, Coritico FP, Gorme FS, Lagunday NE, Salolog MCS, Colong RD. 2018. Floral
diversity assessment of the buffer zones and vicinity of the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
(MHRWS), Davao Oriental: basis for inclusion to protected area zone. Philippine Journal of
Systematic Biology 12(2): 36–51.
Barcelona JF, Nickrent DL, Lafrankie JV, Callado JRC, Pelser PB. 2013. Co's Digital Flora of the
Philippines: plant identification and conservation through cybertaxonomy. Philippine Journal of
Science 142(special issue): 57–67.
Bhattarai KR, Vetaas OR, Grytnes JA. 2004. Fern species richness along a central Himalayan elevational
gradient, Nepal. Journal of Biogeography 31(3): 389–400. doi: 10.1046/j.0305-0270.2003.01013.x.
Copeland EB. 1958–1961. Fern Flora of the Philippines. Vols. 3. Manila: Manila Bureau of Printing, 555
pp.
Coritico FP, Amoroso VB, Acma FM, Cariño YLL, Fritsch PW. 2020. Ferns and Lycophytes of Mt. Tago
Range, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines: Species Richness, Distribution and Conservation Status.
Philippine Journal og Science 149(3-a): 773–790.
Coritico FP and Amoroso VB. 2020. Threatened Lycophytes and Ferns in four Protected Areas of
Mindanao, Philippines. Nature Conservation Research 5(44):78–88.
Curtis JT, McIntosh RP. 1951. The interrelations of certain analytic and synthetic phytosociological
characters. Ecology 31: 434–455.
Fernando ES, Amoroso VB, Tandang DN, Banag CI, Lapis AB, Gruezo WS, Coritico FP, Pollisco FA Jr.,
Palijon AM, Ching MD, Lansigan FP, Garcia-Francisco C, Lita NM, Tagtag AM, de Leon JL. 2022.
L.V. Rufila et al. Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in the Mt. Malambo
Ruhuna Journal of Science
Vol 13 (2): 150-166, December 2022
166
Threatened Plants of the Philippines. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Biodiversity Management Bureau. 149p.
Gonzales AA. 2000. Pteridophytes of Mt. Matutum, South Cotabato. [dissertation]. Musuan, Bukidnon:
Central Mindanao University, Philippines.
Hodge WH. 1947. The use of alcohol in plant collecting. Rhodora 49: 207–210.
Kessler M. 2010. Biogeography of ferns. In: Fern Ecology. Mehltreter K, Walker LR, Sharpe JM eds.
Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 22–60 pp.
Kessler M, Kluge J, Hemp A, Ohlemüller R. 2011. A global comparative analysis of elevational species
richness patterns of ferns. Global Ecology and Biogeography 20: 868–880. doi: 10.1111/j.1466-
8238.2011.00653.x.
Kluge J, Bach K, Kessler M. 2008. Elevational distribution and zonation of tropical pteridophyte
assemblages in Costa Rica. Basic and Applied Ecology 9(1): 35–43. doi: 10.1016/j.baae.2006.11.004.
Krömer T, Kessler M, Gradstein SR, Acebey A. 2005. Diversity patterns of vascular epiphytes along an
altitudinal gradient in the Andes. Journal of Biogeography 32(10): 1799–1809. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-
2699.2005.01318.x.
Lauer W, Rafiqpoor MD, Frankenberg P. 1996. Die Klimate der Erde. Eine Klassifikation auf
ökophysiologischer Grundlage der realen Vegetation. Erdkunde 50: 275–300.
Mehltreter K, Walker LR, Sharpe JM. 2010 eds. Fern Ecology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,
460 p.
Pelser PB, Barcelona JF, Nickrent DL. (Eds.). 2011 onwards. Co's Digital Flora of the Philippines.
Accessed at: www.philippineplants.org.
PPG I. 2016. A community-derived classification for extant lycophytes and ferns. Journal of systematics
and Evolution 54(6): 563–603.
Rufila LV. 2016. Diversity and Distribution of Pteridophytes in Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park,
Misamis Occidental Philippines. [dissertation]. Musuan, Bukidnon: Central Mindanao University,
Philippines.
Salazar L, Homeiera J, Kessler M, Abrahamczykb S, Lehnert M, Krömer T, Kluge J. 2013. Diversity
patterns of ferns along elevational gradients in Andean tropical forests. Plant Ecology & Diversity
1–12. doi: 10.1080/17550874.2013.843036.
Salgado EA. 1990. A checklist of Philippine ferns. Philippine Journal of Science 119: 107–148.
Shannon CE, Weiner W. 1963. The Mathematical Theory of Communication. University of Illinois Press.
Urbana, 117 p.
Silverio FD. 2014. Diversity of Trees and Pteridophytes across Vegetation Types in Mount Apo,
Mindanao. [dissertation]. Musuan, Bukidnon: Central Mindanao University, Philippines.
Silverio FD, Cadali JAN, Malik BSA, Coritico FP, Amoroso VB. 2021. Checklist and Conservation Status
of Ferns and Lycophytes of Mt. Sinaka, Arakan, North Cotabato, Southern Philippines. The Thailand
Natural History Museum Journal 15(2): 161–175.
Smith AR, Pryer KM, Schuettpelze E, Korall P, Schneider H, Wolf PG. 2008. Fern classification. In:
Biology and evolution of ferns and lycophytes. Ranker TA, Haufler CH eds. Cambridge, United
Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 417–446 pp.
Sosanika GL, Sule B, Fazang K, Kiaprani R, Damas K, Hitofumi A, Turia R, Dargusch Paul, Novotny V.
2022. Fern species richness and diversity in the forest ecosystems of Papua New Guinea: a case study
along an elevational gradient. Case Studies in the Environment 6(1). doi: 10.1525/cse.2022.1696511.
