ISSN 2226-3063 e-ISSN 2227-9555 Modern Phytomorphology 13: 5–8, 2019 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20190102 SHORT COMMUNICATION New record of Plagiostachys albiflora Ridl. (Zingiberaceae) in the Philippines Florfe M. Acma 1,2*, Noe P. Mendez 1,2, Noel E. Lagunday 1,2, Victor B. Amoroso 1,2 1 Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Mindanao University, University Town, Musuan, 8710 Bukidnon, Philippines Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM), Central Mindanao University, University Town, Musuan, 8710 Bukidnon, Philippines; * flmacma@gmail.com 2 Received: 05.12.2018 | Accepted: 26.12.2018 | Published: 04.01.2019 Abstract A Philippine specimen of Plagiostachys albiflora Ridl. (Zingiberaceae) which was previously recorded only from the Malay Peninsula and Borneo was recently discovered in Mt. Malambo, Brgy. Datu Salumay, Marilog District, Davao City, Philippines. The specimen, described herein, constitutes the first record of the said species in the Philippines. Further, P. albiflora is the only non‑endemic species among the Philippine Plagiostachys and is an addition to the seven known endemic species in the country. Existing populations of the species are rare and under severe threats due to anthropogenic activities and therefore call for immediate conservation initiatives. Keywords: Alpinioideae, ginger flora, new distribution locality, Mt. Malambo, Davao Introduction Zingiberaceae consists of herbaceous perennial plants that grow well in humid tropical and subtropical areas and mostly distributed in Southeast Asia (Larsen & Larsen 2006) with 1,500 species in 53 genera (Kress et al. 2002; Lamb et al. 2013). A new classification of Zingiberaceae, which was based on morphological characters and molecular phylogeny by Kress et al. (2002) comprises 4 subfamilies and 6 tribes viz., Siphonochiloideae (Siphonochileae), Tamijioideae (Tamijieae), Alpinioideae (Alpinieae, Riedelieae), and Zingiberoideae (Zingibereae, Globbeae). The genus Plagiostachys is characterized by its spike inflorescence which penetrates laterally from the leafy shoot (Julius et al. 2010). This genus is poorly known due to early disintegration of the inflorescence of many species into a mucilaginous mass which makes studies of herbarium specimens’ difficult (Larsen et al. 1999). Members of the genus are distributed in the Malesian region with the center of diversity in Borneo with 15 species (Julius et al. 2008; Lamb et al. 2013). In the Philippines, there are seven known species in this genus and all are endemic to the country (Pelser et al. 2011). Aside from the protologues (Ridley 1909; Elmer 1915), few studies had been done on this genus worldwide (Smith 1985; Cowley 1999; Sakai & Nagamasu 2003; Gobilik et al. 2005; Julius et al. 2008) and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no recent studies on Plagiostachys were conducted in the Philippines. Recent botanical expedition in May 2018 documented six populations of Plagiostachys albiflora Ridl. from Mt. Malambo, Brgy. Datu Salumay, Marilog District, Davao City, Philippines. P. albiflora has glabrous capsules with mucilaginous inflorescence, which places this species under the subclade B among the three subclades of Plagiostachys in the molecular analysis of Julius et al. (2008). The species is a new addition to the ginger © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Andriy Novikov, State Natural History Museum NAS of Ukraine on behalf of Modern Phytomorphology. This is an open access article under the Creative Commons BY‑NC‑ND license (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by‑nc‑nd/4.0/) freely available on https://phytomorphology.org/. 6 | Acma et al. flora of the Philippines and is an addition to the seven previously known endemic Plagiostachys in the country, viz., P. corrugata Elmer, P. elegans Ridl., P. escritorii Elmer, P. lata Elmer, P. parviflora (C.Presl) Ridl., P. philippinensis Ridl. and P. rolfei (K.Schum.) Ridl. (Ridley 1909; Elmer 1915; Pelser et al. 2011 onwards). However, P. albiflora is the only non-endemic species of Plagiostachys in the Philippines as this species is previously recorded in the Malay Peninsula and Borneo (Lamb et al. 2013). A full description of the species is presented herein along with its phenology, updated distribution, habitat and ecology, and threats and conservation implications. Methods The documentation of P. albiflora in May 7-12, 2018 was part of the research project on inventory and assessment of Flora in Marilog Forest Reserve, Southern Mindanao, Philippines (Fig. 1). A total of 21 plots were established in Mt. Malambo and all herbaceous plants and vines found within the plots were counted and recorded. Morphological descriptions of the vegetative and reproductive parts of P. albiflora were done using fresh plant samples while the microscopic examinations were done in the laboratory utilizing the spirit collections of the flowers. Online e-flora of the Philippines (Pelser et al. 2011 onwards), digitized plant specimens available in Global Plants on JSTOR, protologues (Ridley 1909; Elmer 1915), checklists and related literature (Larsen et al. 1999; Maknoi & Sirirugsa 2002; Poulsen 2006; Larsen & Larsen 2006; Julius et al. 2008; Julius et al. 2010; Lamb et al. 2013) were used for identification and comparison of the species. Voucher specimens were prepared and deposited at the CMUH. Taxonomy Plagiostachys albiflora Ridl. Journ. Roy. As. Soc. S. Br. 50: 150. 1908 (Fig. 2). Terrestrial clumping herb and reached a height of 1-1.5 m. Rhizome thick, brownish-white, 2127 cm long, 4.7-6.2 cm in diameter. Leaves narrowly lanceolate to obovate, green, glabrous, 25-57 cm long by 9-11 cm wide in upper leaves, narrower, 20-25 cm long by 8-10 cm wide in lower leaves, base cuneate, apex caudate, margin entire; ligule bilobed, glabrous both surfaces, abaxial lighter, greenish-brown, 0.7-1.2 cm long by 1.1-1.3 cm wide; petiole glabrous, green, groove, 1.5-1.9 cm long; leaf sheaths glabrous. Inflorescence penetrates laterally from the leaf sheath, 7-14 cm above ground, 5.3-7.6 cm long by 2.8-3.9 cm wide; peduncle hairy, 0.8 cm. Bracts oblong, creamywhite to brown towards the top, pink towards the base. Calyx ovate, glabrous, white with red apex, 3-tooth, 0.71.4 cm long. Corolla tube white, glabrous, 5.3-6.9 mm long; corolla lobes lanceolate, boat-shaped, apex rounded to acute, white with pinkish in the tip, 4.2 × 8.6 mm. Labellum obovate, white with yellow in the middle and red lines on either side and red rays toward the margins, hairy at base, 7.6-8.4 cm long by 6.7-8. 4 cm wide, decaying. Pistil: stigma 2 mm long × 1.6 mm wide, style 3 mm long. Stamen: anther white, 4.2-4.8 mm long by 1.6-1.9 mm wide, filament white, 1.7-2.6 mm long. Fruits obviate to globose, green, 6-8 cm long × 5 cm wide. Seeds white, numerous. The Philippine materials are smaller compared to the materials from Borneo. Phenology: Flowering and fruiting stages of this species were observed between the months of April to June. Uses: The fruits are edible (Kulip et al. 2000) and sap from the stem is applied to mouth ulcers and solution of the stem is taken for high blood and diabetes (ITTO Project 2017). However, there are no reported uses of this plant from the people of the adjacent communities where this species was recorded. Propagation: The species can be easily propagated using rhizomes. Three rhizomes were brought to Bukidnon (adjacent province) for ex situ conservation and had 100% survival under garden conditions in Central Mindanao University of Musuan, Bukidnon, Philippines. Ecology and habitat: Populations of P. albiflora was discovered several meters away from the population of Mitrastemon yamamotoi Makino (Mitrastemonaceae), a recently recorded species in the Philippines by Amoroso et al. (2018). Figure 1. Study site spot map (yellow balloons). A) Philippines, B) Mindanao Island (Marilog District, Davao City-red), C) Transect route (green paths). Red polygons–20 × 20 m established plots for extensive floristic inventory (©2018 Google, image©2018 CNES/Airbus). Modern Phytomorphology 13, 2019 New record of Plagiostachys albiflora Ridl. ( Zingiberaceae) in the Philippines | 7 Figure 2. Plagiostachys albiflora Ridl. A) habit, B) leaf blade, C) leaf apex, D) leaf base, E) petiole (pe) and ligule (li), F) inflorescence (inset: flower), G) infructescence. P. albiflora was observed in the slope area in the shade of a mixed dipterocarp forest dominated by Lithocarpus spp. (Fagaceae) and Canarium spp. (Burseraceae). Moreover, the area was dominated by several plant species, such as Alsophila fuliginosa Christ (Cyatheaceae), Angiopteris palmiformis (Cav.) C. Chr. (Marattiaceae), Musa textilis Nées (Musaceae), Arisaema polyphyllum (Blanco) Merr. (Araceae), Calamus mollis Blanco (Arecaceae), Medinilla sp. (Melastomataceae) and Mackinlaya celebica (Harms) Philipson (Araliaceae). Other ginger species observed near the area were Alpinia alpina (Elmer) R.M.Sm., Etlingera fimbriobracteata (K.Schum.) R.M.Sm., Etlingera philippinensis (Ridl.) R.M.Sm., Hornstedtia lophophora Ridl. and Plagiostachys sp. The habitat preference of this species is also similar to that of the other ginger species Modern Phytomorphology 13, 2019 from other genera (Larsen et al. 1999; Acma 2010; Acma & Mendez 2018). The area lies at coordinates 7°22’40’’ N 125°19’38” E near Bukidnon boundary with a cool climate owing to its relatively high elevation of 1,200 masl. The mountain has clayish soil having 82.15% clay, pH of 4.60 and organic matter of 6.73% according to the report of Acma (2010). Distribution: Widespread in the Malay Peninsula and Borneo (Lamb et al. 2013), but recorded in Mt. Malambo, Barangay Datu Salumay, Marilog District, Davao City, Philippines as this present study reports. Specimen examined: Philippines. Mindanao, Davao City, Marilog District, Barangay Datu Salumay, Mt. Malambo, 1350 masl, 9 May 2018, V.B. Amoroso 10783 with Acma and Mendez (CMUH). 8 | Acma et al. Threats and conservation implications: The populations of P. albiflora were found only in two out of 21 established plots in Mt. Malambo. Failure of seedlings to survive could be a possible reason for its few populations. The very small population of the species could also be attributed to the habitat loss due to anthropogenic disturbances. Its occurrence in fragmented and disturbed habitats call for urgent conservation initiatives. Conclusion and Recommendations The documentation of P. albiflora in Mt. Malambo is the first record of this species in the Philippines hence, in addition to the seven known endemic species of Plagiostachys in the country. Further, the species is so far the only non-endemic species of Plagiostachys in the Philippines. More botanical explorations are needed to determine its geographical range and understand the population size of the Philippine Plagiostachys. The authors also recommended that in situ and ex situ conservation efforts be undertaken and the propagated plantlets be introduced to botanical gardens for further monitoring and future studies. Acknowledgement molecular data. Am. J. Bot. 89: 1682-1696. https://doi. org/10.3732/ajb.89.10.1682 Lamb A., Gobilik J., Ardiyani M., Poulsen A.D. 2013. A guide to gingers of Borneo. Natural History Publications (Borneo). 1-144. Julius A., Takano A., Suleiman M., Tukin W.F. 2010. Zingiberaceae of Maliau Basin, Sabah, Malaysia. J. Trop. Biol. Conserv. 6: 1-20. http://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/1677 Larsen K., Ibrahim H., Khaw S.H., Saw L.G. 1999. Gingers of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Natural History Publications (Borneo). 1-65. Julius A., Suleiman M., Takano A. 2008. Preliminary molecular phylogeny of Bornean Plagiostachys (Zingiberaceae) based on DNS sequence data of internal transcribed spacer (ITS). J. Trop. Biol. Conserv. 4: 67-80. https://bit.ly/2GD9Sy7 Pelser P.B., Barcelona J.F., Nickrent D.L. 2011. Co's digital flora of the Philippines. www.philippineplants.org. Ridley H.N. 1909. New Philippine Zingiberaceae. Leaflets of Philippine Botany 2: 569-572. Elmer A.D.E. 1915. Notes and descriptions of zingiberaceae. Leaflets of Philippine Botany 8: 2885-2919. Smith R.M. 1985. A review of Bornean Zingiberaceae: I (Alpinieae). Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 42: 261-314. Cowley J. 1999. Two new species of Plagiostachys (Zingiberaceae) from Borneo. Kew Bulletin 54: 139-146. https://www.jstor.org/ stable/4111030 Sakai S., Nagamasu H. 2003. Systematic studies of Bornean Zingiberaceae IV. Alpinioideae of Lambir Hill. Edinb. J. Bot. 60: 181-216. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0960428603000143 Gobilik J., Lamb A., Mashitah M.Y. 2005. Two new species of Plagiostachys (Zingiberaceae) from Sabah, Borneo. Sandakania 16: 49-56. The researchers express their gratitude to the funding agency which is the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Republic of the Philippines specifically under the Discovery Applied Research and Extension Trans/Inter-Disciplinary Opportunities (DARE-TO) Grant-in-Aid and to Central Mindanao University as the implementing agency. Due acknowledgments are likewise given to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the issuance of gratuitous permit; Matigsalug Manobo Tribal People Council of Elders Davao, Inc. (MAMATRIPCEDI) and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Barangay Datu Salumay especially to Captain Merilyn L. Uayan for allowing the authors to conduct the fieldwork; and to the local researchers in the area for accompanying the authors during the collection of voucher specimens. Kulip J., Majawat G., Kulik J. 2000. Medicinal and other useful plants of the Lundayeh Community of Sipitang, Sabah, Malaysia. J Trop For Sci 12: 810-816. https://www.jstor.org/ stable/43582414?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents References Acma F.M. 2010. Biosystematics of the genus Amomum Roxb. (Family Zingiberaceae) in the Philippines. University of the Philippines, Los Baños. Larsen K., Larsen S.S. 2006. Gingers of Thailand. Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Kress W., Prince L., Williams K. 2002. The phylogeny and a new classification of the gingers (Zingiberaceae): evidence from Maknoi C., Sirirugsa, P. 2002. New Records of Zingiberaceae from Southern Thailand. Nat. Hist. Bull. Siam Soc. 50: 225-237. http:// www.thaiscience.info/journals/Article/NHB/10439430.pdf Poulsen A.D. 2006. Gingers of Sarawak. Natural History Publications (Borneo). 71. Amoroso V.B., Mendez N.P., Lagunday N.E. 2018. Mitrastemonaceae: A New Family Record for the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science 147(4): 775–779. ITTO Project PD 635/12 Rev. 2 (F). 2017. Pulong tau buffer zone: Ecosystem, biodiversity and people. International Tropical Timber Organization, Yokohama, Japan Forest Department Sarawak, Malaysia. Acma F.M., Mendez N.P. 2018. Noteworthy records of Philippine endemic gingers in the buffer zone of Mt. Hamiguitan range wildlife sanctuary (MHRWS), Davao Oriental, Philippines. Environ Exper Bot 16: 111-115. http://eeb.lu.lv/EEB/201806/EEB_XVI_Acma.pdf Modern Phytomorphology 13, 2019