- By Ernesto S. Elefan
ABSTRACT
This floristic survey was conducted to assess the presence of the indigenous forest trees and shrubs (IFTS) in the mountains of Brgay. Umingan, Alimodian, Iloilo, a potential eco-tourism site. IFTS ere accordingly identified and classified and the species dominance, type of plant community, conservation status, and economic utilization determined. The one-shot modified line-transect method for rapid inventory of the IFTS was adopted. Frequencies and percentages were the only statistics used in the study. There were 93 IFTS surveyed of which 73 (79.35%) are trees and (20.65%) shrubs. There are 39 plant families known where a larger number of species belong to the Morecea (14.80%) and Euphorbiaceae (13.80%) families. The area was classified as a secondary forest. Most IFTS were potential materials for light construction and a variety of woodcrafts, and of medicinal value. Some were edible and many are of aesthetic value. A number are sources of fiber, pulp and paper, dye, fat for lamp and making candles; shampoo, tannin, gum, paper, materials to produce bowling pins, match sticks, fishing gadgets, and bolo handles, and for laboratory fermentation. Of these, 43.83 and 10.53% of trees and shrubs, respectively, were either depleted or endangered. A few rare tree and shrub species were found. The rest of the IFTS were either abundant or indeterminate in status.