Gerard Q. de Guzman, Alma E. Nacua, Teresa Haide R. Belgica, Ken Joseph E. Clemente, Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro
Introduction: Since there is no record of floral diversity in Mt. Malinao (Albay, Philippines), this study aims to conduct an assessment, inventory and ethnobotanical study of plants in the area. Methodology: Plants were collected by random sampling from 3 vegetation types. Herbarium specimens were submitted to the Philippine National Herbarium and the University of Santo Tomas Herbarium for identification. The ethnomedicinal uses of plants was confirmed by interview of local residents and forest guides. Results: The vegetation types surveyed consist of a lower agro-ecosystem, the rocky pathway and the secondary dipterocarp montane forest. The families Melastomataceae, Apocynaceae, Rubiaceae, Moraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Acanthaceae, Fabaceae, Verbenaceae, Solanaceae and Zingiberaceae were the most represented. There were 27 endemic plants, 15 economically-important plants, 15 medicinal plants, 9 ornamental plants, 3 poisonous plants, 3 newly-introduced plants to the locality and 6 newly-introduced plant to the Philippines. The therapeutic uses of 8 plants have been authenticated by the local residents. Conclusions: Pharmacological screening of endemic plants and isolation of their bioactive substances are recommended in addition to conservation measures.
