Survey of indigenous forest trees and shrubs (IFTS) in Barangay Umingan, Alimodian, Iloilo

Abstract

This floristic survey was conducted to assess the presence of the indigenous forest trees and shrubs (IFTS) in the mountains of Brgy. Umingan, Alimodian, Iloilo, a potential eco-tourism site. IFTS were 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 EFTS 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 19 (20.65%) shrubs There are 39 plant families known where a larger number of species belong to the Moracea (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.