Philippine E-Journals

Floristic Composition and Physiognomy of Pagbilao Mangrove, Quezon Province, Philippines

Amalia E. Almazol | Cleofas R. Cervancia | Inocencio E. Buot Jr. | Nelson M. Pampolina

 

Abstract:

The species composition, physiognomy and importance value of Pagbilao Mangrove, a typical satoumi site in southern Luzon, Philippines was determined from May 2009 to August 2010. Vegetation analysis was done within a 20x20m quadrat established in each of the landward, middleward and seaward zones. A total of 37 species were identified in all zones comprising 744 individuals belonging to 28 genera and 18 families. Using Shannon Index of diversity, the landward zone has the highest diversity followed by the seaward zone. The least diverse was the middleward zone. There was a similar trend in the proportion of various tree heights and diameter in seaward, middleward and landward zones. The density of small trees was higher than those of the big ones. The IV of the species varied within the zones. In the order of decreasing IV A. marina > A. floridum > Sonneratia alba in seaward zone. In the middleward zone, A. officinalis > C. decandra > S. hydrophyllacea. At the landward zone, X. granatum > A. officinalis > R. mucronata > A. marina var. rumphiana. The current floristic composition of Pagbilao mangrove indicates that this ecosystem is still diverse based on the number and kinds of species present. With the satoumi framework in place, there is much hope in the conservation and management of this mangrove ecosystem.