A preliminary investigation on the physico-chemical parameters of the habitat and associated flora of Rafflesia sp. along the western side of Sibalom Natural Park

Abstract

Rafflesia, bearing the largest flowers in the world, was found to exist in Sibalom Natural Park. In view of efforts to conserve the Rafflesia site, this study entitled, “A preliminary investigation on the physico-chemical parameters of the habitat and associated flora of Rafflesia sp. along the western side of Sibalom Natural Park”, aims to come up with information as to what conditions do these flowers grow and their associated flora. This study hopes to help strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The study had ten sampling sites, five of which with the existence of Rafflesia sp. and five of which without Rafflesia sp.. In each of these areas the data gathered were girth of trees, saplings and seedlings, list and number of existing flora within the area, soil pH, soil texture, soil and air temperature, and relative humidity. The study found that the Rafflesia sp. in the Sibalom Natural Park grows at high relative humidity, relatively cool air and soil temperature, in soil with high amounts of clay and nearly neutral pH. The Rafflesia sp., aside from its host vine, exists with the plant locally known as ban-ban. No species of plant was found to dominate the areas where Rafflesia sp. exists.