Fern patch structure and species diversity along the altitudinal gradient of Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, Luzon Island, Philippines

Issue Date

3-2004

Abstract

The line intercept method was used to determine fern patch structure and species diversity along the altitudinal gradient of the northeastern slope of Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, Quezon, Luzon Island, Philippines. A total of 93 species under 47 genera and 24 families were found in the study area, eight of which are Philippine endemics. The most represented families are Polypodiaceae (11 spp.), Hymenophyllaceae (11 spp.) and Aspleniaceae (9 spp.) while the most represented genera are Asplenium (9 spp.), Lycopodium (5 spp.) and Selaginella (5 spp.). Species diversity gradually increased with elevation, reaching a maximum at 814-886 m above sea level. Based on the result of stepwise multiple regression analysis, the slope was linearly related to species diversity, explaining 16% of the variation in H′ [H′ = 1.4928 + 0.0092(Slope); r = 0.3995]. On the other hand, there was no direct relationship between species cover and altitude. Majority of the fern patches sheltered all the pteridophyte height classes designated in this study. At least 85% of the pteridophyte species were preferential. Selaginella delicatula (Desv.) Alston, Selaginella cumingiana Spring, Cyathea callosa Christ, Sphaerostephanos hirsutus (Kunze ex Mett.) Hollt. var. hirsutus, Cephalomanes apiifolia (C. Pres.) K. Iwats and Cyathea philippinensis Bak. were the most widely adapted fern species along the slope.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Volume

87

Issue

1

Page

49-60

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Subject

Altitudinal distribution, Ferns, Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, Patch structure, Pteridophytes, Species diversity

Digital Copy

none

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