Red list assessment of Philippine ironwood (Xanthostemon spp. Myrtaceae)

Issue Date

1-2020

Abstract

The Philippines has 5 unique and endemic species of the genus Xanthostemon, collectively known as ironwood trees, listed in the Philippine Red List as either critically endangered or endangered. Exploration revealed several undocumented populations of ironwood species. Results of the inventory also showed extreme abundance and dominance of the species in their area of occurrence. Following the categories and criteria set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), X. bracteatus, X. philippinensis and X. verdugonianus were assessed as vulnerable (VU)), X. fruticosus was categorized as endangered (EN) while X. speciosus was assessed as near threatened (NT). In addition, the paper presents an updated species profile for each ironwood species. The enormous number of new populations recorded revealed the lack of botanical explorations done in the past. Assessment of conservation status necessitates purposive survey of the species being assessed since most criteria cannot be reliably obtained unless plant inventory is conducted.

Source or Periodical Title

Sylvatrop: the Technical Journal of Philippine Ecosystems and Natural Resources

ISSN

0115-0022

Volume

30

Issue

1

Page

1-21

Document Type

Article

Frequency

biannually

Physical Description

illustrations ; map; tables; references

Language

English

Subject

Trees -- Environmental aspects

En – AGROVOC descriptors

MYRTACEAE; SPECIES; ENDEMICS; TAXONOMY; PLANT ECOLOGY; ASSESSMENT; ENDAGERED SPECIES; PHILIPPINES

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