Diversity of Vascular Plant Species in an Agroforest: The Case of a Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) Plantation in Makilala, North Cotabato

Abstract

(H.B.K.) Muell.-Arg.) agroforest in Makilala, North Cotabato, Philippines and identify species with economic importance. Species inventory in 23 plots was carried out using modified stripline-transect line method. The study identified 110 floral species co-occurring with rubber trees, of which 100 were angiosperms, nine pteridophytes and one gymnosperm. Dominant families include Moraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Araceae and Poaceae. These plants are utilized as food, medicine and sources of construction materials while some are used as fodder for livestock, fuel wood, source of fiber and other industrial and household uses. Three of the eight identified species are critically endangered namely: