Philippine E-Journals

Microclimate Assessment of Selected Parameria laevigata Habitat in Malinao, Aklan

Prency D. Yerro

 

Abstract:

As an important component of medicinal remedies among folk healers, the collection of Tagulaway, Parameria laevigata, stem has been indispensable in their yearly “pangalap” activity. Lately though, concerns have been voiced that the plant in this part of Aklan may be threatened. This originated from the observation of these folk healers that the plant has been becoming more and more difficult to find, to the point that they have to keep the locations of this plant in the wild a secret. As a way to mitigate the impact on the native plant population and to ensure the constant supply for the yearly remedy-making practices, the researcher initiated the preliminary steps which aim to propagate and domesticate it. Hoping to safeguard the sustainability and consistent access to the raw materials needed by the healers. This study assessed the environmental parameters around the areas where Parameria laevigata thrive and grow. The results showed that Parameria laevigata grows in locations with relatively comparable environmental parameters: 260C to 270C soil temperature, 290C to 300C air temperature, 6 to7 soil pH, 3600 to 3700 lux light intensity, and 85% to 89% relative humidity. This means that Parameria laevigata, grows in a specific range of environmental parameters, and to grow it in a garden or plantation, one must approximate the noted measurements.These findings can serve as a basis for initiating the domestication not only of this plant but possibly other plants that are essential among the healers.