Indian Journal of Science and Technology
DOI: 10.17485/ijst/2020/v13i09/149706
Year: 2020, Volume: 13, Issue: 9, Pages: 1098 – 1106
Original Article
Joarth B. Sabulao1, Joyce M. Magtolis1,2,*, Catalina A. Capanang1, Daisy E. Ingente1, Mark Wendolf E. Paa1, Ronaldo C. Hitosis Jr.1, John Alvin Mabag1 and Cyra C. Raga1
1Graduate School, Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City, Philippines
2College of Arts and Sciences, Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City, Philippines
*Author for correspondence:
Joyce M. Magtolis
Graduate School, Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City, Philippines
E-mail ID: jbm.magtolis@gmail.com
Objectives/methods: A preliminary ethnobotanical survey of beach forest species was conducted to identify the local names and document the uses of these resources to the locals of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Plants were identified in situ by an informant and samples were collected for herbarium specimen identification. Ethnobotanical data were obtained using a modified focused group (bench conference) and a semi-structured interview with each of the 15 informants, composed of a village leader, a local healer, and mostly elders. Quantitative data on the citation of beach plants per specific use were tabulated for frequency counts and percentage of informant’s citation or agreement.
Findings/application: The study documented at least 39 species of beach forests flora present in the community. The common uses of these species by the locals are associated with construction, source of income, food and food processing for humans and domesticated animals, fishing technology, insect repellent, home decors, and furniture, landscaping, and folk medicine. Cocos nucifera L. is evident in many applications in the life of the locals. Together with Atipulo (Artocarpus blancoi), and Bagnaw (Premna odorata), they were reported in diverse applications ranging from folk medicine to infrastructure and food preparation and consumption. Like any other ethnic group and underdeveloped communities in the world, medicinal administration is largely a symptomatic approach utilizing either fresh or dried leaves, fruits, roots, barks or even the whole plant across different preparations. The flexibility of some of these species in terms of utilization by the community can shed light on its abundance in the area and the associated local ecological knowledge. An ethnobotanical survey should be conducted across the Philippine archipelago for more comprehensive documentation of beach forest species, thereby giving cues on its dynamics and conservation efforts.
Keywords: Ethnobotany, Beach Forest Species, Descriptive Survey, Eastern Samar Ph.
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