A fern and lycophyte expert discovered an endemic pitcher plant
FERNS ( Polypodiopsida or Polypodiophyta) are non-flowering vascular plants that have true roots, stems, and complex leaves. Another difference that it has from flowering plants is that it doesn’t reproduce through seeds but rather through spores.
In the country, there are around 900 species of ferns out of the 9,000 that are listed globally. The increase on the list of such plants belongs to the effort of a botanist who hails from Mindanao.
Known as “Mindanao’s first academician,” Dr. Victor Amoroso is known for his outstanding scientific works on the morphology and taxonomy of ferns and fern-allies in Mindanao. His research led to a significant development of economic ferns and lycophytes in the Philippines and has elevated him to the status of the country’s lead fern and lycophyte expert.
Aside from naming different species of ferns and lycophytes in the country, Dr. Amoroso’s research also revolved around the plants’ potential as functional foods, source of nutraceuticals, and medicine.
He also established the Herbarium of Central Mindanao which is a depository of endemic, threatened, and economic plant species found in the region. The Herbarium is also globally recognized by the Index Herbarium and Fern Spore Bank.
DISCOVERING THE ‘NEPENTHES PULCHRA’
Ferns aren’t the only flora species that Dr. Amoroso is known for. In August 2011, he discovered a new species of pitcher plant that is endemic to Mindanao.
Pitcher plants, also known as pitfall traps, are carnivorous plants that possess a prey-trapping mechanism which is characterized by a deep cavity filled with liquid. Foraging, flying or crawling insects such as flies are attracted to the cavity of the plant due to its visual lures like anthocyanin pigments or even nectar bribes.
Found on Mount Kiamo in Bukidnon, the new species that
Dr. Amoroso discovered is named “Nepenthes pulchra” after the Latin word “pulchra” which means beautiful and refers to attractive pitchers that are notable because of its striking color as well as its impressive size and form.
Nepenthes pulchra is noted to grow between altitudes of 1,300
to 1,800 meters. It is known to grow in mineral-rich soil, and is exposed to strong or direct sunlight.
EDUCATING THE ACADEMICIAN
Aside from being the renowned botanist who has contributed a lot to Philippine flora, particularly in the field of ferns and lycophytes, Dr. Amoroso is also recognized as an academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).
Still, before Dr. Amoroso became an academician, he went through what all notable names in the field of research and technology did: go to school.
He studied Biology in Silliman University and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973. To augment what he already learned in college, Dr. Amoroso went to the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, where he graduated with a degree of Master of Science in Botany in 1973. Four years later, he acquired his doctorate degree in the same field and in the same university.
Throughout the duration of his career, Dr. Amoroso was able to publish and present more than 120 scientific papers. As a result, he has been the recipient of 22 national awards, 61 institutional and regional awards, and 81 local awards.
One of his early awards include the prestigious Outstanding Young Scientist award from NAST which was given to him in 1991.
Armed with the information that he has earned over the years, Dr. Amoroso then went into teaching biological sciences. He is described by the NAST as “immensely influential” in shaping the minds of aspiring Filipino and ASEAN researchers, educators, and administrators.
He imparts his knowledge and experience to his audience through teaching, mentoring activities, as well as collaborations with local government units and other stakeholders.
Now in his 60s, Dr. Amoroso has retired from teaching at the Central Mindanao University. Yet his name is still prolific as he is leading four different projects. Presently, he is the director of both the Center of Biodiversity Research Extension in Mindanao, and the Higher Education Regional Research Center.
BEING RESOURCEFUL AND PRACTICAL IS KEY AGAINST ADVERSITY
Although Dr. Amoroso has accomplished a lot in his life as a botanist and an academician, he admits that all these didn’t come without challenges.