Another endemic plant species discovered in Mt Hamiguitan

DAVAO CITY – Researches found a new endemic plant species on Monday in the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the tourist destinations in Davao Oriental province.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Davao Region identified the plant in its official Facebook page as Actinostachys minuta, otherwise known as diminutive grass ferns.

Actinostachys minuta is a newly described plant species that is distinct from all other species of Actinostachys - a family of ferns mainly found in the tropics. It grows on a tree fern.

The researchers revealed that the plant has short and narrow fronds, distinct triangular stipe, which connects the frond to the root and spore-bearing part having a forked apex with white hairs that differ them from all other species, based on a datum.

“It seems like the ecological-wealth realm of Mount Hamiguitan never stops offering site-endemic new species. It means it cannot be found anywhere, at least not just yet,” the DENR-Davao said.

According to research, Actinostachys species are still limited as it is epiphytic or dependent to a tree fern. The species name refers to its small size even compared to other members of the genus.

DENR-Davao said with its diverse and intact ecosystem, it is believed that Mount Hamiguitan still hosts a long list of indescribable species that are yet to be discovered.

“This pushes the continuous and intensified conservation and protection efforts [by the citizens of the area and the concerned agencies] for this mountain,” the agency said, adding that in line with this development, the legislative protected areas will hold a live streaming program on June 22.

Mount Hamiguitan will be featured following the discovery of many species in the mountain. The program is organized by the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau, in cooperation with the Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda.