Epiphytes are plants that have a true root system and thrive on the bark

surface of trees, such as trunks, branches, and twigs, without causing harm to the host
trees (Ellis et al., 2015).

Source: Google Images

 -Epiphytes account for 30% of vascular plant species in some biodiversity
hotspots (Kuper, 2004).
-They are generally found in tropical areas, with the majority of species
found at mid-elevation on mountains (Wolf and Flamenco, 2003).
 Numerous factors affect the variety and spread of vascular epiphytes. One of
the main variables affecting the diversity of vascular epiphytes is the biophysical
environment of phorophytes (Nadkarani, 2000).
 -Scaly Tree Ferns are true ferns (Family Cyatheaceae) with trunk-like
stems that resemble trees. This family contains the world's tallest tree ferns, which can
grow to be 20 meters tall.
-They are generally terrestrial and epiphytic in nature.

Cyathea cooperi
Source: Google Images
- The Pantaron Mountain Range is also known as Mindanao's Central Cordillera.
- It has one of Mindanao's last remaining old growth or primary forest blocks.
- The area is inhabited by ethnic tribal communities such as the Manobos, Higaonons,
and Bukidnons.
- This mountain range has a high importance for biodiversity because it is home to a wide
variety of indigenous plants and animals.

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Determine the species of scaly tree ferns and its vascular epiphytes.

Compare the species composition of epiphytes in different scaly tree fern

species.

Determine the distribution of the vascular epiphytes in different

scaly tree fern species.

Assess the endemism and conservation status of the species.

➢ Expansion of knowledge regarding the identification of vascular epiphytes found in scaly tree ferns

➢ Contribute to DENR’s database which they could use as a basis in monitoring the species of vascular
epiphytes of scaly tree ferns in Bukidnon.

➢ Provide baseline information on the indicator performance compared to non-vascular plants.

 This study will be limited only to :

Diversity of vascular epiphytes on scaly tree ferns (family Cyatheaceae).

Non-vascular epiphytes and lichens are excluded in this study.

The collection of specimens will also be limited to a maximum of 7

meters high.
 Entry Protocol Description of the Sampling techniques
Study Site

Identification of Preparation of
Numerical Analysis Herbarium Specimen
Specimens

Assessment of
Conservation Status and Photo-
Endemism of Epiphytic documentation
Species
Source: Google Images
 Source: Google Images

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nepenthes_truncata_dark_peristome.jpg
3-4 transects will be made. A transect walk will be
done by listing all the vascular epiphytes seen on scaly
tree ferns along the trail. 100 individuals of tree ferns
will be examined per transect. The sample method used
was opportunistic sampling. All vascular epiphytes
identified on host tree ferns with a maximum height of 7
meters will be manually collected.

7 meters
12”

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18”
Qualitative and quantitative characters were
then tabulated using the PAST program.
Photographs will be taken from actual observations
in the field as to the species natural habitat

The complete list of vascular epiphytes will be interactively

recorded in a database for valuable species information.