Save the Culion Pitogo!

Posters on the left and below are courtesy with permission from Mr. John Lisboa to repost here.


Last March 20, 2011, I discovered two websites highlighting the need to protect and conserve the identity of Culion Island, Palawan. One of which is entitled, Culion_Palawan_Online (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Culion_Palawan_Online/) and SAVE CYCAS WADEI 'Culion Pitogo' (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=196406500693&v=wall).

Perhaps not known to many Filipino's the genus Cycas is a palm-like plant "often considered a living fossil" according to Wikipedia and among ten species found in the Philippines, nine of which are endemic to our country. One particular species distinct only to Culion Island is known as the Culion Pitogo or scientifically named as Cycas wadei.

The websites initially mentioned has certainly become an eye opener for me as to the status of the Culion pitogo in its native habitat. Being a species that is isolated in specific areas of the island only heightens the fact that the more we should protect it as plant populations can easily be decimated by poachers and illegal traders.

I urge everybody to please check out the links enumerated. Please register and become one in helping our "Culionaire" kababayans in any way we can to protect the endangered Culion pitogo. Read and become aware of the issues that Culion faces.

Note: In the season of Lent some Catholic Filipino's traditionally use the fronds of an exotic species of Cycas, which is Cycas revoluta otherwise known as Oliva. Most of us are not aware, but this particular species which has grown popular demand among landscapers and gardens in the metro originate from Japan..... But why do we Filipino's need a plant such as the Oliva when we have 10 species of pitogo to choose from?

On second thought, those who would want to acquire plants of this genus should take a back seat and read the following links:

- http://www.internationalwildlifelaw.org/DENR36.html
- DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-16 (p.1-7 and p.22 of 46)
- http://www.pcsd.ph/resolutions/resolutions/wildlife/jointao01.htm
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/42097/0

In addition to this information, would you believe that according to the link (http://books.google.com.ph/books?id=cjHCoMQNkcgC&pg=PA315&lpg=PA315&dq=carcinogenic+cycas+fruits&source=bl&ots=u_Wncw6LWW&sig=GTolVdMWv8f_uO4dq9149KkyW9k&hl=tl&ei=FnG5TYbHKlmgvgPs-d2iAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false) of page 315, it mentions that, "People who prepare the seeds are subject to a regular direct response to the toxin. The water-soluble toxin is highly carcinogenic and is absorbed through the skin. The toxin consists of several neurotoxins some of which only exists in cycads."

UNIDENTIFIED #1.

This weed / herb is slowly invading a portion of our garden. It probably hitchhiked from other plants that were introduced into the space for about 4-5 years now. This plant has dull green leaves and minute white flowers that only opens during the morning. It is a potential ground cover that produce low-lying runners....... Can anybody help me identify this plant?

Trichosanthes quinquangulata
(large vine)

All I can say is that the fruit of this vine looks as tempting as an apple, yet taste like "hell"!






Quisqualis indica
(woody vine)

This plant needs a sturdy support as it climbs its way up. Once it has established itself, only then will it be able to showcase it's beautiful flowers.




Pseuderanthemum bicolor
(shrub/herb)

The flower reminds me of some endangered and endemic "bleeding-heart" birds we have here in the Philippines.





Solanum torvum
(perennial plant)

A very hardy plant that is horticulturally used as a rootstock for the eggplant as it is resilient to soil borne diseases.