INTRODUCTION

An endemic species is defined as a species that can only be found in a given region or
area and nowhere else in the world. An association of a biological taxon having unique and well-
defined geographic area is referred to as endemism (Hogan, 2011).
The most delimited geographic region that encompasses endemic status is an island
(Hogan, 2011). Although in some other cases, it can either be a mountain range, river, or other
new biome that promotes endemism of species (Hogan, 2011).
Basically, geography plays an important role in stimulating species endemism. There are
certain factors that promote endemism which includes the following: uniqueness in meteorology,
soil condition, and the presence of other species that can either be a predator, prey, or for plants,
a symbiont (Hogan, 2011).
In order for a plant to thrive in a certain area, factors — meteorological factors — like
temperature, humidity, wind velocity, and sunlight are fundamental (Hogan, 2011). Also, soil
condition or characteristics — soil pH, nitrogen, and phosphorus content — are very influential
in determining the endemism of a certain species because plants need an appropriate substrate for
survival (Hogan, 2011). When all these conditions are achieved, a plant will thrive.
In other related studies of Drury (1974, 1980), Raven & Axelrod (1978), and Stebbins
(1980) as cited by Kruckeberg & Rabinowitz (1985) regarding endemism, the rarity and
endemism of species are or multiple causes neither genetics, ecology, nor history can suffice to
explain the origin of an endemic taxa. Stebbins (1980) as cited by Kruckeberg & Rabinowitz
(1985), then, proposes a theory called gene pool/niche interaction in order to explain the origin
of rarity and endemism which states that:
“According to this theory, the primary cause of localized or endemic distribution patterns
is adaptation to a combination of ecological factors that are themselves localized.
Factors of soil texture or chemical composition are the most common but by no means
the only ones… Next to climatic and edaphic factors, those inherent in the gene pool of
the population are of critical importance. They include the total amount of variation that
can be generated with respect to those particular characteristics that affect most strongly
the establishment of new populations” (Kruckeberg & Rabinowitz, 1985, pp. 451)
According to Dywer (1958), Cynometra, a Linnean genus is widely distributed
throughout the tropics. Additionally, the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens (n.d.) stated that the the
Cynometra, which is under the family Leguminosae, is usually trees or shrubs in its habit.
Cynometra plants are widely distributed in tropical lowland rain and swamp forest, seasonally
dry forest, woodland, and often along the rivers and sublittoral region.
According to The Plant List (2010), the genus Cynometra has 170 scientific plant
names, 84 of the species names are accepted. 64 species names are considered to be synonyms.
There are 22 species names, however, that are unassessed.
Some of the species of Cynometra are found in the Philippines; for instance,
Cynometra copelandii, Cynometra cebuensis, and Cynometra ramiflora. On the other hand,
Cynometra cebuensis is endemic in the island of Cebu. This species has been recorded to be
found in Mt. Tabunan, Balamban, Cebu, Philippines.
The island of Cebu is known to be a biodiversity hotspot in the world. Cebu, together
with other regions in the Philippines, is considered to be an area with significant and high
biodiversity loss based from the data of Conservation International (2016).
At the beginning of Spanish colonization, Cebu was vastly forested. However, by the
end of 19th century the forested areas started to dwindle (Wood, Stedman-Edwards, & Mang
2000). Years of unregulated yet destructive human activities have caused the deterioration of
forested areas here in Cebu. Human activities that lead to deforestation such as logging and
urbanization have caused Cebu’s diminishing area of its natural forests.
Presently, Cebu has 0.20% of natural forests left (Seidenschwarz, 2013). These areas
left, which are still even in the threat of destruction, are home to different endemic animal and
plant species.
The main objective of this study is to know the factors that promote species endemism,
Cynometra cebuensis in particular. Morphological features of the Cynometra cebuensis,
Cynometra copelandii, and Cynometra ramiflora must be gathered to do comparative analysis.
Edaphic factors which includes soil pH; ecological; and biogeographical factors such as altitude
and climate; and morphological factors like the flower, its pollinator and tassle which is a unique
characteristic for Cynometra; are also considered to know the reasons behind the endemism of
Cynometra cebuensis — an endemic plant species in Cebu.
The study of the endemic species will help implement localized protection and
conservation programs especially to areas regarded as hotspot for biodiversity amid the
threatened condition of the species. This study will also help impart knowledge for the
Cynometra species involved in this special problem as it contributes additional knowledge on
Philippine flora, so with to the plant’s botanical, ecological and economical quality.
The study’s field work was conducted in the Mt. Tabunan, Cebu, Philippines (N 10°
26.188’ E 123° 49.090’) where Cynometra cebuensis can only be found. The highest point of the
area is 510 meters. The area was surrounded by rock formations made up of calcium carbonate
or limestone.
In terms of comparative analysis with other Cynometra species namely Cynometra
copelandii and Cynometra ramiflora, only relevant literatures were accounted for information.

References:
Biodiversity Hotspots. (2016, February 05). Retrieved on April 13, 2016, from
http://www.cnrs.fr/inee/recherche/fichiers/Biodiversite_hotspots.pdf

Hogan, C. (2011). Endemism. Retrieved from http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/161345

Kruckeberg, A. and Rabinowitz, D. (1985). Biological Aspects of Endemism in Higher Plants.

Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, Volume 16 (1985), 447-479. Retrieved from
http://jcsites.juniata.edu/faculty/pelkey/ess325/rabinowitz1.pdf

Seidenschwarz, F. (2013). Cynometra cebuensis, a new species of Leguminosae

(Caesalpinioidae) from the Philippines. Blumea 58, 2013: 18–20. Retrieved from
http://repository.naturalis.nl/document/566442

Dywer, J. M. (1958). The New World Species of Cynometra (4th ed., Vol. 45). MO: Missouri
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Cynometra L. 1753. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2016, from http://www.kew.org/science-

conservation/research-data/resources/legumes-of-the-world/genus/cynometra

Cynometra. (2010). Retrieved April 21, 2016, from

http://www.theplantlist.org/browse/A/Leguminosae/Cynometra/

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http://www.cnrs.fr/inee/recherche/fichiers/Biodiversite_hotspots.pdf
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