Field Guide to the Common Mangroves, and Algae of the Philippines

Description

by: Hilconida P. Calumpong/Ernani G. Meñez

 

The diversity of plants in the coastal environment of the Philippines is one of the richest in the world. This environment includes three important ecosystems: the mangrove, consisting of trees and shrubs, which occupies the landward potion of the coastal area; the seagrass, comprised of grasslike plants, which inhabit the shallow nearshore area: and the coral reef. Seaweeds in the mangrove, seagrass bed and coral reef play an important role in each of these communities. In this book, we try to describe and illustrate with color photos the most common and frequently encountered of these organisms.

Many islands in the country have beautiful white sandy beaches which have become a main attraction for throngs of local and foreign visitors. These visitors regard the mangroves, seagrasses and particularly the seaweeds, as dirty weeds, cluttering the beaches and swimming areas. Until recently, very few appreciated and knew of the importance of these marine organisms. Over the years, many mangrove and seagrass plants and especially the seaweeds have become important coastal resources for industry, food and medicine. Because of the increased awareness on the economic significance and potential of these organisms, there has been a growing interest in learning more about them.

This book was prepared to private a reference to identify the common and interesting marine vegetation that can be encountered during a visit to the seashore, coral reef or a mangrove area. We also hope that this book will increase the awareness on the real value of mangroves, seagrasses and seaweeds, as natural resource, a unique habitat and as a nursery for juvenile fish and invertebrates. The more people are educated and informed, the more they appreciate the environment that surrounds them which through proper management, protection and conservation can serve their needs now and in the future.

The descriptions of the general morphology and reproductive characteristics of the organisms, including the important aspects of their biology and ecology, assist the user in the identification of a mangrove, seagrass or seaweed. This is followed by dichotomous keys which provide two choices designated by numbers. The number may end to indicate the scientific name (genus and species) of the organism or in some cases only the genus, in which case the user reads on to search for the species name found in lettered-designated keys. The user selects one of the two choices, numbers or letters, that best describes the organism. An identification. Next, the user compares the organism with the colored photographs and verifies identification using the accompanying descriptions.

The scientific name of a mangrove, seagrass or seaweed consists of the genus and species followed by the name of the scientist(s) that first described that particular organism. Immediately below the scientific name is the family (a taxonomic rank) to which the organism belongs and opposite this is the vernacular or common name of the organism, if available, cited in quotation marks. Highly technical terminologies are minimized for easier reading and understanding. The glossary at the end of the manual explains technical terms used.

References utilized are listed at the end of the book.

 

Copyright 1997, 2007

ISBN 971-569-197-8