Aeschynanthus batakiorum

MANILA, Philippines - Scientific name: Aeschynanthus batakiorum Mendum & Madulid

Family: Gesneriaceae

Distribution: Palawan: Altitude from sea level to 500m. Endemic.       

Description: Sub-shrubby epiphyte. Stems are green when young, and becoming pale grayish brown with age, spreading or pendulous when mature. Leaves are opposite, glossy mid-green above and paler below, the midveins becoming deep purple with age. Blades are oblong-elliptic to elliptic, the apex and base acute up to 16 cm long and to5.5 cm wide. Inflorescence axillary, 1- or 2-flowered, with minute peduncles. Calyx lime-green, smooth, campanulate and fused, with narrow triangular lobes. Corolla lime-green, fleshy, tubular, to 4 cm long. Stamens 4. Fruit a linear-cylindric capsule.

Conservation status: Critically Endangered. 

Conservation Notes: This plant is epiphytic on fallen logs and trunk of trees overhanging streams and rivers from low to medium altitudes. It is rather rare and of limited distribution in Palawan. The attractive lime-green flowers are showy and ornamental although it has not yet been reported being cultivated in local gardens. Because of its rather limited distribution, threat to be overcollected for ornamental purpose, and threat of habitat destruction it is critically endangered. The species is named after the Bataks of Palawan.

For further information contact: Domingo A. Madulid, Philippine National Museum, Botany Division, P. Burgos St., Manila. Tel 5271218. Email: [email protected]