Tree architectural models of Makiling native trees and their role in species identification
2024
Reyes, P.J.G.
Tree architecture remains understudied despite its initial inception in the 1970s, especially in the context of Philippine flora. This study reports the architectural models of 307 species of trees from 70 families in Mount Makiling Forest Reserve using the HO system by Halle et al. (1978). The architectural analyses were based on four criteria: (1) position of the flowers, (2) orientation of the branches, (3) mode of trunk construction, and (4) pattern of growth (continuous or rhythmic). One species (i.e., Ficus nervosa) is observed to exhibit characters of the previously hypothesized model, Theoretical Model I, which is therefore formally recognized as Malabrigo's Model. Results reiterate the divergence of tree architecture in reflecting relationships among higher taxonomic groups, with exceptions in several genera (i.e., Diospyros, Canarium, Hopea, Myristica, Terminalia, Sterculia, Annona, Dipterocarpus, and Podocarpus) and subfamilies (Myrtoidae and Bambusoidae). This manifests the use of tree architecture in classification on a case-by-case basis. The consistency of a single architectural model per species is shown by this study, offering utility in identification. Continuums between two or three models are recognized, along with the uncertainty of discerning certain characters of target species such as branch orientation and pattern of growth. Finally, the role of the environment in inhibiting the expression of a tree's model is recognized; therefore, rearing and growing of target species from seedling stage to maturity is recommended to truly confirm its architectural model by eliminating such stressors.
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