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Morpho-anatomy Phytogeography, and Ecology of Ochrosia Oppositifolia (Lam.) K. Schum. (Apocynaceae)
Thesis Abstract:
Descriptive investigation on the gross morphology, anatomy, phytogeography, gynecology, and economic uses of Ochrosia oppositifolia (Lam.) K. Schum. was conducted.
Results showed that O. oppositifolia is a luxuriant and dominant species throughout the disturbed and frequently dry plant community on Cabra Islet of the Lubang Island group. It was used by residents of Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines as medicine for minor ailments and as firewood and shade tree.
Morphological and anatomical bases of this dominance were studied. Thick cambium and layer and small- to medium-sized vessels with simple perforation plates in both root and stem were distinct. A thin layer of cut on the stem and an unusually thick one on the leaf's outer epidermal cells were prominent. In addition, profuse latex throughout the whole plant body and the occurrence of druse crystals in the parenchyma and collenchyma regions were evident.
The vascular anatomy of the flower was discussed in relation to taxonomy. Prominent annular and fleshy nectary of disk was conspicuously surrounding the ovary. Non-vascularized corolline scales, which were merely hollow lateral invagination of the corolla, were very distinct.
The morphology of the fruit of O. oppositifolia as well as its characteristic habitat (shoreline forest) indicated that it was dispersed via ocean currents.
The Philippine O. oppositifolia populations were found in Basilan, Zamboanga, and Occidental Mindoro. Such distribution range suggests that the Philippine populations originated from the Western Malaysia region where the plant is widely distributed.