The Botany Division is tasked primarily to make a systematic inventory of Philippine flora and vegetation. It maintains the national herbarium which is the reference collection of the different kinds of plants found in this country. At present the collection contains approximately 170,000 specimens.

 

The division is made up of the following sections:   1. Bryology   2. Physcology   3. Pteridology   4. Palynology   5. Mycology   6. Flowering Plants  Permanent Exhibition  1. Dioramas on types of Philippine Vegetation in different ecosystems   2. Exhibition of 19th century original prints of Philippine plants   3. Pollen Display   4. Miscellaneous Botanical Displays

 

 

Current Projects   1.Sudsod and Bagtok Project - Demonstration studies of sudsod and bagtok toward mass domestication/cultivation for the revival of the handicraft industries in Lantapan, Bukidnon. (Dr. Romualdo del Rosario)  2. La Union Botanical Garden - Establishment of a botanical garden in sitio Japan, Barangay Cadaklan, San Fernando, La Union. A joint project with the municipality of San Fernando and the province of La Union., supported by Congressman Victor F. Ortega. (Dr. Romualdo del Rosario)  3. Philippine Plant Inventory Project - The first of three components of an over-all program (Flora of the Philippines Project) to produce a botanical reference and guidea to the native and naturalized flowering plants of the Philippine archipelago.The activities include collection, processing and identification of specimens. Each specimen has 10 duplicates to be distributed in various herbaria throughout the world. (Dr. Domingo A. Madulid)

4. Biodiversity Information Center (BIC) - The BIC Unit sets up an information center and a comprehensive and up to date competrized database on plant diversity and conservation in the Philippines. It also aims to put up training programs on the techniques of undertaking biological conservation surveys and studies.(Dr. Domingo A. Madulid)

5. Rare and Endangered Plants of the Philippines - the manuscript is under preparation; and the slides and photographs are being prepared for publication. (Dr. Domingo A. Madulid)

6. Pollen Flora of the Philippines - The goal of this project is to produce a handbook to solve problems in stratigraphic geology, paleopalynology, paleo-ecology, archaeology, aerobiology, plants systematics and melittopalynology. (Dr. Lolita.J. Bulalacao)
 7. Production of High-Grade Pollen and Allergen Charactrerization and Biological Ptency Determination of Three Selected Pollen - The field work is being done in Timbao, Laguna. (Dr. Lolita J. Bulalacao)

8. Establishment of the Calaca Science Centrum for the BCFPP Batangas Coal-Fired Power Plant in Calaca, Batangas - (Dr. Lolita J. Bulalacao)  9. Medicinal Plants of Ilocos Norte - (Mr. Wilfredo F. Vendivil)  10. Marine Algae of Palawan - (Mr. Noe B. Gapas)  11. Distribution Patterns of Bryophytes in Metropolitan Manila - (Ma.Lourdes M. Valerio)  12. Moss Flora of Mt. Iraya, Batanes - (Ma. Lourdes M.Valerio)  13. Philippine Wood-rotting Fungi of La Union Province - (Mr. Edwin R. Tadiosa)  14. Maintenance of Fungi Herbarium Specimens - (Mr. Edwin R. Tadiosa)

 

Recent Publications

1. Rosario, R.M.del .1996 What is a Botanical Garden, , La Union Botanical Garden Bulletin, Vol.1, :No.1, p.2

2. Rosario, R.M. del and E.R. Tadiosa. 1996. An Analysis of the Forest Vegetation of the La Union Botanical Garden, San Fernando, La Union, Philippines. La Union Botanical Garden Bulleltin, Vol.1, No.2, pp.10-16.

3. Soejarto, D.D., D.A. Madulid, et al. 1996. The True Provenance and Identity of Badusa philippica (Rubiaceae). Taxon 45: 487-492

4. Madulid, D.A., et al. 1996. Conservation Status of Palms of the Philippines. In Status, Survey and Conservation Action Plan: Palms - their Conservation and Sustained Utilization. (D. Johnson, ed.) IUNC, Gland, Switzerland. pp.57-58.

5. Madulid, D.A., 1996. Guidelines and Policies on Collection of Biological Specimens in the Philippines. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 51 (1-3): 205-208.

6. Bulalacao, L.J., 1997. Sexual Life of Flowers. Green Thumb Monitor, Inc. pp.14-15.

7. Bulalacao, L.J., 1997. Pollen Flora of the Philippines, Vol.1. DOST-SPU-TAPI.

8. Van Welzen, P., L.J. Bulalacao, and T.Van On. 1995. A Taxonomic Revision of the Malesian Genus Trigonopleura Hook. f. (Euphorbiacceae). BLUMEA 40: 363-374.

9. Vendivil, W.F. 1996. The La Union Botanical Garden's Original Vegetation. La Union Botanical Garden Bulletin. San Fernando, La Union. Vol.1 (1).

10. Tadiosa, E.R. 1997. Three Interesting Species of Wood-Rotting Fungi Collected in La Union Province. (in press) PANABI, January.

11. Tadiosa, E.R. 1996. Plants Native to the Philippines (Kamagong) - Series No. 1, La Union Botanical Garden Bulletin (January-March 1996).

12. Tadiosa, E.R. 1996. Plants Native to the Philippines (Anahaw) - Series No. 2, La Union Botanical Garden Bulletin (April-June 1996).

13. Tadiosa, E.R. under preparation Fungal Flora of Cadaklan, Fernando, La Union

14. Tadiosa, E.R. under preparation Wood-rotting Fungi Deposited at the Philippine National Herbarium.

 
 

 

THE PALYNOLOGY SECTION
 

1981-1999
 

The Palynology Section was formally established by the Botany Division, National Museum in 1981. It was organized by Lolita J. Bulalacao, Ph.D. and thereafter has been administered by her as Head.

The Laboratory is basically research oriented. All the research projects, both completed and in progress are concerned mainly with the study of pollen grains of extant taxa in relation to their taxonomy. Recently, another discipline of study has been added - aeropalynology - which covers both basic research and public utility service. A special separate reference collection of airborne pollen grains and spores is maintained. Some palaeopalynological studies are also carried out when the need arises.

Being a research section of its kind it is adequately equipped with light microscopes, Galen III  optiphot microscope  and Olympus stereomicroscope , besides possessing a fairly large collection of representative books, reprints,   LM photomicrographs and SEM micrographs and permanent pollen slides.

 Other important activities which keeps the Palynology Section in close contact with world palynologists, and their activities is the publication of Pollen Flora of the Philippines and the organization of the Philippine Palynology Society, which is affiliated to the International Federation of Palynological Societies (IFPS). Added to this is the annual publication of reports of researches.

 Besides the above main activities, the Section also offers courses in pollen morphology, conducts seminars, arranges exhibitions and lectures, and hosts visiting palynologists.

RESEARCH ACTIVITY
 
Pollen Flora of the Philippines

The Philippine archipelago, with some 8000 higher plant species is the eighth most plant-rich country in Asia (Groombridge, 1992).  The Philippine flora belongs to the Malesian phytogeographic region, and according to recent data, 20-50 % of the flora is endemic. A taxonomic study of the Philippine pollen flora is very relevant to the rich Philippine flora and to the larger area of the Malesian flora.

 
A general survey of the pollen morphology of Philippine Gymnospermae and Angiospermae yielded 11 morphological types based on unit of dispersal and apertural systems; 16 morphological types according to characters of the exine. Both light microscopy  (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to illustrate the morphology. Sixty families were surveyed, namely, Gymnospermae - Araucariaceae, Cycadaceae, Ginkgoaceae, Gnetaceae, Phyllocladaceae, Pinaceae, Podocarpaceae, Taxaceae, and Taxodiaceae; Angiospermae - Monocotyledoneae: Agavaceae, Aloeaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Araceae, Commelinaceae, Cyperaceae, Flagellariaceae, Hypoxidaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae, Palmae (Arecaceae), Pandanaceae, and Smilacaceae; Dicotyledoneae: Acanthaceae, Actinidiaceae, Amaranthaceae, Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Aquifoliaceae, Araliaceae, Balsaminaceae, Begoniaceae, Berberidaceae, Betulaceae,  Bignoniaceae,  Bombacaceae, Boraginaceae, Burseraceae, Capparaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Casuarinaceae,  Celastraceae, Chloranthaceae, Clethraceae, Combretaceae, Compositae (Asteraceae), Connaraceae, Dilleniaceae, Ericaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Leguminosae (Fabaceae), Melastomataceae, Nepenthaceae, and Nymphaeaeceae.
The exine ornamentation of 18 families in Angiospermae-Dicotyledoneae is predominantly reticulate, i.e. Acanthaceae, Actinidiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Araliaceae, Balsaminaceae, Berberidaceae, Bignoniaceae, Bombacaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Celastraceae, Chloranthaceae, Connaraceae, Dilleniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Leguminosae (Fabaceae). Reticulation is particularly variable. A few species in Acanthaceae have suprareticulate pollen, while Araliaceae has predominantly discontinuous muri. Compositae (Asteraceae) shows lophate exine ornamentation. A particularly distinct croton-pattern occurs in Euphorbiaceae. A number of families, i.e. Amaranthaceae, Araliaceae, Bombacaceae, Boraginaceae, Casuarinaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Compositae (Asteraceae), Leguminosae (Fabaceae) have pollen with tectate exine, varying in pattern, i.e. spinuloid, punctate, areolate, retipilate, granulate or echinate. Nearly all species of Aquifoliaceae are intectate with freestanding elements, i.e. clavae, gemmae, verrucae, or pila. Other families, i.e. Acanthaceae, Aceraceae, Actinidiaceae, Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Begoniaceae, Betulaceae, Capparaceae, Clethraceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Leguminosae (Fabaceae) have pollen with variable pattern, which includes striato-reticulate, striate, granular, psilate, areolate, scrobiculate, pitted, rugulose and granular-reticulate.
 
The five morphological units of dispersal are polyad, octad, tetrad, monad and pseudomonad. The 17 groups of apertural systems are inaperturate, mono- or 4-aperturate, monoporate, diporate, 3-porate, stephanoporate, polyporate, sulcate, monocolpate, 3-colpate, stephanocolpate, pantocolpate, colporoidate, 3-colporate, 4-colporate, 3-colporate + pseudocolpate, 4-colporate + pseudocolpate.
 
 
Production of High Grade Pollen, Allergen Characterization, and Biological Potency Determination of Three Selected Pollen
 
This is a National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP)-assisted project for three years, from August 1, 1996 to July 31, 1999. This study describes the brief cultural and management practices of cultivating allergy plants such as uray, (Amaranthus spinosus Linn.), tridax (Tridax procumbens Linn.), makahiya (Mimosa pudica Linn.), yard grass [Eleusine indica (Linn.) Gaertn.], and foxtail [Pennisetum polystachyon (Linn.) Schult.]. The cultivation of these crops will yield high grade pollen products useful in the diagnosis and management of respiratory allergies, i.e. bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. The pollen products are indigenous to the Philippines and new to the world market. These products will supply the demand for raw materials by the pharmaceutical-medical industry.
 
Experimental garden plots were established in some barangays in Las Piñas City in 1997 and 1998. Land preparation followed the usual practice of harrowing and pulverizing the soil. Both the sexual and asexual methods were used in planting these crops. Seeds from mature florets and pods and crown were collected in the field. The seeds were allowed to germinate using the broadcast method in seedbeds. After the seedlings were a few centimeters tall, these were transplanted in the experimental plots. The seedlings were watered and fertilized to increase plant growth.
 
Physiologically mature inflorescences showing visual signs of early pollination such as exerted, yellow stamens were gathered. Inflorescences with brown and shriveled anthers were discarded. As soon as the inflorescences were gathered , these were brought to the shedding room at the Palynology Section, Botany Division, National Museum. Pollen grains were collected by brushing and natural shedding method.  The collected  pollen were cleaned by sieving  and dried using  low heat. The dry allergenic material was then stored in vials properly labeled and kept in the refrigerator.
 

RESEARCH PROJECTS

A.  Completed

1.  Seasonal Variation in the Pollen Rain of Metro Manila and its Relationship to Allergy (1981-1983)

2.  Deposition Patterns of Allergenic Pollen Grains with Special Reference to Morphology (1985-1987)

3.  Palynological Study of the Late Quaternary Sediments of Quezon, Palawan (1987-1989)

4.  Pollen Grains of  the Philippines: Indigenous, Endemic and Cosmopolitan Types (1991-1993)

5.  Pollen  Flora of the Philippines, Volume 1 (1996-1998)

B.    On-Going
1.   Writing and Publishing the Book,” Pollen Flora of the Philippines, volume 2” (1998-2001)

2.  Production of High grade Pollen, Allergen Characterization and Biological Potency Determination of Three Selected Pollen.

PUBLISHED WORKS

1983

BULALACAO, L. J.  Scanning electron microscopy studies of some pollen grains with allergenic properties. Phil. BIOTA XV (3):4-7.

BULALACAO, L.J.   Seasonal variation in the modern pollen rain of Metro Manila and its relationship to  allergy. Saligang Saliksik, NRCP Selected Annual Reports.

 
1985
BULALACAO, L.J. Pollen  grains causing inhalant allergy. Acta Medica Philippina , 21(2):67-73.

BULALACAO, L.J. Pollen survey in Baguio city in 1994. Acta Medica Philippina,  21(3): 51-53.

BULALACAO, L.J.  Comparison of pollen assemblages at different heights of sampling, Acta Medica Philippina, 23(3):140-143.
BULALACAO, L.J. Polen at Alerhiya. NRCP Pabatid Agham I(5):1-32.

1986
MADULID, D.A. AND LOLITA J. BULALACAO.  Philippine National Herbarium News. Botany Division, National Museum.
 
1987
BULALACAO, L.J. A palynological study of the Late Quaternary Sediments from  Quezon, Palawan. XII International INQUA Congress Programme with Abstracts.
 
1990
BULALACAO,L.J. Pollen  morphology of the Leguminosae. National Museum Papers. 1(2):66-95.
 
1991
BULALACAO, L.J. Fossil pollen in Quaternary sediments of Quezon, Palawan. National Museum Papers. 2(2):37-49.
 
1992
BULALACAO, L.J. and TRAN VAN ON. A taxonomic revision of the Malesian genus Trigonopleura HK.f. National Museum Papers. 3(2):67-78.
 
1994
BULALACAO, L.J. A first look at Philippine flowers. Tahanan Books for Young Readers. Makati, Metro Manila.

BULALACAO, L.J. A first look at Philippine fruits. Tahanan Books for Young Readers. Makati, Metro Manila.

BULALACAO, L.J. A first look at Philippine trees. Tahanan Books for Young Readers. Makati,Metro Manila.
 
BULALACAO,L.J. Recognizing allergy -provoking plants in Las Piñas. National Museum Papers. 4(2):78-83.

 
 1995

VAN WELZEN, P.C., LOLITA J. BULALACAO and TRAN VAN ON.A taxonomic revision of the Malesian genus Trigonopleura Hook.f. (Euphorbiaceae). BLUMEA 40:363-374.
 
1997

BULALACAO, L.J. Pollen flora of the Philippines, volume 1. Department of Science and Technology. Taguig, Metro Manila.
 
1998
BULALACAO, L.J. Mathematical methods as applied to Biology. University of Perpetual Help Rizal FACULTY JOURNAL. Pamplona, Las Piñas City.
 

EDITORIAL ACTIVITY

The Palynology Section is responsible for the editing of Pollen  Flora of the Philippines : A handbook which treats the morphology and ultrastructure of pollen grains from selected taxonomic groups of Philippine Gymnospermae and Angiospermae. It includes descriptions, keys to the species, glossary, light microscope (LM) photomicrographs and scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs.

The Book has worldwide distribution. It can be ordered from The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in U.K.  Locally, it is distributed by the National Museum. A book  review for Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology  was made by Prof. Dr. Henry Hooghiemstra, Dept. of Palynology and Paleo/Actuo-ecology, University of Amsterdam.
The first volume was published in 1997 by the Department of Science and Technology. The second volume is being written and later to be  published by the Department of Science and Technology.
 

OTHER ACTIVITIES
INTERNATIONAL
Scientific sojourn, lectures, etc.
 

1987

Scientific sojourn in Sweden, Palynological Laboratory, Swedish Museum of Natural History (September 1, 1987 – February 28, 1988. Training in palynology.
Dr. Siwert Nilsson, Dr. Joseph Praglowski, Dr. Bhoj Raj
  Scientific sojourn in London, The Palynology Unit, The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond,
  Surrey. Advances in legume systematics.
  Dr. I. Keith Ferguson
Scientific sojourn in Leiden, The Palynology Section, Rijksherbarium, Leiden University, Leiden, The
Netherlands. Scanning electron microscope studies of some species of  Leguminosae.
Dr. van der Ham
Scientific sojourn in Wageningen, Department of Plant Taxonomy, Agricultural University of Wageningen, The
Netherlands . Literature search and updating of the Nomenclature of Philippine Leguminosae.
Dr. L.B. van Maesen
Scientific sojourn in Uppsala, Institute of Systematic Botany, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
 
 
Scientific sojourn in Uppsala, Pharmacia Diagnostics AB, and Allergon AB, Engelholm and Uppsala, Sweden.
 
 
Scientific sojourn in London, British Museum of Natural History, South Kensington, London, U.K.
 

1988

Scientific sojourn in Stockholm, Institute of Quaternary Geology, University of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
Laboratory techniques in processing and extraction of Fossil pollen.
 
 

1989

 Scientific sojourn in Washington, D.C., Smithsonian Institute and Field Museum of Natural History, Illinois,
Chicago.
 
 

1992

Scientific sojourn in Bogor, Indonesia. Training course on Plant taxonomy: methods and approaches on the preparation of flora of biosphere reserves and other protected areas in Southeast Asia. September 14-October
16, 1992.
 
Dr. Dedy Darnaedi, Dr. Rugaya, Dr. Peter C. van Welzen,
Drs. Hubert Turner, Dr. Kuswata Kartawinata.
 
 
 

1996

Scientific sojourn in London, The Palynology  Unit, Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond,
Surrey, U.K.  Research  for the “Pollen Flora of the Philippines”.
 
Dr. I. Keith Ferguson, Dr. Madeline Harley, Dr. Carol Furness, Ms. Hannah Banks.
 
 
Scientific sojourn in Senckenberg, Frankfurt, Palaeobotany  Department,  Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Senckenberg, Frankfurt in Main, Germany.
 
  Dr. Volker Wilde, Mr. Thomas Borsch, Prof. Dr. G. Zizka
 
 

1997

Scientific sojourn in London, The Palynology Unit, Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond,
Surrey, U.K.  Research for the “Pollen Flora of the Philippines”.
 
Prof. Sir Ghillean Prance, Prof. Simon Owens, Dr. John Dransfield, Dr. I. Keith Ferguson, Dr. Madeline Harley,
Dr. Carol Furness, Ms. Hannah Banks.
 
 
 
  Scientific sojourn in Lenoir,  North Carolina, Greer Laboratories, Inc., Lenoir, North Carolina, U.S.A.
 
 
  Pres. William White, Ms. Liza  White Plaster, Dr. Robert Ecsh, Ms C.J. Hartell, Dr. Bob Jacobson.
 
International and  Local Symposia/Conferences/Meetings Attended
 
 
1983 Allergy Update, Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Society of Allergology and Immunology, Manila, Philippines
 

1984 Kilusan ng mga siyantipikong Pilipino:building the future, National Research Council of the Philippines, Univ. of the Philippines,  Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
 

1985 Consultative workshop on the Ermita Health Science Community, Philippine Council for Health Research
And Development,  UP-PGH Medical Center, Manila Philippines.
 

  Palynology, Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the Philippines,  Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.

  Workshop on the Palynology of  Quaternary Research, Bureau of Mines and CCOP Programme in Quaternary
  Geology, Quezon City, Philippines.
 

1986 Third National Congress for Health Research and Development, Philippine Council for Health Research
And Development, Lung Center of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

International Symposium on Palaeoclimatic and Palaeoenvironmental Changes in Asia During Last
4 Million Years, Physical Research Laboratory, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India.

1987 XII International Congress, International Union for Quaternary Research, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

1988 Joint Panamerican and Canadian Symposium on Aerobiology and Health, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
 
1993 Book Launching, “First Look at  Philippine Flowers”, “A First Look at Philippine Fruits” and “A First Look at Philippine Trees”.
 
1995 Third International Flora Malesiana Symposium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, U.K.
 
1996 Linnean Society Palynology Specialist Group Meeting, University of Holloway, London, U.K.
 
1997 Symposium and First meeting of the Philippine
Palynological Society,  National Museum,  Manila,
 
1998 Book launching, “Pollen Flora of the Philippines, Volume 1”, National Museum, Manila, Philippines.
 
  Palynology and some applications, National Museum Month Celebration, National Museum, Manila,
  Philippines.
 
  An Introduction to Philippine Flora and Fauna, In: Refresher Course for Tour Guides, Department of
  Tourism, Manila, Philippines.
 
  “Parts of a scientific paper and lay-outing figures and plates”, In: Seminar-workshop on the preparation of
  articles for the National Museum Papers, National Museum, Manila,  Philippines.
 
 Pollen Morphology and taxonomy of Philippine
Gymnospermae and Angiospermae, In: The Symposium  on basic research and technology to enhance human
 Progress, National Research Council of the Philippines, In celebration of the National Science and Technology
 Week, July 16, 1998, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila,  Philippines.

 
 
VISITING SCIENTISTS
 
1990 Prof.  Siwert Nilsson, Director, Palynological Laboratory Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
 
1999 Dr. Madeline Harley, Head, Palynology Unit,  Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew,   Richmond, Surrey, U.K.

COLLECTIONS

Library

The library consists of nearly 200 collection of books, reprints, journals,  mainly on pollen  and spore morphology, aeropalynology, palaeopalynology,  systematics, melissopalynology,  palynological techniques and procedures.
Subscription of  periodicals
American Journal of Botany
Aerobiologia
Kew Bulletin
Grana Palynologica
Review of  Palaeobotany and Palynology
Pollen et Spores
Blumea
Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society
Opera Botanica
Pollen/spore slide collections
The reference collection of pollen and spore slides at the Palynology Section consists of one main collection of Philippine taxa and a second, minor one of non-Philippine taxa. The main collection consists of ca. 2 000 000 species represented by permanent pollen slides, acetolyzed and mounted in glycerine jelly. The families, genera and species are catalogued in alphabetical order. Each slides has an accession number, a printed standard card. The card index is alphabetically arranged.

Paleopalynology, aeropalynology and other palynological disciplines are also represented by small pollen slide collections.

 
Photographic collections
The Palynology Laboratory possesses a collection of light (LM)  photomicrographs and scanning electron (SEM) micrographs initiated in 1997. Since then the collections increased and at present are organized as follows:

1. A recent collection of light microscope (LM) photomicrographs taken at The Palynological Laboratory, Swedish Museum of Natural History and The Palynology Unit, Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens , Kew includes ca. 300 species.

2. A collection of SEM micrographs comprising of ca. 150 species, taken at The Palynological Laboratory, Swedish Museum of Natural History and The Palynology Unit, Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is also included.

 
 

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