Bikkia philippinensis

Scientific name: Bikkia philippinensis Val.

Family: Rubiaceae

Distribution and Habitat: Cebu, Mindanao (Siargao Is., Dinagat Is.) Sulu Archipelago (Sibutu). Along the seashores, on limestone boulders and in thickets behind sandy beaches. Endemic.

Description: Shrub, to 2 m or taller. Leaves opposite, narrow oblong, with rounded tips and acute bases, margins smooth, with dark green surface and leathery texture. Flowers trumpet shaped, to 10 cm long, with narrow neck and expanded petals, petals four, style long, protruding from the center of the corolla. Fruit is an erect capsule, to 3 cm long, green turning brown when mature.

Conservation Notes: This shrub has attractive white flowers. It has ornamental potential but is not known to be cultivated in gardens in the Philippines so far. It is confined to beach areas and is not known to grow naturally in other habitats. Because of its limited range, this endemic species is threatened.

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