Booea philippinensis

Scientific name: Booea philippinensis C.B.Clarke

Family: Gesneriaceae

Description: Ground herb with short stem. Leaves crowded at the end of stem, without petiole, oblong, with blunt apex. Leaf surface with sunken veins, hairy. margins serrate. Flowers bluish, bell-shaped, borne on long, slender stalk. Fruit an elongate, slender capsule.

Distribution: Philippines: Luzon, Mindoro, Mindanao.

Habitat: On limestone and rock boulders and in damp forest floors.

Economic uses: The plant has ornamental value.

Conservation status: Not threatened. Local populations are found in several habitats in Zamboanga and other parts of Mindanao. Apparently the seeds are effectively spread and readily germinates.

Propagation: By seeds.

Conservation Notes: Although the plant has attractive green foliage and blue flowers, it is not cultivated in local gardens. It may be threatened by habitat destruction. The plant is not listed in CITES nor in the IUCN Red List.

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

Photo Boea philippinensis: ©DAMadulid