STO. NIŇO BIODIVERSITY CENTER

Sto. Niño Biodiversity Center is located in Barangay Sto. Niño, Pili, Camarines Sur. The biodiversity center was established in 2011 during the launching of the El Verde in February 23. As a show of support to the environmental movement, the late President Benigno Aquino III planted a kamagong seedling (Diospyros philippinensis) inside the biodiversity center.

It covers 17 hectares of land with nature trail. The manmade forest is home to 56 native and premium native species of trees. The biodiversity center is now being developed into a learning farm to provide students taking forestry and dendrology courses a place to enrich and practice their learning.

kamagong tree planted by the late
President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III

 

MALATIBIG

Ficus congesta Roxb.

Family: Moraceae

Other name: cluster Fig(English)

Description: A small rainforest fig, is often found growing along edges, creek bank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAUAN-PULA

Shorea negrosensis Foxw.

Family: Dipterocarpaceae

Other name: lawaang-pula (Mindoro), red lauan (English),

Description:a large tree attaining a height of about 50 meters and a diameter of about 200 cm. Found throught the country. IUCN listed as "Critically Endangered."

Uses: Roots decoction drunk to treat fever. Bark is a source of tannin. Wood is used for construction, furniture, plywood, pulp and paper making. Used for watershed reforestation.

 

BASIKONG

Ficus botryocarpa Miq.

 

Family: Moraceae

 

Other name: basikong (Manobo, Bagobo), daing-daing (Tagalog).

Description:A small tree up to 14 m tall. Found in primary and secondary forest up to 1700 m altitude, often along rivers.

Uses: The fruit latex is placed on a boil to effect healing.