Date of Publication

8-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Plant Sciences

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Esperanza Maribel G. Agoo

Defense Panel Member

Christian Jordan O. Dela Rosa
Dennis A. Dolojan
John Paul S. Domingo

Abstract (English)

Botanical gardens are increasingly recognized for their important role in biodiversity research, serving as valuable resources for understanding plant diversity and ecosystem dynamics. However, their potential contribution to ecological succession and restoration remains largely underexplored. Hence, the researchers aimed to conduct a plant species survey, describe the changes in plant species diversity, and determine the ethnobotanical uses of plant species across five different sites located in the La Salle Botanical Gardens in Porac, Pampanga. Surveys were conducted using a 25-meter transect, which included five 1×1 m2 quadrats per study site, across two visits in June and September 2024. Through this process, 21 morphospecies were documented. Paspalum conjugatum was recognized as the dominant species in terms of both density and cover, while Trifolium repens was the least abundant overall. The species were categorized as native or introduced, and the survey identified eleven native species and ten introduced species, with no endemics present. Notably, no single species occurred across all sites, highlighting distinct ecological preferences and exclusivity within the plant community. The Shannon Diversity Index was used to evaluate biodiversity across five study sites over two visits. The species diversity index ranged from 0.73 to 1.96 across the different habitats. However, the species diversity index was highest in the shaded area near the nursery garden, with an index of 1.96 during the first visit, and lowest in the trail, with a 0.73 index during the second visit. Additionally, the Jaccard Similarity Index was used to assess how similar different habitats are to each other. The open, sloped grassland was notably similar to both the trail (0.333) and the shaded area near the nursery garden (0.304). The abandoned rice field also showed moderate similarity to the shaded area near the nursery garden (0.318). In contrast, the shaded area with secondary trees had very low similarity (0.056 to 0.136) with all other habitats. Furthermore, the ethnobotanical study found traditional applications for the identified plant species, such as medicinal uses, industrial uses, livestock feed, and cultural practices. More than half of the plant species were reported by the local Aeta to have traditional uses, highlighting their continued cultural relevance and functional importance. Overall, this highlights the essential role of botanical gardens in conserving biodiversity and providing a platform for community-led research, which fosters learning and awareness about ecological relationships.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Plant succession--Philippines--Pampanga; Restoration ecology--Philippines--Pampanga; Species diversity--Philippines--Pampanga; Botanical gardens--Philippines--Pampanga; Biodiversity--Philippines--Pampanga

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Embargo Period

8-16-2026

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Available for download on Sunday, August 16, 2026

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