Species Richness and Conservation Efforts of Sulawesi’s Aroid in Eka Karya Bali Botanic Garden

Abstract

Sulawesi is one of the plant diversity centers with high endemism in the Wallacea region. However, Araceae is poorly understood and fieldworks have not been conducted intensively in Sulawesi. Based on previous research, 40 species of Araceae are distributed in Sulawesi, of which 15 species were endemic. This study aims to reveal the diversity of Sulawesi’s Araceae in Eka Karya Bali Botanic Gardens (KREK) and how far the conservation efforts have been done. The research method was carried out by literature studies, documentation, and observation. The results showed that KREK Bali had collected 41 species and 14 genera of Araceae native to Sulawesi. They originated from various provinces and the majority came from Southeast Sulawesi. The highest number of species belongs to the genus Schismatoglottis (10 species). From all collection of Sulawesi’s Araceae, 17 (41.46%) species have been completely identified and the rest 24 (58.54%) species are still incomplete names. The morphological characters of 28 species Araceae collections originated from Sulawesi are differ. They may be expected to be a new discovery, both of species and records. It indicates that the diversity of Sulawesi‘s Araceae is considerably high but rarely revealed. To date, the conservation efforts on Araceae in KREK Bali are running on collecting and maintenance of plant species. It needs more important steps to be fulfilled, for instance, sustainable use and reintroduction of threatened species.