Profile of Elaeocarpus grandiflorus and Ziziphus mauritiana as identity plants of Salatiga and Tegal towns, Central Java Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Elaeocarpus grandiflorus J.E. Smith (rejasa) and Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk. (bidara) are declared as identity flora of towns of Salatiga dan Tegal, respectively. The species is local rare. The study aimed to determine the population size, describe the morphology characteristics and propagation mechanisms, analyze the community knowledge about the plant utility, and identify the conservation and cultivation efforts. Explorative study was conducted from Mei to September 2016, through observations, interviews, and literatures reviews. Observation sample areas were determined purposively. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results showed that E. grandiflorus and Z. mauritiana had very limited number that were 20 and 30 trees respectively throughout Salatiga and Tegal region. Generative propagation through seed germination occurred in a low rate. The knowledge of community about the plants usefulness as well as their efforts of conservation and cultivation were low. Based on the results it was suggested to carry out some activities which could significantly increase the existence of the identity plants. The activities comprise introducing the figure and utility of plants to the wider community and improving breeding technique with an alternative method.