Short communication: Leaf architectural characteristics of cinnamomum cebuense kosterm. (lauraceae) distributed in different geographical locations, taxonomic identification and conservation concerns

Abstract

Populations of Cinnamomum cebuense Kosterm (Lauraceae) distributed in three geographic locations: Tabunan in Cebu City (type locality), Nug-as in Alcoy, Cebu and Mount Nacolod in Southern Leyte, were examined in the study to clarify reports of the existence of its existence outside of Cebu Island. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the identity of three Cinnamomum cebuense populations in terms of leaf architectural characteristics of Cinnamomum cebuense Kosterm. (Lauraceae). Herbarium specimens were examined and results showed that the populations from the three localities, were more or less similar in terms of the primary and secondary vein characters. However, in terms of the tertiary vein characteristics, which usually differentiate species, only Alcoy and Tabunan (Cebu Island) populations were consistently similar. The Mount Nacolod populations were very different, implying a different taxonomic identity and necessitates further investigation. Cinnamomum cebuense is endemic to Cebu Island and has to be conserved and protected in the wild.