Andrea G. Azuelo, Alven A. Manual, Christine Dawn G. Obemio, Edna P. Oconer, Renan B. Gubalane, Gerald G. Lobredo Professional Education Department, College of Education, Central Mindanao University, Bukidnon, Philippines Science Department, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Mindanao State University, General Santos City, Philippines Key words: Bryophyte taxa, Conservation strategy, Endemic, Species richness.
Abstract
An inventory of Mt. Matutum’s bryophyte flora as to its species richness and composition on the three vegetation types namely: lowland (mixed dipterocarp), montane and mossy forests was conducted. A floristic survey through alpha taxonomy was employed by recording all the species within the study area. The bryophytes were collected through alpha taxonomy and sampling plots. Site validations were employed to establish two sample plots with a 20x20 m quadrat in each vegetation type. Each species was classified, identified and described according to its diagnostic characters using field lens and microscopy examinations. Findings of the study revealed a total of 185 species, 70 genera, and 35 families. There are 129 species of mosses belonging to 48 genera and 23 families. The liverwort showed 43 species, 19 genera, and 11 families. Three species belonging to 3 genera and one family were noted for the hornworts.