The clusiaceae of limestone forests in Bogor, West Java: Plant Profiles and Values

Limestone karsts are known as reservoir of biodiversity with high level of endemism. The existence of vegetation was very important for karsts ecosystem for its role in absorbing and supplying water. The absence of vegetation also had an important role for the livelihood of other ecosystem components. Besides that, the limestone flora offers multiple services such as for foods and medicine. We studied two limestone forests in Ciampea and Nyungcung, and thirty eight families were identified. In this study, we intended to reveal the potential from Clusiaceae members found in Ciampea and Nyungcung limestone forests. Pollinator rewards produced and presented in flowers of Clusiaceae include not only nectar and pollen but also resin, which makes this family special compared to others in term for wildlife service. In these forests, three species of Clusiaceae were identified: Garcinia dulcis, Garcinia lateriflora, and Garcinia parvifolia. Garcinia dulcis, which is currently getting rare, is native to Indonesia and is known as Javanese apple. Garcinia lateriflora distribution in Indonesia is restricted to Java. Garcinia parvifoliais known as asam kandis, a well-known spice for food flavouring. Garciniais known to have multi-values including its edible arils, spice, and dye or colouring. Most species in Garcinia are known for their gum resin, brownish-yellow from xanthonoids which are currently under intensive phytochemistry research. Proceeding of International Conference of Indonesia Forestry Researchers. Jakarta, August 27 – 28 2013. Hal. 611-617 ISBN 978-979-8452-62-8