CONSERVATION STATUS OF AMORPHOPHALLUS DISCOPHORUS BACKER & ALDERW. (ARACEAE) IN JAVA, INDONESIA
ABSTRACT: Conservation status
of Amorphophallus discophorus Backer & Alderw. (Araceae) in Java,
Indonesia. Reinwardtia 14 (1): 27 − 33. — Amorphophallus discophorus Backer
& Alderw. is one of the Javan endemic aroid species. This species is
locally endemic to the slopes of Mount Wilis in Kediri Regency (East Java) at
elevations between 600–1300 m. Poorly known species like A. discophorus could
easily become extinct if not distinguished from other species, such as A. muelleri,
that are used for commercial purposes. The conversion of natural forests for
agriculture over the last decade has resulted in a loss of suitable habitat for
this species. Several field trips undertaken to locate natural populations of
this species have proved unsuccessful. Based on these field exercises, A.
discophorus is regarded as presumed extinct in the wild.
Author: YUZAMMI, JOKO RIDHO
WITONO, WILBERT L. A. HETTERSCHEID
Journal Code: jpbiologigg140012
