Unit Title SPECIAL TOPICS IN PLANT BIOLOGY

Title of the 16.1 Metallophytes

Lesson
16.2 Invasive Alien Plant Species

16.3 Carnivorous Plants

16.4 Abuse-proof House Plants

Duration 3 Meetings (9 hrs.)

Introduction At the end of this module, the learner would know a few special
topics in Plant Biology. It should evaluate areas of current
research in plant biology and some practical applications. These
include metallophytes, phytoremediation, invasive plant species,
carnivorous plants, and abuse-proof house plants.

Objective/ After studying this module, the learner should be able to:
Competencie
s o identify and evaluate areas of current research in plant
biology (metallophytes, phytoremediation, invasive plant
species) and gain some practical applications.
o identify and evaluate areas of current research in plant
biology (carnivorous plants and abuse-proof house plants)
and gain some practical applications.

Pre-test Stock Knowledge: Did You Still Remember This Stuff?

To find out how the concept and information discussed in this

module, try to figure out the following Module pre-test:

1. _______________ any plant that can endure a higher

level of metals in the soil.
2. _______________ using green plants and other
associated microorganisms to clean up soil and water
contaminated with toxic and hazardous substances.
3. _______________ plant species introduced deliberately or
unintentionally outside their natural habitats where they
can establish themselves, invade, out-compete native
 plants.
4. _______________ plants that have specialized structures
and can derive some of their nutrients from trapping
animal prey, typically insects and other arthropods.
5. _______________ indoor ornamental plants that are being
used nowadays.

Lesson Lesson 1. Metallophytes

Proper/
Course
Methodology Lesson Objective

At the end of studying this lesson, the learner expects to be able

to:

o identify and evaluate areas of current research in plant

biology (metallophytes, phytoremediation) and gain some
practical applications.

ACTIVITY

Arrange the following jumbled letters to form the names of heavy

metal

KELNIC PERCOP

BOALTC NCZI

CURMERY MICADUM

ARNICSE CHMIUMRO

DEAL THALLIMU

ANALYSIS

Plants tolerant to a high level of metals in soil

Metallophytes are plants that are tolerant of higher levels of

metals/metalloids in soil. Some of the common metallophytes that
grow in Philippine ultramafic forests include the Exocarpus
latifolius and Scaevola micrantha, the presence of which
indicates heavy metals in soil. Several species of Xanthostemon,
Greeniopsis, and Phyllanthus are endemic to the different
ultramafic forests of the country. Cycas zambalensis a rare
species of cycad confined in the Zambales Mountain Range.

Some plants can accumulate high levels of metals, such as

nickel, copper, cobalt, and zinc, in their vegetative parts like
roots, stems, and leaves. These are called ‘hyperaccumulator
plants’, due to their capability to absorb concentrations of at least
3% of nickel in their leaves, for instance. Identifying
hyperaccumulator plants can be done using special paper tests
or the hand-held XRF, an x-ray fluorescence device that
measures elemental concentrations.

Plants that are hypernickelophore, or can absorb nickel

intensively, include Phyllanthus balgooyi from Palawan, and,
based on recent studies, endemic species Phyllanthus
securinegoides, P. erythrotriorchis, Rinorea niccolifera,
discovered in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, had been confirmed as
hypernickelophores in 2014.

There are several ways of utilizing metallophytes, especially

hyperaccumulators. One is through phytomining, where metal
elements absorbed by the metallophyte’s vegetative parts are
extracted from the plant. Another is through phytoremediation,
where metallophytes are planted in areas that have contaminated
soil and water. Metallophytes are also used in rehabilitating
mined areas in the Philippines.
Figure 16.1. Rinorea niccolifera Fernando ([Link])

New plant species could detox mining-contaminated soil

Quiz-tions?

1. Are you familiar with the different heavy metals?

2. How do plants clean the environment with heavy metals?

ABSTRACTION

The students would know that some metallophytes in the

Philippines absorbed heavy metals in the soil.

APPLICATION

Get some metallophytes and test it's to the natural environment.

Lesson 2. Invasive Plant Species

Lesson Objective

At the end of studying this lesson, the learner expects to be able

to:

o identify and evaluate areas of current research in plant

biology (invasive species) and gain some practical
applications.
ACTIVITY

Species introductions have changed some of our ecosystems.

Examine this makahiya plant. How do they become invasive?

Sibalom National Park, Antique (E.R Tadiosa)

ANALYSIS

Invasive Alien Plant Species

Alien or exotic species bring to the Philippines for a wide variety

of reasons (e.g., ornamental, agriculture, aquaculture, etc.).
Some of the alien species are pre-adapted to the environmental
conditions of the Philippines and have been able to establish,
reproduce and proliferate to the detriment of biodiversity, crop
and pasture production, human and animal health, water
resources, etc. are called invasive alien species (IAS). Still,
others, although they have survived, reproduced have not been
reported as having adverse impacts, they remain to be called
alien species.

The introduction of new species into the Philippines has

contributed to the Filipino diet and way of life. Fruits, flowers,
vegetables, and a lot more species that we take for granted
introduce or alien.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines alien

species as ‘a species, subspecies or lower taxon, introduced,
includes any part, gametes, seeds, or propagules of such species
that might survive and subsequently reproduce outside its natural
past or present distribution.’

The lychees or litseyas is a species that has been introduced or

brought to the Philippines. It was not present in the country
before its introduction. It is an alien species – alien to the
Philippines. The plant, seedlings, branches, or seeds may
survive, grow and bear fruit – all equally known as exotic species.
Subspecies or varieties of this plant are also called alien species.

Invasive alien species (IAS), on the other hand, are ‘alien species
whose introduction and spread threaten biodiversity (CBD). The
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines
IAS as ‘an alien species which become established in natural or
semi-natural ecosystems or habitat, are agents of change, and
threaten native biological diversity.’

Some alien species have brought socioeconomic benefits to

specific sectors of society; however, some have become invasive
and may have harmful effects on biodiversity and natural
resources.

IAS can also affect human life and health and cause serious
economic damage to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

IAS is one of the most important direct drivers of biodiversity loss

and modifications in ecosystem service. However, most Filipinos
are not aware of them. Although we talk about new types of food
available in the market (new fruits, vegetables, etc.), new
diseases of plants, animals, and humans, species that before
were only seen in pet shops but are now found in lakes, forests,
or even gardens, we do not correlate these with IAS. IAS does
not pay much attention, and they are not flagged.

IAS poses the greatest threat to fragile ecosystems such as

islands, as exemplified by the archipelagic nature of the
Philippines. Islands are unique ecosystems that have allowed
the evolution of new species because of their geographic
isolation; hence endemism is high in island ecosystems like the
Philippines. Endemic species are species that are found only in a
particular area and nowhere else. Philippine endemic species are
species that are found only in the Philippines. The loss of an
endemic species is not just a loss to Philippine biodiversity but
global biodiversity as well. Since species loss or extinction is not
reversible, any threat to endemic or native species' survival
should not take lightly.

Several species have been introduced into the Philippines by

well-meaning agencies, organizations, and individuals. However,
these introductions sometimes fail to take into consideration the
fact that these are living entities capable of reproducing and
spreading to areas where it does not introduce and will be eating
to survive, occupying a niche (vacant or previously occupied),
and so on. So quickly, it may become a competitor for food and
place of the native species or a predator of an existing species.

Raising awareness on the issue and providing up-to-date

scientific information is an essential requirement for combating
IAS. This course aims to raise awareness on one of the major
causes of species extinction so that future introductions of
potentially invasive alien species avoid.

Quiz-tions?

1. What is the difference between alien plant species and

invasive alien plant species?
2. List down at least 10 species in the Philippines that are:

a. alien but not invasive, and

b. alien and invasive species

3. Where are they found in the Philippines?

ABSTRACTION

The students would know that there are some invasive plants in
the Philippines.

APPLICATION

Make a case study of ipil-ipil (another invasive alien plant species

in the Philippines.

Lesson 3. Carnivorous Plants

Lesson Objective

At the end of studying this lesson, the learner expects to be able

to:

o identify and evaluate areas of current research in plant

biology (carnivorous plants) and gain some practical
applications.

ACTIVITY

Carnivorous plants (pitcher plants). Examine how they become

carnivorous?
Agusan Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, Agusan del Sur (E.R Tadiosa)
ANALYSIS

Plants adapted for capturing and digesting insects and other

animals

Carnivorous plants are predatory flowering plants that have

specialized structures that attract and trap animal prey, from
which they obtain nutrients needed to survive. They usually
locate in areas with soils having low concentrations of essential
elements, such as nitrogen and potassium.

One of the most common carnivorous plants in the Philippines is

the pitcher plants of the Family Nepenthaceae. These plants
have leaves with cup-like structures that attract and capture prey,
slowly digesting and absorbing nutrients from it. Ants, termites,
beetles, and even small vertebrates like lizards and rodents are
among the pitcher plants’ prey. There are over 150 species of
pitcher plants in the world and 54 of these are found in the
Philippines, making the country the center of Nepenthes diversity.
The Philippines exhibit by far the highest rates of endemism with
most of the endemic Nepenthes species confined in ultramafic
forests. Three rare species, Nepenthes armin, N. sibuyanensis,
and N. argentii, are found in Sibuyan Island, the N. argentii
specifically confines to the tropical subalpine forests of Mt.
Guiting-guiting, at an elevation of at least 1400 meters above sea
level (masl). Larger species of pitcher plants, N. palawanensis,
and N. attenboroughii, were recently discovered from remote
mountains in Palawan.

Other carnivorous plants found in the Philippines include

sundews (Family Droseraceae) and bladderwort (Family
Lentibulariaceae). The sundews’ leaves cover with specialized,
tentacle-like hairs producing sticky, glistening drops of liquid that
attract and trap insects. The tentacle-like hairs bend around the
trapped insects and produce enzymes that slowly digest and
absorb their nutrients. There are over 200 species of sundews in
the world, nine of which are found in the Philippines, also
confined in ultramafic forests. Bladderworts are small plants
found in the Philippines, also confined in ultramafic forests.
Bladderworts are small plants found in shaded, damp, water-
logged areas. Their modified creeping stems have minute
bladder- or pouch-like structures. The hairs act as a trigger
device, once a prey passes by and accidentally touches it, that
will create a vacuum that will suck the prey where it slowly
digests.

Mt.
Hamiguita

Figure 16.2. Pitcher plants in the Philippines (Nepenthes)

Quiz-tions?

1. Are you familiar with pitcher plants, or any carnivorous

plants?

2. Did you observe the small animals trapped by these

plants?

ABSTRACTION

The students would know that there are some carnivorous plants
in the country.
APPLICATION

Try to study the different species of Nepenthes in the Philippines.

Make a short article on this including pictures of each species.

Lesson 4. Abuse-proof house plants

Lesson Objective

At the end of studying this lesson, the learner expects to be able

to:

o identify and evaluate areas of current research in plant

biology (abuse-proof house plants) and gain some
practical applications.

ACTIVITY

Try to see and observe some indoor plants (if there is in your
house); what are the characteristics?
 [Link]

ANALYSIS

Indoor plants

Any plants could cultivate in your house given the right

conditions. But that is precisely the issue- do you have the right
growing conditions for the particular plant? The most common
problems encountered with cultivating plant indoors are:

(1) insufficient light

(2) dry air
(3) improper watering

To be a successful indoor gardener, it doesn’t hurt to look up the

growing conditions that are optimal for your plants. And be
observant, such as watching how many days it takes for a pot to
go from wet to dry (the finger test is good!). So, for those who
think they have a brown instead of a green thumb, the lists of the
plant below are meant for you! With just a little attention to their
needs, these plants will thrive in most indoor environments.

Benefits of Putting Indoor Plants inside home

There are some benefits of having plants inside the house to wit:
add life to room; boost mood, productivity, concentration, and
creativity; clean indoor air; and add flavoring and healing. Aside
from the house, these also adopt in schools, offices, hospitals,
and other establishments.
(a) add life to a room – putting plants inside the house,
particularly in the room, brings life and beauty. Indoor
plants can reduce any kind of noise; hence there is an
increase in privacy and promote quietness that would be
conducive to sleep and study.

(b) boost mood, productivity, concentration, and

creativity – indoor plants inside the house may boost our
mood, especially during the time of idleness. The time
when our concentrations start to fade away, and no energy
to do the work. But as we look around and see some
green foliage, our mind makes us feel relaxed and
comfortable. The plants can regain strength and freshness
to finish our tasks ahead of us.

(c) clean indoor air – plants absorb carbon dioxide and

release oxygen. There are some pollutants present inside
the house that may affect our homes and our health in one
way or another. Further, indoor plants also absorb these
harmful toxins and clean indoor air that would help us
breathe fresher air. Hospital administrators are also
placing indoor plants in the patients’ room to hasten their
recovery. According to the study, three to six individual
plants are enough to absorb toxins in a room.

(d) add flavoring and healing – indoor plants not only clean
the air but can be a source of culinary ingredients as well.
Some indoor herbaceous plants (depending on the
species) can be used for food flavoring in some food
preparations, including steaks and desserts. They can also
be used for natural herbal medicines for common colds,
cough, among others.
 Figure 16.3. Picture of Indoor Plant ([Link])

Quiz-tions?

1. Do you have a plant inside your home?

2. What are the benefits of having plants indoors?

ABSTRACTION

The students would know that there are several species of plants
that can be placed indoor by plantito and plantita.

APPLICATION

Get a pot and then plant indoor plants.

Reflection/
Let’s Think About This
Learning
Insights
Reflect on what you have learned about the metallophytes,
invasive alien species, carnivorous plants, and abuse-
proof plants. Write your insights in the space provided
below.

____________________________________________________
_

____________________________________________________
_

____________________________________________________
_

Post-test Do You Know This Stuff already?

To find out if the concepts and ideas discussed in this Module

were understood and realized, so the following Module post-test
was given:
 1. What are metallophytes plants?
______________________________________________
__
______________________________________________
__
______________________________________________
__

2. What are the different invasive plant species in the

Philippines?
______________________________________________
__
______________________________________________
__
______________________________________________
__

3. Mentioned some carnivorous plants in the Philippines.

______________________________________________
__
______________________________________________
__
______________________________________________
__

4. What are some indoor plants in the country?

______________________________________________
__
______________________________________________
__
______________________________________________
__

Final Short essay on how and why putting plants inside the house is
Requirement very important?

Final Requirement for this Unit

Research Presentation

Other Parts SUGGESTED READING AND WEBSITES

International Journal of Plant Biology.
[Link]

American Journal of Botany. Botanical Society of America.

Website: [Link]

Botanical Society of America. Website: [Link]

Botanical Studies.
[Link] Without
Borders (2009) by Dr. Karl Niklas, from Botanical Society of
America. Retrieved from [Link]
[Link]#b2009

GLOSSARY

Phytomining – is the production of a ‘crop’ of a metal by growing

high-biomass plants that accumulate high metal concentrations

Phytoremediation – used to describe the process of using plants

to help restore natural environmental conditions

Rare species – a group of organisms that are very uncommon,

scarce, or infrequently encountered.

Ultramafic forest – forest existing in rocky areas having high

levels of iron and manganese, low levels of silica, and high
concentration of such toxic elements as nickel, chromium, and
cobalt.

ANSWER KEY

PRE-TEST

(1) Metallophytes
(2) Phytoremediation
(3) Invasive plant species
(4) Carnivorous plants
(5) Abuse-proof house plants
POST-TEST

(1) Metallophyte plants are those plants tolerant to higher

levels of metals in soil.
(2) Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala); hagonoy (Chromolaena
odorata); coronitas (Lantana camara); pipinong gubat
(Melothria pendula); water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
(3) Pitcher plant (Nepenthes spp.); sundews (Drosera spp.);
bladderwort (Utricularia spp.)
(4) Snake plant; spider plant; Anthurium, echeveria green
abalone; peace lily; money tree; Aloe vera, pothos

REFERENCES

Chanco, C.R. (2002). Biological Science. CAN Printing Press.

Parañaque City.

Ching, J.A. (2011).General Biology Compendium, Revised

Edition. National

Evangelista, E.V. & Malonzo, E.R. (2006). Biology Textbook,

Science in Today’s World Series. Sibs Publishing House, Quezon
City.

Mariano, M.B. (2007). Introduction to Biology. Rex Bookstore,

Nicanor Reyes St., Manila.

Moore, R.; Clark, W.D; & Vodopich, D.S. (2003). Botany, 2 nd

Edition. McGraw Hill International Editions, Boston,
Massachusetts.

Weier, T.E; Stocking, C.R.; Barbour, M.G.; & Rost, T.L (1982).
Botany: An Introduction to Plant Biology, Sixth Edition, John
Wiley & Sons, New York, USA.