First cavernicolous record of the holoparasitic Balanophora abbreviata Blume (Balanophoraceae), from Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines

Abstract

A new record of a holoparasitic plant is hereby reported to thrive in the twilight zone of Dry Cave I, Tayabas, Quezon Province, Philippines. This is the first record of a Balanophora species thriving within cave ecosystems. Based on the observed production of white sap from the roots inside the cave and a preliminary survey of trees above the cave, the probable host of the Balanophora abbreviata is Ficus sp. (Moraceae). Fig trees are capable of producing deeply penetrating and lithophytic roots. Based on the existence of various arthropods in and within the vicinity of the plant clumps, the possible role of B. abbreviata as part of the food web within Dry Cave I is also discussed.