Plants that live in West Papua have their own characteristics. The presence of endemic plants is also not just for entertainment, local people can feel the importance of the presence of this typical Papuan plant, one of which is Swang which is interesting to discuss.
When traveling and adventuring in Papua, there will be many things to feel. Beautiful atmosphere, traditional culture and life, and don’t forget the presence of special plants that cannot be found in other areas than on the island of Papua.
However, many regret that the condition has deteriorated due to the lack of attention. The forest that was once beautiful and thick, is now starting to experience degradation. As a result, all resources are threatened, some become rare, and some have been extinct.
Knowledge of science is very important to be able to understand what is needed so that endemic animals in this dangerous condition can feel ecosystem balance. In the forests of Papua, all the presence of animals is very important so it needs proper dedication.
The Importance of Endemic Plants in West Papua
Plants need a habitat to grow, and local communities also need the presence of plants. This is a form of symbiotic mutualism relationship. Geographically, the land in Papua deserves to be said to be the most benefited by endemic plants.
The endemic plant applies and gives the same restricted benefit to a certain geographical area. In Papua, biodiversity conservation is an illustration of how rich and how big the characteristics of an environment are and will help scientists get an overall idea.
With this diversity, an area can also be called a Hotspot which declares how rich it is in endemic plants. With these “Hotspots”, the benefits that will be obtained are in terms of tourism and will get the attention of scientists and environmental experts.
From there, the local community will be taught about the correct way to manage such great diversity and natural wealth so that the forests in West Papua are not only managed by the people indiscriminately but directly by experts.
Examples of successful conservatism due to endemic plants can be seen from forests in Madagascar and Australia. Without experts in the natural field, it may not be able to save thousands of plant and animal species, including some that are endemic.
Characteristic of Endemic Plants Live in West Papua
Talking about existing endemic plants, the discussion will not be far from what the shape and characteristics of native West Papuan plants look like. Characteristics strongly describe the characteristics of an area that has plants that are only specialized in that area.
And this is also what we will discuss in the topic of plant ecosystems. Because the characteristics of a plant can adapt to the surrounding environment, where they grow. For the island of Papua, these are the characteristics of the plants:
- Live in Restricted Area
The first discussion is about the geographical aspect of the location. Endemic plants usually have a more restricted location, such as a small space on a lakeside, small island, or even around the foothills of the mountains of West Papua.
The environment around the empty space is usually more isolated so that it is far from reach and human influence. This will also allow them to grow freely and stay away from risks that can occur when looking at it from a geographical point of view.
- Have More Vulnerable Traits
Environmental conditions in West Papua, which were previously very beautiful, made plants grow with the right climate distribution. But if you look at the current environmental changes in conservation areas, this makes it more sensitive.
They are always evolving from time to time, but that does not change the nature of the plant. So, if a plant grows with the existence of a clean biosphere, then their basic nature is that need clean conditions too, otherwise, it can be dangerous.
Get to Know Swang, the Endemic Plants in West Papua
One of the endemic and exotic plants from the western part of Papua is Swang. Just an illustration about Swang, this is a plant that can only be seen in Papua and its condition is already dangerous due to some environmental degradation caused by humans.
As an area that is known for its diverse flora, the vegetation of plant species is also easy to find. Swang itself is one of them and is a woody or vascular-type plant species and Swang can grow to a height of 40 to 50 meters per stem.
Swang is also a very useful plant, the wood of which can be used as fire-resistant furniture. Its habitat is usually in the mountains because it is more adaptable to cold climates. On the up side, Swang can produce matoa fruit so it is very functional.
Logging activities by local and abroad people have become a real threat regarding the future of endemic plants. Whereas the local people themselves are aware of the advantages of the existence of endemic plants in West Papua, one of which is the Swang.
