When it comes to biodiversity, West Papua is a prosperous soil. Collaborative research between the West Papua government, universities and botanists from the UK recorded there are 13.634 species of plants. Moreover, about 9000 or two-thirds of them are endemic plants of Papua.
Many of the thousands of endemic plants in West Papua have medicinal benefits. Some might already get the spotlight in the world’s eyes—for example, Buah Merah (Red Fruit) and Sarang Semut (Anthill).
However, the amount of research on the potential of West Papua’s endemic plants, especially for a medicinal function, is not enough. Those plants might be the cure for many diseases out there. Especially amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, endemic plants of West Papua might hold the key to global recovery.
Has Been Used Traditionally for Generations
Although not all West Papua’s endemic plants are proven beneficial scientifically, native West Papuans have used them for generations. The practice is also based on the belief that nature has cured all diseases.
For example, they use Anthill to cure diabetes, cancer and muscle ache. Another example is the usage of Pohon Pulai (Alstonia scholaris L) or Kayu Susu that is believed to cure swamp fever.
To get the healthy benefits of the plants, native West Papuan use it traditionally, without fixed measurement. They either boil it, grind it, or eat it as is.
Almost all of the parts of the plants are usable. Different parts of the plants are said to have different roles. Local people use the roots, stems, leaves, fruits, seeds, and even the sap.2
West Papua Endemic Plants for COVID-19
In tackling the pandemic, there are numerous possibilities that West Papua’s endemic plants are suitable. Although further research is needed, some of them effectively deal with the symptoms of COVID-19 and boost immunity.
For example, Daun Ungu (Graptophyllum pictum) relieves lung disease. There are also Pothos scandens which are said to be adequate to cure severe cough. And there is also Zodia (Euodia sp) which efficacy is to relieve asthma.
Need to be Preserved
Despite the huge potential of West Papua endemic plants, most are still considered wild plants and are not yet to be cultivated. It is even said that only old folks know how to process the plants and make them into medicines.
Since the 17th century, the local authorities underwent the effort to record some data regarding West Papua endemic plants by collecting samples. However, that is not enough, and the effort to preserve the plants and the knowledge is urgently needed.
Lisye Iriana Zebua, a lecturer at Cendrawasih University, is optimistic that Indonesia could tackle the pandemic without relying on foreign medicines. She also said that the medicinal plants of Indonesia have a huge potential to cure COVID-19.4
In line with that statement, Charlie Heatubun, the Chair of the Research and Development Agency of West Papua, hopes there will be many local youngsters who are willing to seek careers as plant taxonomists to help preserve the diversity of West Papua endemic plants.
Call for Collaborative Research
To show firm intention and push the agenda of massive endemic plants research, West Papua authorities are ready to accommodate collaborative research with other institutions.
The authorities make the call since West Papus has limited equipment and resources.
“We are ready to provide for all the researchers who are willing to study West Papua’s endemic plants,” said Heatubun, “especially to tackle coronavirus.”He also said that the authorities collaborated with another local or foreign institution. Some of the research outcomes are preserved in the form of book.5
