West Papua is located on an island with the most endemic and global plant species in the world. A new interesting fact, isn’t it? There are thousands of species of plants so that the forest which is the habitat of this plant really needs to be kept beautiful.
All regions in Indonesia have forests which in each area have diverse biodiversity or natural resources. The condition of forests in Indonesia is also the third-largest tropical forest area in the world, after the Amazon forest and forests in RDC and Cameroon.
Looking at this, Papua as an area with minimal development has a very large forest area. Various types of ecosystems and resources are the main value of diversity here. And its existence is intended for the protection of flora and fauna living systems.
But now, forest destruction has increasingly needed serious attention. This damage has resulted in the loss of millions of hectares of land in just a few years. In fact, many natural resources have not even been touched but have been destroyed.
West Papua, Region of Thousand Species of Endemic Plants
A recently published nature journal stated that Papua is an island with the most diverse natural diversity. We don’t know how much the exact number is, but the geological formation process of this island that makes the diversity is extra rich.
In this journal, it is written that the number of plant variations on the island of Papua reaches more than 13,000, and this means almost 2000 times more compared to Madagascar, which we knew had very dense forests. And there are many endemic plant species too.
Endemic plants mean plant species that only live on the island of Papua, in West Papua or Papua New Guinea to the east of the largest island in the world, for instance. The journal, published on August 5, 2020, sees tremendous potential for ecosystems.
Despite having a large number of variations and plant specimens, this is not the key if the Papuan people can live with full ease. In fact, the low literacy rate makes the population here among the most in need of attention globally.
Not to mention the researchers in the journal publication that stressed that many plant species need to be protected because their numbers are not that many. A well-maintained forest will be a habitat for many flora and fauna.
West Papua Forest is Very Important
This forest in eastern Indonesia is home to thousands of species of animals and plants. Ecosystems and biodiversity are at the center of the world’s attention to the beauty of this island. But in fact, the forest area on the island of Papua is slowly decreasing.
It has a total area of about 40.5 million hectares and about 82% of this area has its own uniqueness. There are also many endemic animals and they make Papua’s forests their habitat because the ecosystem has been adapted and become their necessity.
But if it continues to be destroyed, the animals and plants that live here will become victims. Degradation of forest quality makes one by one plant and animal extinct. Now, more extra handling is needed so that biodiversity can be maintained.
What are the Endemic Plants that Could be Found in West Papua?
However, we must keep the forest so that we can see the typical plants of the Papua region that will not be found in other areas. The name for this is an endemic plant of Papua, and this is a list of rare plants that can only be found in Papua:
- Anggrek Stuberi
The Anggrek Stuberi or known by the scientific name Dendrobium Iasianthera is one of the endemic flora that is highly protected. What is unique about this orchid flower is its wavy petals and the combination of white and purple colors.
- Anggrek Besi
Next up is the Anggrek Besi or Iron. This term refers to this type of orchid because the pistil is grayish purple in color similar to the color of iron. Beautiful and attractive, these are two words that can describe this type of endemic Papuan orchid.
- Rabon Pi
Furthermore, a unique and endemic plant typical of Papua is Rabon Pi. This plant will produce fruit similar to water guava, but with long, sharp fine hairs. This rare plant has always been an attraction in West Papua.
- Buah Merah
Surely you are familiar with the name Buah Merah or Red Fruit. True, the news about this fruit is very widespread because of its extra benefits. Similar to corn fruit but has a red color and tastes quite good too.
- Anggrek Hitam Papua
Another exotic plant that really attracts the eyes of Papuan visitors is the Anggrem Hitam. Unlike those in Kalimantan, this Anggrek Hitam or Black Orchid is purely an endemic plant of Papua and it is very difficult to cultivate this one plant.
Reflecting on the need for a beautiful system, the forests in Papua are very important for the survival of the entire ecosystem in it. Now, the forest in West Papua has decreased in quality and as a result, endemic plants are increasingly difficult to find.
