Distribution of Bryophytes in the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Abstract

This study was conducted to document the bryophyte species composition, and the effects of different environmental factors at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, a campus in an urban area. A total of 11 species of bryophytes were identified which includes nine species of mosses and two species of liverworts. Among the species observed, Hyophila involuta (Hook.) A. Jaeger and Taxithelium instratum (Brid.) Broth. were found to be widely distributed across sites. On the other hand, Meiothecium microcarpum, Cyathodium foetidissimum Schiffn. and Vesicularia montagnei (Bel.) were rarely found. Species composition is relatively small compared to the previous surveys conducted in high altitude and moist environments. It was suggested that aside from habitats, other factors such as current disturbance events and the presence of specific tree species may contribute more to the bryophyte species composition in the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus.