Ecological Characteristic, Potency and Conservation Efforts Of Hanguana (Hanguana malayana) In Mappi Regency, Papua

Abstract

Hanguana is known as endemic plant in Papua, grows rapidly in the river of Obaa, Miwamen, Keeme, Widelman and Eilanden. Its presence is considered to become obstruction of river transportation, at the same time it is consumed by local people. Hanguana’s ecological characteristic and its potency have not been studied intensively. This research is aimed to study its ecological characteristic, to analyze the content of its primary and secondary metabolism compounds, its conservation efforts and to identify the local wisdom of Mappi indigenous people on this plant. The methods employed in this research are site observation, direct measurement, laboratory analysis, and interview with the local people at the observation sites. Purposive sampling method is utilized to determine the sampling of survey sites, interview with local people and local government officers. Hanguana is an aquatic plant therefore the tip of its stems and stolons up to its tip of the leaves are above the surface of the water while its roots, stems, and stolons are growing submerged under the water. Its roots are not attaching to any substrate. Ecological characteristics of the river water has a pH of approximately 4, temperature ranges from 28.2° to 30° C and total dissolved solid (TDS) of 6-8 ppm. The monthly average of rainfall varies between 46 to 391.5 mm. The soil of river base has an organic content of C of 1.67% (w/w), nitrogen 0,21% (w/w), potassium 279.44 ppm, phosphor 280.90 ppm and C/N ratio of 7.95. The vegetations that grow at the surrounding of Hanguana include Oryza rufipogon, Eleocharis dulcis, Pandanaceae, Nuclea grandifolia. Melaleuca symphiocarpa and Livistona benthamii are the common vegetations that grow at the river banks at the observation sites. Laboratory analysis results of Hanguana’s stem contain primary metabolism compounds are ccarbohydrate 2.62% (w/w), protein 2.7% (w/w), sucrose 0.01% (w/w), glucose <0.01% (w/w), fructose <0.01% (w/w), while secondary metabolism compounds are anti-oxidant 340.29 ppm, and toxicity of 1438.79 ppm. The stolon’s content primary metabolism compounds are carbohydrate 18.59% (w/w), protein 1.57%(w/w), sucrose <0.01%(w/w), glucose 0.5% (w/w) and fructose 0.38%(w/w), while secondary metabolism compounds are flavonoid 1.27%(w/w), tanin 0.30% (w/w), and toxicity of 712.84 ppm. Furthermore, Hanguana’s leave contains secondary metabolism compounds are flavonoid 1.54% (w/w), tanin 0.30% (w/w), fiber 32.03% (w/w), and toxicity of 850.70 ppm. Due to those compounds content, Hanguana is believed to have a potential as a medicine for prevention of cardiovascular diseases.