Identification Of Morphological Characters And The Kinship Of The Andaliman Plant (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium DC.) In Several Districts Of North Sumatra

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Identification of Morphological Characters and the Kinship of the Andaliman Plant (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium DC.) In Several Districts of North Sumatra

Introduction

The Andaliman plant (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium DC.) is a species of plant that has been used as a spice for centuries in various parts of Indonesia, particularly in North Sumatra. The plant is known for its distinctive taste and aroma, and is highly valued for its medicinal and culinary properties. However, despite its importance, the Andaliman plant is facing a significant threat to its survival due to habitat loss, over-harvesting, and climate change. In order to conserve this valuable plant, it is essential to understand its morphological characteristics and kinship in different districts of North Sumatra.

Background

The Andaliman plant is a member of the Rutaceae family, which includes a wide range of plants that are commonly known as citrus or rue. The plant is native to the tropical regions of Asia and is widely distributed in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In North Sumatra, the Andaliman plant is commonly found in the wild, particularly in the districts of South Tapanuli, Humbang Hasundutan, and Toba Samosir.

Methodology

This study aimed to identify the morphological characteristics of the Andaliman plant in several districts of North Sumatra. The research activity was carried out in South Tapanuli Regency, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, and Toba Samosir Regency during October to December 2017. The method used was a survey, with sampling using purposive sampling technique. A total of 23 Andaliman accessions were identified and measured for various morphological parameters, including plant height, stem circumference, canopy shape, stem color, leaf length, width, color, and leaf surface. In addition, the study also included observation of plant thorns, flower colors, and fruit characteristics, such as diameter, weight, color (both young and old), shape, taste, aroma, number of seeds per fruit, as well as the characteristics of seeds both when young and young or already old.

Results

The results of this study showed that there were 23 Andaliman accessions that were successfully identified in the three districts. Among the identified accessions, there are two main varieties that are striking, namely Simanuk and Sihorbo. Through analysis, the coefficient of inaccuration is obtained which ranges from 11.545% (lowest value) to 71.239% (the highest value). This shows a significant genetic variation between the andaliman accession studied.

Discussion

The results of this study not only provide information about the morphological characteristics of Andaliman plants, but also reveal the importance of preservation and protection of local biodiversity. Andaliman, known as a spice with a distinctive taste, has the potential to be further developed, both for consumption purposes and as a trading commodity.

The morphology of the observed andaliman plant includes character that can be a reference in cultivation. For example, plant height and stem circumference can show the potential productivity of plants. Meanwhile, variations in the color and size of the fruit can be an indicator of commercial quality and attraction.

In addition, an understanding of the kinship between andaliman accessions in the three districts is also important for conservation strategies. High genetic variations can increase plant resistance to pests and diseases, as well as adaptation to climate change. Therefore, it is important for researchers, farmers, and policy makers to maintain this genetic diversity so that the benefits of Andaliman can be sustainable.

Conclusion

Through this research, further efforts will emerge in the conservation and utilization of Andaliman plants based on scientific data. Thus, the existence of this plant is not only preserved but can also provide economic benefits for the local community.

Recommendation

Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that:

  • Further research be conducted to explore the potential of Andaliman as a spice and medicinal plant.
  • Conservation efforts be made to protect the Andaliman plant and its habitat.
  • The genetic diversity of Andaliman be maintained through the establishment of a conservation program.
  • The local community be involved in the conservation and utilization of Andaliman plants.

Limitation

This study has several limitations, including:

  • The study was conducted in only three districts of North Sumatra, and therefore may not be representative of the entire region.
  • The study only focused on the morphological characteristics of Andaliman plants, and did not explore other aspects of the plant's biology and ecology.
  • The study did not involve the local community in the research process, which may have limited the effectiveness of the study.

Future Research

Future research should aim to:

  • Explore the potential of Andaliman as a spice and medicinal plant.
  • Conduct a more comprehensive study of the Andaliman plant's biology and ecology.
  • Involve the local community in the research process to ensure that the study is relevant and effective.

References

  • [1] Andaliman (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium DC.). In: The Plant List. Version 1.1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and other contributors. Published online. Accessed 2023-01-28.
  • [2] Rutaceae. In: The Plant List. Version 1.1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and other contributors. Published online. Accessed 2023-01-28.
  • [3] North Sumatra. In: Indonesia. Version 1.1. Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Published online. Accessed 2023-01-28.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture, the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and the local community in North Sumatra for their assistance and cooperation in this study.
Q&A: Identification of Morphological Characters and the Kinship of the Andaliman Plant (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium DC.) In Several Districts of North Sumatra

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Andaliman plant?

A: The Andaliman plant (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium DC.) is a species of plant that is native to the tropical regions of Asia and is widely distributed in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is a member of the Rutaceae family and is commonly known as a spice with a distinctive taste and aroma.

Q: What are the morphological characteristics of the Andaliman plant?

A: The Andaliman plant has several morphological characteristics that are important for its identification and conservation. These include plant height, stem circumference, canopy shape, stem color, leaf length, width, color, and leaf surface. In addition, the plant also has thorns, flower colors, and fruit characteristics such as diameter, weight, color (both young and old), shape, taste, aroma, number of seeds per fruit, as well as the characteristics of seeds both when young and young or already old.

Q: What is the significance of the Andaliman plant?

A: The Andaliman plant is significant not only for its culinary and medicinal properties but also for its potential to provide economic benefits for the local community. It is also an important part of the local biodiversity and plays a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Q: What are the conservation strategies for the Andaliman plant?

A: The conservation strategies for the Andaliman plant include maintaining its genetic diversity, protecting its habitat, and involving the local community in the conservation efforts. This can be achieved through the establishment of a conservation program that involves researchers, farmers, and policy makers.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the fact that it was conducted in only three districts of North Sumatra and may not be representative of the entire region. Additionally, the study only focused on the morphological characteristics of the Andaliman plant and did not explore other aspects of its biology and ecology.

Q: What are the future research directions for the Andaliman plant?

A: Future research should aim to explore the potential of the Andaliman plant as a spice and medicinal plant, conduct a more comprehensive study of its biology and ecology, and involve the local community in the research process to ensure that the study is relevant and effective.

Q: How can the local community be involved in the conservation and utilization of the Andaliman plant?

A: The local community can be involved in the conservation and utilization of the Andaliman plant through the establishment of a conservation program that involves researchers, farmers, and policy makers. This can include training and capacity building for farmers, the establishment of community-based conservation initiatives, and the development of sustainable livelihoods for the local community.

Q: What are the potential economic benefits of the Andaliman plant?

A: The Andaliman plant has the potential to provide economic benefits for the local community through the development of sustainable livelihoods, the creation of jobs, and the generation of income. This can be achieved through the establishment of a conservation program that involves researchers, farmers, and policy makers.

Q: How can the genetic diversity of the Andaliman plant be maintained?

A: The genetic diversity of the Andaliman plant can be maintained through the establishment of a conservation program that involves researchers, farmers, and policy makers. This can include the collection and conservation of Andaliman plant materials, the establishment of a gene bank, and the development of conservation strategies that involve the local community.

Additional Resources

  • Andaliman (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium DC.). In: The Plant List. Version 1.1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and other contributors. Published online. Accessed 2023-01-28.
  • Rutaceae. In: The Plant List. Version 1.1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and other contributors. Published online. Accessed 2023-01-28.
  • North Sumatra. In: Indonesia. Version 1.1. Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Published online. Accessed 2023-01-28.

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