Distribution and Autecology of Belimbing Merah (Baccaurea angulata Merr.) in Kalimantan

Abstract

Baccaurea angulata is an underutilized plant, primarily grown for its fruit, which has potential as a medicinal plant. On the other hand very few studies have been carried out of this species. The purposes of this study were to analyze the Baccaurea angulata distribution and autecology. This study used purposive sampling method by exploring the area where Baccaurea angulata commonly found. The Baccaurea angulata distribution was analyzed using Morishita index, the autecological analysis with abiotic factor was performed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) generated from Minitab 16 software. The distribution of Baccaurea angulata was random in West Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan and clumped in South Kalimantan. Their distribution were affected by light intensity and humidity. This species grows well in low land (45-170 m above sea level) with soil pH 6-6.5.