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6701825 
Journal Article 
Nickel-hyperaccumulating species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) from the Philippines 
Quimado, MO; Fernando, ES; Trinidad, LC; Doronila, A; , 
2015 
Yes 
Australian Journal of Botany
ISSN: 0067-1924
EISSN: 1444-9862 
CSIRO PUBLISHING 
CLAYTON 
103-110 
WOS:000355318600012 
Botanical exploration on ultramafic sites in Palawan, Surigao and Zambales has resulted in the discovery of a new hypernickelophore species (nickel (Ni) concentration >1%) of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae). This paper reports in detail the Ni uptake of populations of P. erythrotrichus in Candelaria, Masinloc and Santa Cruz, Zambales, and confirms the status of P. securinegoides in Taganito, Surigao del Norte, which had been analysed only through herbarium specimens, and these were compared with a known hypernickelophore, P. balgooyi, which was collected in Narra and Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Nickel content of the dried leaves, stems and root tissues was quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. P. erythrotrichus and P. securinegoides both had more than 10000 mu gg(-1) Ni in the leaves, whereas the roots had 1195 mu gg(-1) and 4636 mu gg(-1). P. balgooyi accumulated 6319 mu gg(-1) of Ni in the leaves, whereas the roots had a higher Ni concentration of up to 8116 mu gg(-1), respectively. All three species had values of translocation factor and enrichment factor of >1.0, implying that all species have great potential in phytoremediation, specifically, phytoextraction of Ni. These three species of Phyllanthus are prominent in ultramafic scrub communities and, hence, should be used in ecological restoration of mined-out Ni lateritic areas. The implications of the unique adaptation of these species are also discussed in relation to a conservation strategy for their natural populations.