Faloak (Sterculia quadrifida R.Br.) bark harvesting for curing hepatitis in Kupang City: Herbal medicine in the urban environment

Abstract

Trees in an urban environment play an important role. Studies have shown that the presence of trees can improve human physical and mental health. People in Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, Indonesia, harvest Sterculia quadrifida R.Br. (faloak) bark for medicinal decoction for hepatitis and energy booster. Hepatitis cases in Kupang City continue to increase, from 40 cases in 2016 to 147 cases in 2017 and 220 cases in 2018. This study aimed to assess S. quadrifida bark harvesting intensity and its utilization in Kupang City. This study was conducted in five sub-districts in Kupang, namely Alak, Kelapa Lima, Kota Raja, Maulafa, and Oebobo. In each district, 20 faloak trees were selected to be observed. Parameters observed included: diameter, height, trees that were recently debarked and have recovered bark, distance from the road, and the presence of seedlings around the tree. The data were tabulated and analyzed descriptively. There were 98 trees observed because, in Kota Raja, only 18 faloak trees were found. The recently debarked trees in Kota Raja, Alak, and Maulafa were 54.12%, 49%, and 41.05%, respectively. Meanwhile, trees with recovered bark were found mainly in Kelapa Lima (50%), Oebobo (38.95%), and Kota Raja (31%). Most debarked faloak trees were those closest to roads and settlements with a diameter ranging from 10.38 to 89.17 cm. The distance from the road to the trees was 1-203 m. A large number of debarked faloak trees indicates a high demand for faloak bark.