Gallery VII (Ultramafic and Limestone Karst Forests)

Gallery VII (Ultramafic and Limestone Karst Forests) of the National Museum of Natural History features the two unique forest types in the Philippines that are produced by geological features called ophiolites.

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Limestone Karst Forest in Quezon Protected Landscape

Pygmy Forest in Dinagat Island

This gallery expounds how the country’s unique geological formation shapes the exceptional flora and fauna of the Philippines.

Karst Geckos

Limestone Frogs

Shown in this gallery are the metallophytes and carnivorous plants (Exocarpus latifolius, Scaevola micrantha, several species of Xanthostemon, Greenlopsis and Phyllanthus, etc.) that are well adapted to the iron-rich, nutrient-deficient ultramafic soil such as the “bonsai” or other small trees that form a pygmy forest.

Metallophyte Plants

Flora – Greeniopsis discolor at left and Philippine Iron Wood (Xanthostemon verdugonianus) at right

The exceptional faunal diversity of the ultramafic (also called utrabasic) and limestone karst forests is also displayed.  It also houses mini replicas of ultramafic and limestone karst forests in the country.

Replica of a Cave

Stalactites and Stalagmites

A replica of a cave is filled with limestone, stalagmites, stalactites as well as animals that can be found in such an environment such as the Glossy Swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta), Philippine Cave Crab (Karstarma philippinarum), whip spiders, Tailless whip scorpions and vinegaroons.

Philippine Cave Crab (Karstarma philippinarum)

Ultramafic Rocks

Gallery VII (Ultramafic and Limestone Karst Forests): First Philippine Holdings Exhibition Hall, 4/F, National Museum of Natural History:  Agrifina Circle in Rizal Park, T.M. Kalaw Street, corner General Luna Street, Manila. Open Tuesdays – Sundays,   9 AM to 12 noon (cut off time is 11 AM) and 1 to 4 PM (cut off time is 3 PM). Tel: 82981100 local 3000 and 85277889.  E-mail:  cmvod@nationalmuseum.ph or inquiry@nationalmuseumph.gov.ph. Visitors shall be limited to 100 per museum per session. Visitors are required to pre-book online at https://reservation.nationalmuseum.gov at least a day before the visit. Confirmation of booking will be sent through email.Group reservations are limited to five (5) persons only.  Walk-in visitors will NOT be accommodated.  Coordinates: 14°34′59.9″N 120°58′55.9″E.