Species Composition and Diversity of Vascular Plants in Rhizha Mountain Forest Jos, Plateau State Nigeria
Abstract
Aim: Vascular plants have undergone different level of disturbance due to unprecedented increase in anthropogenic activities, which have led to cutting of plants for fuel wood, charcoal production and infrastructural development. This paper ascertained the species Composition and diversity of vascular plants in the Rhizha mountain forest area of Jos North Plateau State Nigeria.
Methods: Six plots were systematically established. A 20×20 m plot was used for the sampling of trees, lianas and climbers. Plot of size 5×2 m were used for sampling of shrubs and saplings, which were nested in the 20×20 m plot. The grasses and herbs were sampled in smaller plots measuring 2×0.5 m, which were randomly nested in the 20 × 20 m plot.
Results: One hundred and twenty six (126) species (99 woody, 19 herbaceous and 8 grasses were sampled belonging to fifty two (52) families with 1501 individual with 2.89% of grass covers. Rubiaceae has highest species abundance of (363).The results showed restricted abundance of some species which may be attributed to competition for nutrients, limited light by canopy trees and destruction of undergrowth during tree snapped and logged on the forest floor.
Conclusion: This study revealed that Rhizha mountain forest has high species of (Woody plants, herbs and grasses) diversity. Families noted with dominant species in the study area Rubiaceae and Asteraceae for both woody and herbaceous species respectively.
It was recommended that effective conservation and sustainable management of the forest would make it possible for the said forest to continue providing goods and services necessary for communities around the Rhizha montane forest.
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