Floristic Composition and Structural Analysis of Langano Forest Nono District, West Shewa Ethiopia

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate floristc composition and structural analysis of Forest in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data from 42 sample plots with 400 m2 (20 m x 20 m) and subplots of 1m2 (1m x 1 m) at the four corners and the center of the large quadrat for herbaceous plants. All trees with Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were measured for height and diameter. A total of 109 plant specie (trees, shrubs, herbs, climber and lianas) 52, 23, 23, 5 and 6 respectively were recorded. Fabaceae was the most dominant family with 11 species in 3 genera followed by solenaceae with 6 species each in 3 genera respectively. The density of plant species with DBH≥ 5cm was (701.2/ha), basal area 17.82m2 /ha). Teclea nobilis Del., Stereospermum kunthianum Cham, Rhus vulgaris Meikle, Celtis africana Burm.f, Vepris dainellii (Pichi serm) were the most frequently occurred plant species in the forest of the study area. The density of tree species in langano Forest decreases with increasing height and DBH classes. The plant species that have the highest importance value index (IVI) were Calpurnia aurea (Ait.), Benth, Ficus vasta Forssk, Acacia sieberiana DC, Juniperus procera Hochst. Ex Endl, Euclea divinorum Hiern, Rhus vulgaris Meikle, Stereospermum kunthianum Cham. They contribute182.14 (62.2%) from a total of 292.86 IVI value. However Nuxia congesta R.Br.ex Fresen, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.., Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims were the lowest IVI that need conservation priority. The regeneration status of plant was assessed as well as the specieswhich need high priority protection are listed.