Floristic composition, structure and natural regeneration in a moist semi-deciduous forest following anthropogenic disturbances and plant invasion.

Abstract

The floristic composition, structure and natural regeneration were studied in three 50 x 50 m plot each in undisturbed, disturbed-invaded and disturbed forests (UF, DIF and DF respectively) of the Tinte Bepo forest reserve. A total of 108 plant species belonging to 37 families, 77 genera and 8 life forms were identified in all the forest blocks. Trees represented the most diverse life form. Celtis mildbraedii Engl. and Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Shum. were the overall dominant species in the forest reserve. Species richness of all life forms was highest in the UF followed by the DIF and DF. Plant species diversity was quantitatively higher in the UF (H´ = 3.6) compared to the DIF (H´ = 3.3) and DF (H´ = 2.9). Plant species densities also differed significantly (p = 0.000) among the forest types. Mean basal area, canopy cover and height were higher in the UF compared to the DF and DIF. There was a significant positive relationship between tree size and height in all the forest types studied. The distribution of trees in the lower and higher diameter classes was highest in the UF. Diversity of saplings was greatest in the DF (H´ = 2.72). Plant invasion impeded regeneration of native plant species in the DIF. The UF had a higher rate of converting saplings to adult trees. The Tinte Bepo forest reserve looks floristically rich and structurally complex in the face of human activities and plant invasion. Thus, there is the need for proper management intervention to curb these anthropogenic activities and plant invasion so as to protect the integrity of the forest.   Key words: Floristic composition and structure, moist semi-deciduous forest, Tinte Bepo forest reserve, regeneration