Identification of Suitable Plant Species for Vegetation Restoration at Manthali

Abstract

The present study aims to find out the suitable native plant species for restoration of degraded lands in and around Manthali. For the selection of the suitable species, the study was carried out in the mountain from 450 masl to 819 masl in Khurkot of Manthali. Thirty quadrats were laid and to observe frequency, density and coverage of plant species present there and ultimately IVI was calculated. Eight plant species – 3 trees like Acacia catechu, Aegle marmelos and Annona squamosa; 3 shrubs like Rhus parviflora, Cipadessa baccifera and Abrus precatorius (woody climber), and 2 herbs like Uraria lagopodiodes and Polypogon monospeliensis were considered for the detail study on the basis of their high IVI values. Using the protocol of Diaz et al., 2004, fourteen traits (growth form, life-span, phenology, Raunkiaer‟s life-form, canopy height, stem density, mean ramet distance, leaf size, specific leaf area, leaf thickness, seed mass, propogules mass, seed shape and nitrogen fixation) were observed in those eight species. Based on these traits, through this protocol, the plants were again categorized into five syndrome i.e. establishment syndrome, dispersal syndrome, biomass producing syndrome, persistence syndrome and effect on environment syndrome. Plants which fall under the best establisher were Annona squamosa, Abrus precatorius, Uraria lagopodiodes and Polypogon monospeliensis. Plants with best dispersal ability were Acacia catechu, Rhus parviflora, Uraria lagopodiodes and Polypogon monospeliensis. The plants with best biomass syndrome were Aegle marmelos and Rhus parviflora. The plants with best persistence were Acacia catechu, Annona squamosa and Abrus precatorius. The plants which effect the environment were Aegle marmelos and Abrus precatorius. From this study Annona squamosa and Abrus precatorius can be suggested as candidate species for early succession. Similarly, Aegle marmelos, Acacia catechu, Annona squamosa, Rhus parviflora and Abrus precatorius can be suggested to plant in areas with bushy land which are in the phase of secondary succession. Keywords: restoration, succession, plant traits, trait syndromes