Identification of Suitable Plant Species for Vegetation Restoration at Manthali
Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Botany
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
Description
Keywords
Restoration, Succession, Plant traits, Trait syndromes