Analysis of vegetation diversity at Salib Kasih tourism area of Simorangkir Julu Village, North Tapanuli Regency

Abstract

Salib Kasih tourism area is a prime religious tourism area in North Sumatra which is located in the forest area of Simorangkir Julu Village, North Tapanuli Regency. Structure and composition of vegetation in this area are not widely known, while Salagundi (Roudholia teysmanii) only found on this area. Generally, people only see pine as the main component of its plant. Studying the dynamics of a forest and its characteristics is an essential prerequisite for managing forests sustainability, especially for the sustainability of Salagundi which is native species of this area. This study aimed to obtain the information about the structure, composition, and diversity of plant in this area and as based data to maintain the existence of its species. The sampling technique was carried out by a combination method between the path method and the plot line. Vegetation analysis was carried out to gather information about the number and type of species at each growth level, Important Value Index (IVI) and Shannon Wienner Diversity Index. The results of the study found that there were seventeen species in this area. The number of each growth level was 691 at seedling levels, 671 at sapling levels, 209 at pole levels, and 224 at tree levels. The highest IVI at seedling, pole and tree level was Pinus merkusii (60.55; 87.58; 113.58), while at sapling level was Syzygium racemosum (50.00). The diversity index at seedling and tree level was low (1.95 and 1.76), while at sapling and pole level, it was classified as medium (2.07 and 2.08). According to the result, the existence of Salagundi needs to be preserved.