Carrying capacity of environment to the life potential of Rafflesia (Rafflesia patma Blume) in Leuweung Sancang Nature Reserve Garut West Java

Abstract

This research aims to determine the condition of vegetation around the Rafflesia environment, conditions and population of Rafflesia host, condition and population of Rafflesia, and environmental characteristics of abiotic component in Leuweung Sancang Nature Reserve. The method used is a quantitative descriptive method with a purposive sampling technique in which 4 circle plots of 0.1 Ha are made. The results showed that vegetation around Rafflesia’s environment was dominated by Ki Kopi (Tarenna polycarpa) on tree vegetation, Ki Barera (Tetrastigma leucostaphylum Dennst) on sapling vegetation, and Pereng (Ficus sp) on seedling vegetation. Species diversity is quite abundant (1.027) with species richness is classified as moderate (3.833) and species evenness is high (1.585). The host of Rafflesia, Ki Barera (Tetrastigma leucostaphylum Dennst) was found as many as 9 trees with an average diameter of 4-15 cm. Rafflesia is overgrown on the roots of the top soil and stems. Found 34 knobs of Rafflesia with a mortality rate of 38.24% which is relatively low. Abiotic environmental conditions are very supportive of Rafflesia’s life. Thus the biotic and abiotic environment in Cipalawah block of Leuweung Sancang Nature Reserve supports the life potential of Rafflesia patma Blume.