Abstract
Diversity indices of tree species in tropical rainforest have been studied, but less effort has been devoted to the ground flora studies especially in sacred groves of tropical rainforest, Nigeria, as it plays a critical role in nutrient cycling and energy flow within the forest ecosystem. This study was carried out to determine the ground flora species diversity, richness and density in five traditional forests (Igbo-Ile, Igbo-Oba, Igbo-Olua, Igbo-Olodumare Igbo-Gbopo) of southwestern Nigeria. The ground flora enumeration of 5 x 10m was laid at the centre of 50 x 50m laid in each of the sacred grove. All plants with dbh < 10cm were identified and the frequency of occurrence recorded. In all the Sacred Groves, a total of 14064 plants/ha individual were recorded with 80 species distributed among 36 families. Igbo-Oba had highest diversity index of 3.21, followed by Igbo-Olodumare (2.80), Igbo-Ile (2.42). The least diversity index was recorded in Igbo-Gbopo (1.97). Among the 36 families, maximum species was recorded in Sterculiaceae (10), followed by Euphorbiaceae (5), Apocynaceae (4), Combretaceae (4) and Sapindaceae (4). Among the families with lowest frequencies (1) recorded are: Acanthaceae, Araceae, Rutaceae, Sapotaceae, Solanaceae. The study concludes that anthropogenic disturbances observed, e.g. farming, spiritual engagements etc. around Igbo-Olua and Igbo-Gbopo might have contributed to low diversity index compared to Igbo-Ile, Igbo-Oba and Igbo-Olodumare where high diversity index was recorded. It is recommended that to maintain high diversity index in the scared groves, buffer zones should be created around the sacred groves.
 Keywords: sacred grove, diversity, ground flora, herbaceous
Highlights
Diversity indices of tree species in tropical rainforest have been studied, but less effort has been devoted to the ground flora studies especially in sacred groves of tropical rainforest, Nigeria, as it plays a critical role in nutrient cycling and energy flow within the forest ecosystem
The significance of ground flora in forest ecosystem cannot be over emphasized, biodiversity studies in tropical forests have been concentrated on existing woody species, with less concern on other important part of the forest ecosystem e.g. ground flora
Diversity indices have been computed for various forest types by various workers, but less effort has been devoted to the description of patterns of diversity in these conspicuous strata of vegetation as this may reveal ecological processes responsible for plant community structure Mansoor et al, (2011)
Summary
Diversity indices of tree species in tropical rainforest have been studied, but less effort has been devoted to the ground flora studies especially in sacred groves of tropical rainforest, Nigeria, as it plays a critical role in nutrient cycling and energy flow within the forest ecosystem. Sacred groves which is a form of in-situ conservation are the tracts of virgin forest that were left untouched by the local inhabitants, harbour rich biodiversity, and are protected by the local people due to their cultural and religious beliefs and taboos that the deities reside in them (Khan et al, 2008). They manifest the spiritual and ecological ethos of local indigenous communities. The ground flora in the sacred groves often harbors wild turmeric (Curcuma spp.), wild ginger (Zingiber spp.)
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