Plant diversity in tropical deciduous forests of Eastern Ghats, India: A landscape level assessment

Abstract

A landscape level plant diversity and population inventory was made in northern portion of eastern Ghat region of India comprising mostly dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests. A total of 444 transects of 0.5 ha (5 × 1000 m) area each was used for enumerating trees. Diversity and density of herbs, shrubs, lianas and regeneration of tree species were assessed from 5 x 5 m size plots within transects. A total of 882 species belonging to 532 genera and 129 families were recorded comprising of 263 tree species, 78 species of shrubs, 138 species of climbers/twinners and 403 species of herbs. Shorea robusta, Lannea coromandelica, Madhuca india and Diospyros melanoxylon were the predominant tree species where members of Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Fabaceae and Combretaceae contributed to maximum species richness, stand density and basal area. The stand density ranged from 268 to 655 stems ha−1 while basal area varied from 6.65 to 22. 28 m2 ha−1. The tree density and species richness decreased with increasing girth class; highest number of species and maximum density was recorded for 30 to 60 cm girth class. Shannon-Weiner Index and Simpson Index varied in the range of 1.85-2.05 and 0.013-0.018, respectively. Regeneration of many tree species was observed to be poor. Key words: Plant diversity, population structure, Eastern Ghat, India.