Undergrowth Species Research Articles

Evaluating undergrowth species pattern and soil seed banks mode for monitoring conservation in a protected forest of Nigeria

Evaluating undergrowth species pattern and soil seed banks mode for monitoring conservation in a protected forest of Nigeria

Evaluation of the Floristic, Phytosociological and Geographic Characteristics of the Understorey of an Ex-plantation of Guarrea cedrata (A Chev.) in the Yangambi DR. Congo

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the floristic diversity, phytosociological spectra and geographical characteristics of the understorey of the old abandoned plantation of the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, using the Martineau and Blanc-étoc silvicultural methods. This was done to fill gaps in our knowledge of the latter. The experimental setup consisted of 50*50 m (Martineau method, 2023) and 50*50 m (Blanc-étoc, 2023). All undergrowth species with a diameter of 5.0 cm or greater were inventoried using Letouzey's [1] established technique. Technical abbreviations were clearly explained upon first use. The websites www.tropicos.org and www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa and the catalogue-flora of vascular plants in the Kisangani and Tshopo districts of the DR Congo were consulted to determine the phytosociological and geographical spectrum. After analysis, it is apparent that the Strombosio-Parinarietea species carry more significance than other varieties found in Martineau and Musanga-Terminalietea in Blanc-étoc. Compared to the other vegetation types studied, our observations show that the endemic species from Guinea and Congo are more abundant in the understorey. Consequently, the study shows a complete geographical convergence, while phytosociologically there is a complete divergence between the two silvicultural methods observed.

Влияние рекреации на радиальный прирост сосны обыкновенной

The article deals with the stages of recreational digression of different biogeocenoses in the Shirokovsky district forestry of the National Park “Buzuluksky Bor” and the peculiarities of radial growth of the common pine as a dominant stand. The aim of the work was to analyze the comparative response of the common pine trees in the zone of active recreation and in undisturbed areas. The presence or absence of undergrowth, understorey, projective cover and dominance of indicator plants were noted. Sub-tree enumeration with averaged data was carried out on temporary sample plots. Using a Flir i7 thermal imager, the presence or absence and localization of stem and root rots of pine from sponges were determined. A decrease in the total projective cover of the living ground cover and the number of forest species was observed, with an increase in the number of cereal species as recreational digression increased. As recreation intensifies, undergrowth and understorey disappears. It was noted that with increasing stages of digression the monotony of undergrowth species composition appears, the density and height of forest litter decreases, the number of trees infected with rots and infested with stem pests (black pine moustache, pine bark beetles, six-toothed bark beetle, apex bark beetle) increases. Changes in all components of biogeocenosis lead to loss of stability of forest phytocenosis as a whole. Even a simple stay of a large number of people in the forest leads to degradation of plant communities.

Diversity of Broadleaf Undergrowth Plants in the Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve Area, West Java

The Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve in West Java, designed as a dual-purpose tourist destination and nature sanctuary, faces a notable threat to the diversity of its wide leafy plant undergrowth within the Pangandaran forest due to human activities. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach and a belt transect research design, utilizing purposive sampling for sample selection, to evaluate the undergrowth diversity in the reserve. Observations reveal 14 undergrowth species, spanning herbaceous plants, shrubs, and saplings, totalling 1677 individuals across 11 families and 13 genera. The calculated diversity index (H') is 1.846, indicating a moderate level of undergrowth diversity. The importance value index (IVI) determines the significance of undergrowth plants, with Elaeocarpus sp. exhibiting the highest value at 97.85% and Kleinhovia hospita L. the lowest at 1.060%. In summary, the development of Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve as a tourist park and sanctuary holds the potential to diminish the diversity of wide leafy plant undergrowth. This study identifies 14 undergrowth species with moderate diversity, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning and conservation measures to counteract the adverse effects of human activities on the area's natural diversity.

Understory changes in mixed elm stands in response to canopy dieback in Latvia

In the eastern Baltic region, warming is favouring the advance of thermophilic tree species and the formation of mixed stands with a higher share of broadleaves, thus contributing to productivity and other ecosystem services of forests. However, the accelerating environmental changes often trigger the spread and intensification of biotic disturbances such as disease outbreaks at unprecedented rates, which might alter the course of stand development. Within the region, elms (Ulmus sp.), which are of low importance as a source of timber, yet highly important in terms of other ecosystem services, are suffering varying degree of dieback due to the Dutch elm disease, which can threaten the existence of species. Still, there are explicit local differences in the susceptibility of trees, which add uncertainties regarding the sustainability of elms. A permanent sampling plot network was established to monitor changes in mixed elms stands in response to the dieback caused by the disease; canopy and understory trees were accounted. Two surveys in 2016 and 2021 have been made. Canopy elms have suffered moderate dieback during the first wave already before the surveys, as ca. 17% of canopy elms were already dead. However, the susceptibility differed among the species (Ulmus glabra exceeded U. laevis), likely due to the preference of the vectors of the disease. In response to canopy openings, self-regeneration occurred, though the balance between the advance regeneration and undergrowth species was affected by the intensity of canopy dieback. The advanced growth of the former canopy species including elms was sufficient under moderate changes in the canopy, while low and high changes favoured undergrowth, suggesting the formation of shrubland. Accordingly, the additional mortality of elms due to Dutch elm disease tended to diverge the development course of the mixed broadleaved stands; hence further monitoring is advised. Keywords: Ulmus sp.; Ophiostoma sp.; advance growth; undergrowth; Dutch elm disease; succession

The Existence of Undergrowth at Forest Garden Stands in Grand Forest Park, Lampung Province

The existence of undergrowth has an important role as an ecosystem both from an ecological and economic perspective. However, the composition and diversity of undergrowth in an area depends on the land use system. This research aimed to know the species composition and diversity of undergrowth at forest garden stands. Data collection was carried out with a vegetation survey using nested rectangular plots with a sampling intensity of 1%. The data collected included undergrowth species, the number of individuals for each species, and tree species as components of forest garden stands. Data were analyzed by calculating density, frequency, important value index, and Shannon diversity index. The results showed that the undergrowth that exists under forest garden stands were 38 species dominated by 12 species, namely Acalypha australis, Asystasia gangetica, Clidemia hirta, Starchytarpeta jamaicensis, Mikania micrantha, Peperomia pellucidia, Setaria barbata, Andropogon aciculatus, Alpinia galanga, Diplazium esculentum, Paederia foetida, and Crassocephalum crepidioides. The forest garden stands were composed of 43 tree species dominated by 4 tree species, namely Durio zibethinus, Aleurites moluccana, Myristica fragrans, and Gnetum gnemon. The level of undergrowth diversity was in the medium category with an H value of 1.540, indicating the diverse of undergrowth species.

Ecological and biological features and nectariferous value of elm trees

Bee pasturages and natural-climatic conditions in the forest fund of the steppe Pridonye are characterized by great variability. Plantations of European white elm, Scotch elm and English elm occupy 2.2% of the area of the steppe Pridonye. The purpose of this study was to identify honey-bearing species by the forest phytocenosis components in ravine elms and floodplain forests and to determine the honey productivity of plant formations. Accepted methods of scientific research in beekeeping were utilized. The silvicultural and taxational characteristics of the forest stand were obtained, the species composition of the honey-bearing flora was specified and the honey productivity by forest types was determined. Honey productivity of the plant formation of ravine elms is 106.4–203.3 kg/ha. European white elm (Ulmus laevis) provides honey productivity of 32.9 kg/ha in the forest phytocenosis on the shady banks of the ravine oak forests. Field maple (Acer campestre) contributes to this significant index (203.3 kg/ha) in the stand composition on high and steep gully slopes. On the light banks honey production is characterized by honey-bearing undergrowth species, which are found mainly in forest glades and woodsides, as well as the carpet plants representatives. In elm-herbage-nettle-blackberry floodplain forests, the main honey yield (35.3 kg/ha) is given by European white elm and white willow (Salix alba), while in the undergrowth it is given by common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), alder (R. alnus), and European cranberry bush (Viburnum opulus). Skillful use of the honey-bearing potential of forest plants not only makes it possible to successfully develop beekeeping, but also to ensure a significant increase in the forest fund of the southern regions of the European part of the Russian Federation.

Physiological aspects of selected indicator species of undergrowth of old forests

The study concerns the study of selected physiological features of three indicator species of the undergrowth of the oak-hornbeam forest (Anemone nemorosa L., Galeobdolon luteum Huds. emend. Holub and Stellaria holostea L.), after the forest canopy closure. Las Wolski, an isolated forest complex located within the city of Cracow (Southern Poland), was selected for the study. The plant material was collected at two points in the season – right after the forest canopy closure and a month later. Under laboratory conditions, the physiological characteristics of the indicator species were analysed. Light stress may play a smaller role here, and physiological parameters are probably most affected by the phenology of undergrowth species, which is adapted to seasonal changes in habitat conditions. However, these issues require more research.

Population structure and phylogeography of three closely related tree peonies.

Paeonia decomposita, Paeonia rotundiloba, and Paeonia rockii are three closely related species of Sect. Moutan is distributed in the montane area of the Eastern Hengduan Mountain region. Understanding the population history of these three tree peony species could contribute to unraveling the evolutionary patterns of undergrowth species in this hotspot area. We used one nuclear DNA marker (internal transcribed spacer region, ITS) and two chloroplast DNA markers (matK, ycf1) to reconstruct the phylogeographic pattern of the populations. In total, 228 individuals from 17 populations of the three species were analyzed in this study. Three nuclear clades (Clade I - Clade III) and four maternal clades (Clade A - Clade D) were reconstructed. Molecular dating suggested that young lineages diverged during the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene, younger than the uplift of the Hengduan Mountains but older than the last glacial maximum (LGM). Significant population and phylogeographic structures were detected at both markers. Furthermore, the populations of these tree peonies were overall at equilibrium during the climatic oscillations of the Pleistocene. The simulated palaeoranges of the three species during the LGM period mostly overlapped, which could have led to cross-breeding events. We propose an evolutionary scenario in which mountain orogenesis around the Hengduan Mountain area triggered parapatric isolation between maternal lineages of tree peonies. Subsequent climatic fluctuations drove migration and range recontact of these populations along the valleys. This detailed evolutionary history provides new insights into the phylogeographic pattern of species from mountain-valley systems.

Prescribed Burning Effect on the Richness, Diversity and Forest Structure of an Endemic Reforested Pinus canariensis Stand (Canary Islands)

Forest fires are considered to play a fundamental role in structuring many forest plant communities. Prescribed burning is a useful tool to reduce fire risk by reducing the amount of fuel. Our main objective was to analyse the effects of prescribed burning on undergrowth species richness and diversity as well as on other characteristic variables in a reforested Pinus canariensis stand. In areas where prescribed burning had been performed in the last 10 years, we established 8 plots of 900 m2. Their respective control plots were in nearby unburned and environmentally similar areas. We systematically selected 10 points in each plot and sampled the presence, richness and diversity of species in 1 m2 grids. For each plot, the basal area, mean canopy height and average height of individuals were measured. In centred 10 × 10 m plots, shrub species were counted as well as the litter depth, litter cover and herb cover. There was no significant change in the number of species richness found when comparing burned vs. control plots. Additionally, we did not find any differences in diversity or shrub composition, nor were we able to determine the species associated with any of the treatments. The basal area and litter depth were the only parameters that revealed significant differences. Ecologically, prescribed fire is a good practice to reduce biomass accumulation in P. canariensis plantations, with little effect on species richness and forest structure but with positive effects for stand management, insofar as biomass reduction can help control summer wildfires.

Evaluation of Undergrowth under the Canopy of Deciduous Forests on Very Fertile Soils in the Lithuanian Hemiboreal Forest

In the hemiboreal forest zone, the first-generation natural forests of Betula spp., Populus tremula L., and Alnus incana (L.) Moench, which develop after clearcutting on very fertile forest sites, change to deciduous hardwood forests (Quercus robur L., and Fraxinus excelsior L.) due to successive processes. These processes also cause a specific response to the development of undergrowth species, which can have a decisive influence on forest regeneration. The undergrowth species in the mature Betula spp. (Betula pendula Roth. And Betula pubescens Ehrh.), Populus tremula, and Alnus incana forest stands were evaluated to provide knowledge on undergrowth species composition and development under different soil conditions, and to identify the forest stand age’s impact on undergrowth species. The evaluation was based on the standwise forest inventory data and limited to the analysis of pioneer tree species forests usually developed as first-generation natural forests after clearcutting. The study results showed that deciduous forests have rich undergrowth species diversity with a dominance of the Corylus avellana L., Padus avium L., Frangula alnus Mill., Sorbus aucuparia L., and Salix spp., which are typical undergrowth species in the hemiboreal forest zone. The dense and medium density undergrowth with the predominant Corylus avellana was rather common in the Betula spp. and Populus tremula stands; and Padus avium was more abundant in the Alnus incana stands on very fertile sites. Larger areas with dense undergrowth were obtained in the low mixed and mixed Alnus incana stands than in the pure stands, while no clear relationship between the stand mixture and undergrowth density was obtained in the Betula spp. and Populus tremula stands. The area of Corylus avellana significantly increased, while the area of Padus avium decreased in all studied forests with increasing stand age. Other dominant undergrowth species–Sorbus aucuparia, Frangula alnus, and Salix spp.–decreased with increasing age of the Betula spp. and Populus tremula stands. In the context of biodiversity, a higher number of undergrowth species was obtained in the mixed Betula spp. stands than in the pure and low mixed stands. New insights about the undergrowth species and their development patterns under the canopy of pioneer deciduous forests on very fertile soils were provided. However, these findings do not strongly suggest that an unmanaged forest regime wins over conventional forest management in mature and older deciduous forests on fertile soils as regards the biodiversity and other ecological services provided by the undergrow species.

DISTRIBUTION AND FORMATION OF UNDERGROUND IN THE PINE FORESTS OF SHEPETIVSKY POLISSY

The forestry and taxonomic indicators of 56-90-year-old pine stands growing in the conditions of fresh and moist sogruds and subors were analyzed and 10 species were found in their undergrowth. Among the understory species, the most common are mountain ash, buckthorn and hazel, which occur in 78.6-100.0 % of plots. Other understory species occur in 7.1-42.9 % of stands. It is established that the total amount of undergrowth in forest stands varies between 13.67-76.67 specimens • ha-1 and does not depend on the type of forest or forest vegetation conditions. 2-3 stands of undergrowth mainly occur in stands of stands, and 4-7 undergrowth species in stands. Dominant in the forests are the common humpback and the brittle buckthorn, and in some areas the European buckthorn. In the stands of sogruds, in addition to rowan and buckthorn, hazel is also significantly represented, and in some areas barberry is common. Dominant in the forests are the common humpback and the brittle buckthorn, and in some areas the European buckthorn. In the stands of sogruds, in addition to rowan and buckthorn, hazel is also significantly represented, and in some areas barberry is common. The least in the undergrowth are prickly thorns and prickly hawthorn. It is established that the occurrence of undergrowth in the vast majority of research sites is more than 80 %. Rowan, buckthorn and hazel are characterized by high rates of occurrence in a significant number of areas, and in some stands – European cowberry and barberry. The highest average height in the stands is reached by hazel (58-403 cm), rowan (55-263 cm), buckthorn (51-225 cm) and barberry (50-207 cm) and significant elder (43-210 cm) and bird cherry (125-170 cm). Hazel, mountain ash and barberry are characterized by a predominance of large undergrowth, the share of which is 50-100 %.

Bayesian belief networks: a potential tool for conservation planning of endangered plant species populations

Abstract Bayesian belief networks (BBNs) have been increasingly used as a potential decision supporting tool useful in conservation management. We assessed the application of the BBN model to support management in conservation planning of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill., the endangered plant species on a European scale, as an example. The Bayesian network approach was used to develop a model of the impact of biotic and abiotic variables on the morphological–developmental features and demographic features of the population in northeast Poland. Field data collected from the total number of 47 sites in the 4 largest forest complexes were used to develop a model using GeNIe 2.0. The diagnostic testing and sensitivity analysis indicated that the greatest impact on the population features was the number of competing species in the forest undergrowth. Validation has shown that the developed model is effective for evaluation of the impact of habitat conditions on the population features deciding about the reproduction of this taxon. The BBN model was also used to define optimal habitat conditions ensuring regular growth and development of P. patens. Finally, we demonstrated the protective treatment to help preserving the species considered. Therefore, the developed model is recommended as a potential tool to support decision-making aimed at the conservation planning of endangered plant species.

Особенности самовозобновления сосны на гари

The results of a comprehensive study of the burnt area formed in 2006 on the site of a rocky pine forest in the southern part of the Republic of Karelia, east of Lake Onega, are presented. It has been established that the self-renewal of pine in the burnt area proceeds successfully. Here, young animals of mixed composition were formed. The number of pine undergrowth is 2400 ind./ha. Its number is almost 2 times higher than the number established by the 2020 Reforestation Rules. The young generation of pine is characterized by significant differentiation both in height — from 0,3 to 5 m, and in age — from 3 to 15 years. Analysis of the course of growth of model specimens showed that the increase in height depends to a greater extent on the height of the pine undergrowth than on age. The maximum values of the current growth are 25…30 cm/year. The composition of the undergrowth is dominated by mountain ash and goat willow. The total number of undergrowth species exceeds 1460 ind./ha. Living ground cover is represented by 21 species, of which 12 species are representatives of angiosperms and 9 species of mosses and lichens. Xerophytes dominate — heather, cladonia, juniper polytrichum. The soils are poor and are characterized by the predominance of oligopeat species — lingonberries, small sorrel, lichens. Successful natural reforestation is noted on the site of a burnt rocky pine forest.

The association between plant diversity and perceived emotions for visitors in urban forests: A pilot study across 49 parks in China

Urbanization introduces uncertainties to the biodiversity of plant communities. The perception of biodiversity can be associated with positive mental health and well-being, but direct evidence is still insufficient. In this study, we collected data about plant biodiversity assessments from studies on urban forests in the literature of China’s national knowledge infrastructure. Records of the species amount, Shannon index, and Simpson index were extracted from 49 urban forest parks in 13 cities across mainland China from 2018 to 2021. A total of 1938 facial photos were obtained from microblogs with check-in locations at these parks in the Sina Microblog in 2020. Happy, sad, and neutral emotions and positive response index (PRI; happy minus sad) were rated and mapped for spatial distributions. The amount of species was distributed as a heterogeneous pattern for all plant types, and biodiversity was higher in the northern regions (e.g., ~55% in Qingdao and over 50% in Taiyuan) than in southern cities along the Yangtze River (e.g., ~35% in Huaihua and Changsha). Trees did not account for the association of biodiversity with emotional expressions. Smiles were elicited mostly in parks with more diverse shrubs (Shannon index: R=0.4335; P = 0.0029) and herbs (R=0.6162; P = 0.0008). Females showed more smiles than males (47% vs. 32%, respectively; F=39.15, P < 0.0001), and happy emotions tended to be higher in older visitors (senior vs. younger: 58% vs. 43%, respectively; F=2.72, P = 0.0280). Overall, we recommend visiting parks in northern cities of China for the benefit of evoking positive emotions through experiencing abundant undergrowth species. Female visitors would benefit more than males in the promotion of mental well-being by perceiving diverse shrubs and herbs in urban forest parks.

Bayesian network model informs on the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on the population characteristics of an endangered plant species

AbstractPreservation of the endangered plant species requires knowledge of the impact of environmental factors on their populations. This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of a Bayesian network (BN) model to analyze the impact of habitat conditions on the current characteristics of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. population in NE Poland. The model was based on field data collected in 2011–2015 from 47 sites in the four largest forest complexes of NE Poland. The causal network between (1) the biotic and (2) abiotic factors as well as morphological‐developmental features of individuals and demographic features of populations (20 attributes, 1573 records) was made using the Bayesian Search Algorithm in GeNIe 2.0. The results indicate that the greatest impact on the population features had the number of competing species in forest undergrowth and exposition of slopes. Diagnostic testing and sensitivity analysis revealed that these factors were the major variables determining the size of the population, developmental phase, and the size of individuals. Tenfold cross‐validation revealed that this model was the most effective to analyze the impact of habitat conditions on the presence of generative shoots, developmental phase, and juvenile shoots. The optimal levels of factors following from the BN modeling of the impact of habitat conditions on the characteristics of the population will allow regular growth (size of individuals) and development (life cycle of individuals) of a given endangered species.

The Composition of Undergrowth Vegetation in Forest Area with the Special Purpose of Gunung Bromo, Karangayar, Central Java, Indonesia

Data on the biodiversity is essential to support the Forest Area with the Special Purpose (KHDTK) of Gunung Bromo as an educational forest and training center. This study aimed to obtain basic information on undergrowth vegetation composition under pine stands. Furthermore, the important value index (IVI), species diversity index (H’), species richness index (R), and evenness index (E) were determined. The data was systematically obtained by marking 35 plots of 2 m × 2 m. The distance between plots was 100 m. The results showed that the undergrowth vegetation consisted of 39 species from 26 families. The habitus of undergrowth vegetation was herb (15 species), shrub (14 species), liana (3 species), fern (6 species), and palm (1 species). Eragrostis tenerum was the dominant species with an IVI of 58.84%). Centrosema pubescens showed an IVI of 18.38%, while the other species showed less than 10%. Furthermore, H’ was classified as moderate (2.35), R was classified as moderate (4.69), and E was classified as uneven (0.64). This condition indicated that the undergrowth species that grew in KHDTK of Gunung Bromo was limited and uneven. It was considered due to inhibiting factors such as allelopathy in pine leaf litter and low light intensity. Undergrowth species that grow in KHDTK of Gunung Bromo showed several potential utilizations, such as medicinal plants (30 species), ornamental plants (9 species), food sources (5 species), forage (4 species), culture and crafts (4 species), and conservation (3 species). Keywords: important value index, KHDTK of Gunung Bromo, species composition, species diversity, undergrowth vegetation

Abundance and Diversity of Woody Undergrowth Reservoir as Indicator of Suitable Vegetation Patch for Natural Regeneration

The diversity, abundance and height structure of naturally regenerated woody species were analyzed and compared for undergrowth reservoir associated with vegetation patches as bowal, shrubland and woodland for understanding the effect of vegetation conditions on spatial distribution of woody plants in Sudanian ecosystem. All undergrowth individuals (height 2) laid out in each vegetation patch during rainy season. In total 52 undergrowth species and 2224 stems arranged in 38 genera and 21 families out of which 25, 36 and 38 species were found in bowal, shrubland and woodland respectively and 15 shared species. Combretaceae, Caesalpiniaceae and Mimosaceae families were the most abundant and species density was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in shrubland and woodland than bowal, and increase diversity in only shrubland (P = 0.002) comparing with bowal. Undergrowth was abundantly concentrated in small height class as canopy benefit and indicate a specific-site distribution. Results also showed that bowal had a particular vegetation which vary in function of tree community characters in place (P < 0.05) while woodland and shrubland are similar vegetation patches. As conclusion, the study vegetation patches form suitable regeneration niches for the undergrowth reservoir of limited number of species which in return can be predictor of species richness and abundance and thus the structure of tree community. Woody undergrowth community could be considered in biodiversity management and degraded land restoration. Supplementary works could be undertaken to understand the characteristics of seed bank for bowal, shrubland and woodland regarding the undergrowth and tree communities.

Sustaining rainforest remnants in plantation landscapes: degree of oil palm stand-induced edge effects on forest microclimate and regeneration

Background: Amplified edge effects stemming from land use change interfere with the community dynamics of forests by altering abiotic conditions. However, the impact of oil palm plantation-induced edge effects on forest remnants is still not well understood. This study investigated the edge influences of an oil palm plantation on adjoining rainforest remnants’ microclimates and regeneration, along with variations in the effects imposed by oil palm stands’ structural differences. Parallel transects were established perpendicular to the forest border in four forest patches. Distance and magnitude of edge influence (DEI and MEI, respectively) were calculated for each response variable, and PCA and ANOVA tests were used to examine variations among the variables. Results: DEIs did not extend beyond 60 m, while the number of influenced variables decreased with increasing oil palm stand shade. MEI values were generally low, except for light intensity and seedlings. Significant differences were mostly observed only for variables at the forest fringe, and the reduction in edge influence was most prominent only with a minimum stand height of 8.5 m. Invasive undergrowth species penetrated less into the forest interior with more shade. Tree regeneration, especially of old growth species, was low, and seedlings were dominated by fast-growing trees. Conclusion: Forest remnants benefit from edge effect-minimizing shade, but by the timethis shade has formed, regeneration has already been impacted. Sustaining the ecosystem integrity of forest fragments consequently requires continuous shade from adjacent ecosystems coupled with intervention to boost old growth forest species’regeneration in low-shade areas.

The undergrowth composition and distribution in different forest area utilization

Abstract. Sidabukke SH, Barus TA, Utomo B, Delvian. 2021. The undergrowth composition and distribution in different forest area utilization. Biodiversitas 22: 5255-5261. Forests provide natural raw materials to support various human activities and also demonstrate a wide range of biodiversity, both in terms of wildlife and plants. Based on biological resources, undergrowth species form a significant portion of the forest ecosystems and have overgrown the typical wooden plants. These ground cover/undergrowth groups are known to exhibit diverse complexities and a type of basic vegetation existing under the forest stands. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the composition and distribution of undergrowth species in each forest area designation, including industrial, protected and natural forests. The plot technique was employed, with an area of 2 m x 2 m. This involves a total of 480, 224 and 96 plots in the industrial plantations, protected and natural forest areas, respectively. Also, the entire plants in the measuring plot were recorded, starting from the sprouts up to 1.5 m high. Subsequently, the important value index (IVI) and Morisita index methods were applied in the data analysis. The results showed the occurrence of 98, 57 and 33 undergrowth species in industrial, protected as well as in natural forests, correspondingly. Based on the important value index calculations, Sintrong species (Crassocephalum crepidioides) reported the maximum IVI (31.587%) in industrial forest plantations, alongside Senduduk (Melastoma malabathricum) and Paku Wangi (Phymatosorus scolependria) in the protected areas (29.951%) and natural forests (29.551%), respectively. Furthermore, the Morisita index indicated that the undergrowth distribution pattern for the three areas was clustered, uniform and random, but with varying percentages. However, only two distribution patterns, including random and clustered were peculiar to the natural forests.