Distribution and Conservation Status of Plants’ species in the Botanical Garden and Arboretum domiciled in University of Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

This research assessed the plant species composition, distribution and International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)  conservation status of plants in University of Uyo botanical garden and arboretum using systematic sampling technique. The species  were sampled in 10 x 10 m quadrats spaced at least regular intervals of 20 m from each quadrat. Thirty-one and thirty-eight species were encountered in the arboretum and botanic garden respectively. In terms of the frequency, Chromolaena odorata and Nauclea diderichii  had the highest values (75%), while Acanthus montanus, Anthocleista djalonensis, Anthonotha macrophylla, Baphia nitida, Barteria  nigritiana, Carpolobia lutea, Ceiba pentandra, Cnestis ferruginea, Entandrophragma utile, Hura crepitans, Lonchocarpus griffoneonus, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Senna siamea, Tamarindus indica, Tectona grandis and Treculia africana had the least frequency (25% each). For the  density, Nauclea diderichii had the value of 250±15.30 st/ha. In the botanic garden, Ageratum houstonianum, Alchornea cordifolia,  Chromolaena ordorata and Croton hirtus had the highest frequency (100%) while Allamanda cathartica, Asystasia gangetica, Bambusa vulgaris, Caladium bicolor, Centrosema virginianum, Cnestis ferruginea, Culcasia scandens, Cyathula prostrata, Desmodium scorpiurus,  Emilia sonchifolia, Heliconia psittacorum, Ipomea involucrata, Lagenaria sphaerica, Mimosa pudica, Nephrolepis bisserata, Panicum sp.,  Pentaclethra macrophylla, Plumeria rubra, Polyalthia longifolia, Pteridium aquilinum, Scoparia dulcis, Senna siamea, Sesamum radiatum  and Sida acuta had the least frequency (33.33%). The vegetation of both sites indicated variation in composition of trees, shrubs, herbs,  climbers and ferns. These heterogeneities may be a pointer to their varying adaptation levels and differential responses of plant species  to pedological and anthropogenic influences.