Floriculture and national economy: A case study of the Jos-Plateau, north-central Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of ornamental plants cultivated in and around the Jos-Plateau, Nigeria was carried out in two Local Government Areas; twenty-five gardens were surveyed. The study identified 222 ornamental plants by their common and scientific names, families, source, mode of propagation, growth habit, economic value, aesthetic value and the cost of maintenance. The species identified were distributed in 78 families. Sixty-eight per cent of the species identified were exotic while 32% were indigenous. A higher number of exotic species was observed in Jos-South than in the Jos-North. Seventy-seven per cent of the species are propagated vegetatively and 23% by seed. The results showed that more perennial (89%) are cultivated than biennial (3%) or annual (8%) plants. The cost distribution showed that prices varied depending on the plant species. Thirty per cent of the species were cultivated as outdoor plants, 22% as indoor, 31% in Parks and Gardens, 11% as shade trees, 6% as avenue plants and 0.5% as lawn. It is suggested that Government should take advantage of the unique climate of the Jos-Plateau and channel efforts aimed at introducing exotic species as well as improving the indigenous ones. This could broaden the revenue base of the state and Nigeria.