Study of Ficus in West Block Batang Toru Forest Region, North Tapanuli District, Indonesia

Abstract

The study of figs or Ficus in west block of Batang Toru forest has been conducted to obtain information regarding species diversity and the distribution of Ficus. Study site was determined using purposive random sampling and data was collected in 20 plots measuring 500 × 10 m in size. The study found 28 species of Ficus found in the area in which 12 species were found inside the plot. Of all the species, 14 species (50%) were semi-epiphyte, 13 species (46%) were terrestrial and only one species (4%) was liana. The most dominant species for trees, poles, saplings, and seedlings was represented by Ficus xylophylla, F. globosa, F. globosa, and F. villosa. Figs diversity for trees, poles, and saplings was categorized as medium according to the Shannon's index with the value of 1.47-1.70, while seedlings diversity was categorized as low with the value of 0.22. The equitability index of trees, poles, saplings and seedlings was about of 0.32-0.95. Most species inhabited secondary forest in the altitude of 700-1000 masl. However, two species (Ficus crassiramea and F. curtipes) were also observed in the altitude more than 1000 m above sea level. The study then presented the baseline information about figs in west block of Batang Toru forest as conservation region.