The potential utilization of non-timber vascular plants in the karst area of Ayah Village, Kebumen District, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Karst vegetation has unique characteristics in its shape and species composition. As a result, karst plant communities have a high ability to adapt to environmental stress. In addition to ecological functions, vegetation that grows in karst areas also has the potential as natural medicine, food i ngredients, and materials for folk traditions. This study aims to determine the diversity and potential utilization of non-timber vascular plants in the karst area of Ayah Village, Kebumen, Central Java, Indonesia. This study used a survey method, namely direct observation, by exploring the Ayah Forest area to observe the studied object, namely vascular plants. The results showed 44 plant families of 111 species in the Ayah Forest area. Vascular plants in the Ayah Forest area are mostly from Fabaceae and Poaceae families. Therefore, five habitus types grow there, including trees, herbs, shrubs, epiphytes, and vines. The vascular plants found during the research have different potencies. In this study, eight prospects could be utilized from vascular plants in Ayah Forest: ornamental plants, medicinal plants, food ingredients, beverage ingredients, flavorings, natur al coloring, animal feed, and woven crafts. The potential use of vascular plants in the Ayah Forest is most widely used as medicine.