Floristic Composition and Vegetation Structure of Woody Species in Lammo Natural Forest in Tembaro Woreda, Kambata-Tambaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the floristic composition of woody species in Lammo natural Forest, Tembaro woreda, Kembata-Tembaro zone, Southern Ethiopia. 52 quadrants, each with 20 m x 20 m (400 m2) were systematically laid to collect vegetation data along line transects at the distance of 60m from each other. Vegetation structures such as DBH, basal area, height, frequency, IVI and Species population structure were computed. Specimens were collected, pressed, dried and taken to Ethiopian National Herbarium for identification. Data analysis was carried out using Shannon- Wiener Diversity index, Microsoft Excel, R-package, past and Sorensen’s similarity index. 54 woody species belonging to 46 genera from 29 families were identified. The dominant family was Myrtaceae followed by Euphorbiaceae. The vegetation cluster classification resulted in three plant communities. Most of the species in the study area fall under middle diameter and height classes. The results of population structure for the forest, revealed the signs of some disturbances and hence some management and conservation practices need to be in place.