Potential, Distribution Pattern and Autecology of Diospyros celebica Bakh. in the Maleali Seed Stand Area, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Ebony (Diospyros celebica Bakh.) is one of the endemic trees of Sulawesi, which has a high selling value, now its existence is increasingly difficult to find in natural forests. Uncontrolled exploitation without serious development offset makes this plant increasingly on the verge of extinction. Currently, the remaining stands of ebony are threatened by human activities such as illegal logging and conversion to plantation areas. On the other hand, the need for ebony seeds in the context of in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts is very large, so information is needed about their potential and distribution in nature. The study aims were to determine the potential for rejuvenation and ebony trees in the seed stand area, Maleali, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The research was carried out using the vegetation analysis method with Checked Lines. There are 5 observation lines made with a distance of 50 meters between the lines. Data were analyzed by species significance value. The results showed that the highest important value of the ebony species in the area of the Maleali ebony seed stands was the tree level (72.43%), the sapling level (45.63%), the seedling level (24.23%), except for the pole level which was second with a species importance value of 35.68%. Regeneration potential is low, seedling density of 9,300 ha-1, sapling rate of 592 ha-1, pole rate of 76 ha-1, tree level (20-30 cm diameter) 13 trees ha-1, tree level (31-40 cm diameter) 10 trees ha-1 and the tree level (diameter 40-50 cm) is only 9 trees ha-1. The distribution pattern of ebony at the seedling, sapling, pole and tree levels is classified as a random distribution pattern. The physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil in the Maleali ebony seed stands also varied between the foothills, ridges and tops of the hills. The data obtained from this study became the basis for in-situ conservation efforts of D. celebica and other plant species in these areas.