PJB-2017-690
FLORISTIC COMPOSITION ALONG ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENTS OF GUZARA FOREST (SATHAN GALI), MANSEHRA, KPK, PAKISTAN
KHALID RASHEED KHAN
Abstract
Abstract: The present study was planned to assess the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of floristic diversity at species level along environmental gradients by using a TWINSPAN for recognizing major plant communities of Sathan Gali [Guzara forest (unprotected)], Mansehra, KP, Pakistan. On the basis of vegetation physiognomy, the study area was divided into 22 stands. Total 105 plant species of 55 families were recorded. The dominant family was found to be Poaceae by 11 plant species followed by Asteraceae and Rosaceae each represented by 10 species, and Pteridaceae by 5 plant species. Three plant communities were recognized through TWINSPAN classification viz Pinus-Sarcococca-Pteris community (PSP), Pinus-Cedrus-Indigofera community (PCI) and Alianthus-Cynodon-Themeda community (ACT). The maximum gradient length was 2.49 contributed by axis I. The gradient length of axis II was 2.00. The explained variation for axis I and II were 17.59 and 26.27 respectively. Among environmental variables the maximum strength was recorded for altitude, nitrogen, wind pressure, electrical conductivity and phosphorus. The minimum strength was recorded for aspects. Maximum species diversity was measured of Pinus-Sarcococca-Pteris Community (PSP) (0.106) while species richness was found in Alianthus-Cynodon-Themeda Community (ACT) (2.45) whereas maximum species maturity was found in Pinus- Cedrus- Indigofera Community (PCI) (115.65). The current investigation will enhance the understanding of the phytosocialogists to categorize, differentiate and discuss dynamics of the plant communities.
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