Current Floristic Composition and Growth Forms of Equatorial Rainforest, Kakamega County, Kenya
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Date
2018
Authors
Seswa, Fred
Manohar, Shyam
Kitur, Esther
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Scientific & Academic Publishing
Abstract
Floristic composition and growth forms were studied in central Isecheno nature reserve part of the main tropical
rainforest using transects and systematic quadrats following compass direction from January to December, 2014. Totals of 8
transect and 219 quadrats of 10m by 10m each were studied. There are 57 families represented by 124 genera composed of
146 plant species. The present composition/ inventory of plant species was recorded: Family Euphorbiaceae has maximum
number of 13 species; sub-dominant families are Moraceae and Rubiaceae with 11 species each; Acanthaceae and Fabaceae
families have 5 species each; Bignoniaceae family is represented by 4 species; Mimosaceae, Piperaceae, Rosaceae,
Boraginaceae and Verbenaceae families represents only 3 species each; Apocynaceae, Asclepediaceae, Celastraceae,
Dracaenaceae, Menispermaceae, Myrtaceae and Oleaceae families are represented only by 2 species each and 33 families are
represented only by single species which reflects on poor species composition due to heavy pressure of human population to
utilize resources. Five types of growth forms are present and represented by 55.48% trees, 21.94% shrubs, 8.9% herbs, 16%
climbers and only 2.74% lianas. Based on the present composition/inventory of this forest, it is concluded that this equatorial
forest of Kenya is under serious threat, many species have been extinct and many others are endangered.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Floristic composition, Growth forms, Isecheno nature reserve
Citation
International Journal of Agriculture and Forestry 2018, 8(2): 70-76