Habitat Characteristic of Taxus sumatrana (Miquel) de Laub in The Kerinci Seblat National Park

Abstract

Abstract Sumatran yew (Taxus sumatrana) tree contain taxane diterpenoid, an effective anti-cancer drug. Taxus population in the world is declining due to overexploitation. Study on habitat characteristic of T. sumatrana was conducted in Kerinci Seblat National Park. Twenty four Plots of 20 x 20 m were laid purposively in the habitat of T. Sumatrana to determine the structure and composition of the vegetation. At each plot data on the physical component such as land slope, air temperature and humidity were also measured. Soil samples were taken around T. sumatrana trees at 4 different depths i.e. 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm and brought to a soil laboratory for physical and chemical properties analysis. The result showed that T. sumatrana occupied a middle canopy stratum and the trees were easily found, however at sapling level was rare and the seedling level was not present at the plots. T. sumatrana commonly grows to clump at a steep slope, high humidity, and cold temperature. The soil at the habitat of T. sumatrana is porous and fertile.