Diversity, Composition and Economic Importance of Herbaceous Plants within the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Campus, Zamfara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The diversity, composition and economic importance of herbaceous species within the federal polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State was studied.  The study's objective was to identify, document and evaluate the diversity and abundance of herbaceous species in the study area.  The point-centered quarter (PCQ) method was employed in each sampling point.  All nearest living herb species encountered were listed.  Data obtained were quantitatively analyzed for Relative density (RD) and relative frequency (RF).  Species diversity was calculated using Simpson’s index and the Shannon-Weiner index.  A total of 64 species of herb were identified belonging to 19 Families.  Acanthaceae, Aizoaceae, Cleomaceae, Connaraceae, Laminaceae, Oxalidaceae, and Plantaginaceae had (1) species each. Convolvulaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Euphobiaceae had (2) species each. Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Pedaliaceae and Poaceae had (3) species each. Solonaceae is the only family with (4) species.  Fabaceae is the only family with the highest number of species (32).  A total of 494 individuals of herbaceous species were in the study area. Site A has the highest number of individuals (117), followed by Site D (103), Site C (95) and E (82).  Tephrosia pedicellata has the highest species density of 3.2. Leptadenia hastata, Centaurea perrottetii, Gynandropsis gynandra, Euphorbia balsamifera, Senna obtusifolia, Abrus precatorius, Desmodium velutinum, Crotalaria goreensis, Crotalaria pallida var.obovata, Tephrosia pedicellata, Indigofera oblongifolia, Tephrosia vogelii, Tephrosia linearis, Biophytum petersianum, Sesamum radiatum, Solanum lycopersicum has the highest Frequency (100%). Senna tora has the highest relative abundance (5), and Euphorbia balsamifera has a Relative Density of 3.8.  Euphorbia balsamifera has the highest relative density of 5, and Ipomea asarifolia has an IVI of 7.  Shannon Weiner's diversity index for herbaceous species showed a total of 4.0097.  Herbaceous plants are of economic importance; they serve as food, fooder, medicine, fuel, and other purposes.  We recommended that there is a need for the conservation of herbaceous species within the Polytechnic to avoid harvesting the herbs for medicinal purposes and animals foraging on the grasses.