Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Floristic composition and diversity in Lantana camara L. invaded forest zones of Kumaun Himalaya, India
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Joshi Charu, Joshi Vartika, Bargali Kiran, Fartyal Archana, Bargali Surendra Singh
Research Articles | Published: 08 April, 2025
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Keywords: Diversity, n Lantana camaran , Invasion, Floristic composition, Forest zones
Abstract
Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) is a highly invasive species, listed among the top 100 most problematic weeds globally. This study examined the floristic composition, diversity and soil characteristics in Lantana camara dominated forests in three different forest zones of the Kumaun Himalayan region viz. Oak (1324–1813 m above sea level), Pine (1392–1743 m a.s.l.) and Sal (410–584 m a.s.l.). In each zone, three subplots of 0.5 ha (rectangular plot of 50 m × 100 m) were established and within each plot, five 10 m × 10 m quadrats for trees, ten 5 m × 5 m quadrats for shrubs and twenty 1 m × 1 m quadrats for herbs were placed randomly. Tree density was highest in the pine zone (120–140 individuals hectare⁻1) and lowest in oak (40–120 ind. ha⁻1) zone. L. camara density varied significantly, with the highest infestation in the oak zone (17760–30280 ind. ha⁻1), followed by pine (12600–31560 ind. ha⁻1) and sal (6160–15200 ind. ha⁻1). The correlation analysis revealed that soil properties including texture, organic carbon and nitrogen varied significantly among forest zones. Seasonal fluctuations significantly influenced (p < 0.05) herbaceous diversity and richness. Positive correlation between L. camara invasion and soil nutrients indicated a detrimental long-term impact on composition and diversity in the Kumaun Himalayan forests.
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Author Information
Department of Botany, D.S.B Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India