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U krainian Journal of Ecology
Ukrainian Journal of Ecology, 2021, 11(10), 84-93, doi: 10.15421/2021_323
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Floral diversity and phytosociological studies on vegetation
of agror valley, district Mansehra
J. Ahmed1, Z. Iqbal1, I.U. Rahman12*, A. Azeem1, N.U.A. Fatima3, N. Taimur3, G. Nawaz3, S. Bibi3, S. Kamal3, R. Ahmad3, S. Nawaz3, S. Saman3, N.A. Khattak3, S. Parveen3
1 Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra, KP, Pakistan 2Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis, MO, USA 3Department of Botany, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected] Received: 19.07.2021. Accepted: 17.12.2021.
The present study was conducted in Agror Valley in order to explore the species diversity and vegetation structure. A total of 142 species which belonged to 124 genra and 66 families were recorded. Asteraceae was the leading family with 17 species followed by Rosaceae 12 species, Lamiaceae 09 species and Polygonaceae 06 species. Based on plant growth habit, herbaceous growth form dominated the study area with 96 species (67.60%), followed by trees with 29 species (20.42%) and shrubs 17 (11.97%) species. Biological spectrum showed that therophyte was dominant life class represented with 61 plant species (42.95%), followed by Megaphanerophytes and Hemicryptophytes 20 species (14.08%) each. Microphyll flora was the leading leaf size spectra with 73 species (51.40%), followed by Mesophyll 32 (22.53%), Nanophyll 26 (18.30%), Leptophylls 10 (7.04%) species and Megaphyll contributing 1 species (0.70%). Seasonal variation of species diversity disclosed that two flowering seasons were recorded, one from May to August during which 137 (96.47%) plant species showed flowering and second from September to November in which 5 (3.52%) plant species flowered. Maximum flowering (42 plant species) occurred during the month of March while May to August were the peak fruiting months in the study area. This study will help botanists, conservationists, ecologists, and policy makers to improve, protect and manage the present vegetation status and sustainably for future generations. Keywords: Biodiversity, Floristic composition, Raunkiaer classification, Phenology, Oghi, Conservation.
Introduction
Biodiversity may be defined as the variety of life forms i.e., all species of plants, trees, other flora, insects, animals, and other microorganisms. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province has an enoromous diversity of flora and a huge variety of ecological zones scattered throughout the province from the plains in the south to high mountains in the north (Champion et al., 1965), the forests fall under the major type "Montane temperate forests" (Shah and Khan, 2006). Tehsil Oghi (Mansehra), Pakistan, has a rich plant biodiversity due to the presence of diverse microhabitats and topographic features (Ahmed et al., 2018).
Biological spectrum is the percentage ratio of life form of plant present in an area (Sarmiento and Monasterio, 1983). Biological spectrum is used both for the life form distribution pattern of vegetation and environmental conditions under the prevailing life forms progressed. Same climatic conditions in different regions can be specified by occurrence of similar biological spectra (Raunkiaer, 1934). Leaf size classes have been found to be very useful for plant associations. Size and shape of leaves associate strongly with environmental variables like temperature and moisture (Bailey and Sinott 1995). The physiological processes of plants can be accessed through leaf size (Oosting, 1956).
Floristic studies across the globe have been documented by several field investigators. Cain and Castro (1959) and Shimwell (1971) reported that hemi cryptophytes are characteristic of temperate zones; therophytes of desert climate and geophytes of the Mediterranean climate. Ram and Arya (1991) examined and stated phanerophytes dominant life form before degradation and therophytic and hemicryptophytic after degradation in the alpine meadows of Central Himalaya, India.
Phenology is the relationship of plant growth stages and calendar date. The calendar is based on the solar year. The information of phenology shows relationship of plant growth to seasonal changes and changes in length of day light or photoperiod to program their growth stages and biological activities appropriated with the seasonal conditions (Manske, 2006). Phenology is the timing of recurring of biological events, among phases of plant species, which provide a background for collecting and synthesizing detailed quantitative information on rhythm of plant community (Sing and Sing, 1992). According to Ahmed (2017), the flowering and fruiting could be related with the climatic conditions for offspring survival. Cornejo-Tenoria and Ibarra-Manriquez (2007) recorded flowering and fruiting behavior on monthly basis. Keeping these points in view, the current study was designed to evaluate and document the floristic composition, biological spectra and phenological behaviour of the local flora of an unexplored valley (Agror Valley), Mansehra, Pakistan.
Materials and Methods Study area
The Agror Valley is located in Mansehra District of Hazara Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is situated between 34°29' and 34°35'N and 72°58' and 75°09'E (Hunter, 1885). It lies at the base of Black Mountain and is segregated from Pakhli by the Tanglai Mountain (Mustafa, 2003). On its east lies Battal, on north lies Batagram and from Agror southward are Tanwal Mountains. The old name of Oghi was Agror Valley, and since the town Oghi is in close proximity to the centre city and being an old town (1000 year), the entire area is currently being known as Oghi. The total study area comprises of 22,991 acres. The valley consists of five union councils; Oghi, Belian, Kathai, Shamdarha and Dilbori (Ahmed et al., 2017). Total population of Tehsil Oghi is 265,728 (Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 2017) (Fig. 1).
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Fig. 1. Map of Agror valley. Field surveys
Field surveys were carried out to investigate and examine the biodiversity of the study area in different seasons. Every study trip was well planned and performed effectively. Phenology of the species was recorded in different intervals of field year (Singh and Singh, 2010). Surveys were conducted during flowering and fruiting stages. Significant plant affiliations were studied, with relationship to altitude and environmental conditions. Timings for the field work were preferred according to the growth and collection season of plants. Each specimen was assigned collection number with the aid of tags. Field data were noted in field notebook. Collection number was given to each specimen with the help of tags. Each collected plant specimen was serially tagged and placed in the field presser (Ijaz et al., 2015).
Herbarium work
The collected specimens were poisoned using mercuric chloride (2gm) and absolute alcohol (1000 ml). The poisoned species were pasted on the herbarium sheets having standard size (11.5 x 17.5 inches) (Ijaz et al., 2016). Field notebook data were shifted to herbarium slip (4 x 6 inches) glued underside on right part of herbarium sheet (Ijaz, 2014). For the identification of plants taxonomic literature, previously published credentials and for authenticity Flora of Pakistan was consulted (Ali and Nasir, 19702002). The plants names were also validated and brought up to date with the online internet site (www.theplantlist.org) of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The voucher specimens were placed in Herbarium, Department of Botany, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan (HUP).
Biological spectrum
The two parameters of biological spectrum i.e., life form classes and leaf spectra of all plant species were recognized and categorized after Raunkiaer (1934).
Life form
Life form indicates the adjustment of plant life to various climatic events. Based on position of the perennating buds, the Raunkiaer (1934) proposed life form classes.
Phanerophytes (P)
Phanerophytes includes all tall woody trees and shrubs. Perennating buds emerges 25 cm, or more above the grounds. Phanerophytes were subdivided into following four sub-classes.
1) Mega phanerophytes (Mp): Trees with more than 30 m height.
2) Meso phanerophytes (Ms): Trees with height between 8-30 m.
3) Micro phanerophytes (Me): Trees and shrubs comprising height in range of 2-8 m.
4) Nano phanerophytes (NP): Shrubs with 25 cm - 2 m height. Chameophytes (CH)
Perennating buds lying above the soil surface up to 25 cm. This class mostly includes small sized shrubs. Hemicryptophytes (H)
Hemicryptophytes includes plant species having their perennating buds on the surface of soil. This group includes all grasses. Geophytes (G)
Perennating buds are present under the ground surface. They include bulbs, tuber, corm, and rhizomes. Therophytes (Th)
This class included annual plants species which completes their life cycle during favourable conditions throughout the year. Their perennating buds are present in the form of seeds e.g., the members of Asteraceae family. Leaf Spectra
Leaf size classes were determined by following Oosting (1956).
Leptophyll (L)
The leaf area is 25 square mm.
Nanophyll (N)
The leaf area is 225 square mm.
Microphyll (Mi)
The leaf area is 2025 square mm.
Mesophyll (Me)
The leaf area is 18225 square mm.
Megaphyll (Ma)
The leaf area is 164025 square mm.
Phenology
The phenological attributes of plant species i.e., flowering and fruiting were recorded during the field visits of the study area every month during 2018-2019.
Results
Floristic composition
The flora of Agror Valley comprised of 142 species belonging to 124 genra and 66 families. Asteraceae was the dominant family with 17 species, followed by Rosaceae 12 species, Lamiaceae 09 species and Polygonaceae 06 species. Based on plant growth habit, herbaceous growth form dominated the study area with 96 species (67.60%), followed by trees with 29 species (20.42%) and shrubs 17 (11.97%) species (Table 1).
Clasification of plants based on life form and leaf spectra Life form
The results revealed that the dominant life form in the study area was Therophytes with 61 plant species (42.95%), followed by Megaphanerophytes and Hemicryptophytes 20 species (14.08%) each, Nanophanerophytes 17 plant species (11.97%), Geophytes 12 species (8.45%), Mesophanerophytes05 plant species (3.52%), Chamaephytes 04 plant species (2.81%), Microphanerophytes 02 plant (1.40%), Lianas 01 plant species (0.70%) (Tables 1 and 2).
Leaf spectrum
The leaf size spectra were dominated by Microphyll flora with 73 species (51.40%), followed by Mesophyll 32 (22.53%), Nanophyll 26 (18.30%), Leptophylls 10 (7.04%) species and Megaphyll contributing 01 species (0.70%) only (Tables 1 and 3). Table 1. Life form and Leaf spectra of different taxa reported from Agror Valley.
S. No. Plant Species Family Name Habit Life Form Classes Phenology
Life Form Leaf Spectra Flowering Fruiting
1. Achyranthes aspera L. Amaranthaceae H TH Mic April June
2. 3. Adiantum caplllus- veneris L. AHanthus attissima (Mill.) Swingle Pteridaceae Simaroubaceae H T TH MP N Mic May April June June
4. Ajuga integrffoiia Buch.-Ham. Lamiaceae H TH N April July
5. Alnus nitida (Spach) Endl. Betulaceae T MP Mes August November
6. Anagaliis arvensis L. Primulaceae H TH N July September
7. Anaphais margaritacea (L.) Benth&Hook.f. Asteraceae H H Mes August September
8. Arisaema jacquemontii Blume Araceae H G Mes May July
9. Artemisia absinthium L. Asteraceae H H Mes April August
10. Arundo donax L. Poaceae H G Mes August September
11. Aspienuum ceterach L. Aspleniaceae H G Mes August September
12. Avena sativa L. Poaceae H TH Mic July August
13. Berberís iycuum Royle Berberidaceae S NP Mic June July
14. Bergenia ciiiate (Haw.) Sternb. Saxifragaceae H G Mes March May
15. Bistorta amplexccauiis (D. Don) Greene Polygonaceae H H Mes March June
16. Bromus secaiinus L. Poaceae H TH L June July
17. Broussonetia papyrffera (L.) L'Hér. Ex Vent. Moraceae T MesP Mes August September
18. Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M.Johnst. Boraginaceae H H Mic June August
19. Bupieurum falcatumlL. Apiaceae H H Mic March May
20. Cannabis sativa L. Cannabaceae H TH Mic June July
21. Capsella bursa-pastorss Brassicaceae H
(L.) Medik. TH Mic May July
22. Carex flava L. Cyperaceae H TH Mic September October
23. Cedrus deodara (Roxb. Ex D.Don) G.Don Pinaceae T MP N August September
24. Celtis australis L. Ulmaceae T MesP Mic April July
25. Cenchrus ciliaris L. Poaceae H H L July October
26. Centaurea iberica Trevir. Ex Spreng. Asteraceae H H Mes March May
27. Chenopodium album L. Chenopodiaceae H TH Mic June August
28. Cichorium intybus L. Asteraceae H TH Mes August September
29. Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. Asteraceae H TH Mic March May
30. Clematis grata Wall. Ranunculaceae S NP Mic August October
31. Clinopodium vuggare L. Lamiaceae H H Mic March April
32. Commelina benghalensis L. Commelinaceae H TH Mes August September
33. Convolvulus arvensis L. Convovulaceae H G N April June
34. Cotoneaster Rosaceae S
m/crophyllusWall.ExLind l. Cuscuta refíexáRoxb. NP L April July
35. Cuscutaceae H TH L July August
36. Cynodon dactylon(—) Pers. Poaceae H G - August December
37. Cynoglossum wallichii G.Don Boraginaceae H TH Mic March June
38. Cyperus rotunduS-. Cyperaceae H H N May July
39. Daphne mucronata Royle Thymelaeaceae S NP N June July
40. Diciiptera chinensis (-.) Juss. Acanthaceae H TH Mic July August
41. Diospyros lotus -. Ebenaceae T MP Mic Sept November
42. Dodonaea viscosa (-.) Jacq. Sapindaceae S NP Mic May July
43. Dryopteris expansa (C. Presl) Fraser-Jenk. &Jermy Dryopteridaceae H H Mes May June
44. Duchesnea indica (Jacks.) Focke Rosaceae H H Mic March April
45. Elaeagnus latifolia -. Elaeagnaceae S MP Mes March June
46. Equisetum arvense -. Equisetaceae H G Mic March April
47. Erigeron canadensis -. Asteraceae H TH Mic June August
48. Euphorbia heiioscopia -. Euphorbiaceae H MP Mic August October
49. Euphorbia heterophylla -. Euphorbiaceae H TH Mic March April
50. Ficus carica -. Moraceae T TH N April June
51. Ficus paimata Forssk. Moraceae T MP Mes March July
52. Foenicuuum vuigare Mill. Apiaceae H TH Mic April July
53. Fragaria nubicoia (-indl. Ex Hook.f.) -acaita Rosaceae H H Mic March June
54. Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley Papaveraceae H TH N June July
55. Galinsoga parviflora Cav. Asteraceae H TH Mic March May
56. Galium aparine -. Rubiaceae H TH N June August
57. Geranium rotoundffoiium -. Geraniaceae H G Mes June August
58. Geranium waiiichinum D. Don ex Sweet. Geraniaceae H H Mic May August
59. Hedera nepalensis K. Koch Araliaceae H - Mic September November
60. Impatiens bicolor Royle Balsaminaceae H TH Mes May August
61. Indggofera heterantha Brandis Fabaceae S NP - June September
62. Inula cappa (Buch.-Ham. Ex D.Don) DC. Asteraceae S TH Mic March May
63. Ipomoea purpurea (-.) Roth Convolvulaceae H TH Mes July September
64. Iris kashmiriana Baker Iridaceae H G Mes April July
65. Isodon rugosus (Wall.exBenth.) Codd -amiaceae S NP Mic April September
66. Jasminum offcinaid-. Oleaceae S NP Mic May June
67. Juglans regia L. Juglandaceae T NP Mic July August
68. Lactucas errioläL. Asteraceae H H Mic July September
69. Lathyrus aphaca L. Fabaceae H TH Mic July August
70. Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Ramayya& Rajagopal Asteraceae H CH Mic March May
71. Lepidium campestre (L.) R.Br. Brassicaceae H TH Mic March April
72. Lepidium didymium L. Brassicaceae H TH Mic March April
73. Leptopus cordffolius Decne. Phyllanthaceae S NP Mic March April
74. Limonium cabuicum (Boiss.) Kuntze Plumbaginaceae H NP Mes August October
75. Malva parvifloräL. Malvaceae H TH Mic May July
76. Medicago potymorphaL. Fabaceae H TH N March June
77. Melia azedarach L. Meliaceae T TH N April May
78. Mentha longffoiia (L.) L. Lamiaceae H H Mic August October
79. Mentha piperita L. Lamiaceae H H N June September
80. Micromeria biflora (Buch.-Ham. Ex D.Don) Benth. Lamiaceae H TH L July August
81. Morus alba L. Moraceae T CH L May June
82. Morus nigra L. Moraceae T MP Mes May June
83. Nasturtium officinale R.Br. Brassicaceae H TH N April May
84. Oenothera rosea L'Hér. Ex Aiton Onagraceae H H Mic March June
85. Olea ferruginea Wall. Ex Aitch. Oleaceae T MP Mic March May
86. Onychium contiguum C.Hope Adiantaceae H G Mes June July
87. Origanum vulgare L. Lamiaceae H H Mic June July
88. Oxalis corniculataL. Oxalidaceae H H N May August
89. Parthenium hysterophorus L. Asteraceae H TH N April May
90. Persicaria capitata(Buch.-Ham. Ex D.Don) H.Gross Polygonaceae H TH Mic September November
91. Persicaria hydmpiper (L.) Delarbre Polygonaceae H TH Mic September November
92. Phlomis bracteosa Royle ex Benth. Lamiaceae H G Mic July August
93. Pinus roxburghii Sarg. Pinaceae T MP N May July
94. Pinus wallichiana A.B.Jacks. Pinaceae T MP N May July
95. Plantago lanceolate L. Plantaginaceae H H Mic March July
96. Plantago major L. Plantaginaceae H Th Mic March July
97. Platanus orientaiis L. Platanaceae T MP Mes April May
9B. Polygonum avicuiare.. Polygonaceae H CH Mic April June
99. Populus alba L. Salicaceae T MP Mic May June
1QQ. Populus ciiiata Wall. Ex Royle Salicaceae T MP Mic April June
1Q1. Prunus armeniaca L. Rosaceae T MicP Mes March May
1Q2. Prunus domestica L. Rosaceae T MP Mic April May
1Q3. Prunus pérsica (L.) Batsch Rosaceae T MesP Mic April August
1Q4. Pteris creticäL. Pteridaceae H G Mes May July
1Q5. Punica granatum L. Lythraceae T MP N June August
Юб. Pyrus bourgaeana Decne. Rosaceae T MesP Mic May June
1Q7. Pyrus pashaBuch. -Ham. Ex D.Don Rosaceae T MP Mic April June
1QB. Quercus incana Bartram Fagaceae T MesP Mic April July
1Q9. Ranunculus arvensis L. Ranunculaceae H TH Mic March June
11Q. Ranunculus muricatusL. Ranunculaceae H TH Mic April May
111. Robinia pseudoacaciäL. Papilionaceae T MP N March April
112. Rosa moschatáHerrm. Rosaceae S MicP Mes March April
113. Rosa webbianáWall. Ex. Royle Rosaceae S NP Mic April June
114. Rubus eWpticuäSm. Rosaceae S NP Mes March May
115. Rubus fruiticosuäL. Rosaceae S NP Mes March May
11б. Rumex dentatusL. Polygonaceae H TH Mes August September
117. Rumex hastatusD. Don Polygonaceae H TH N April July
11B. Sageretia thea(Osbeck) Rhamnaceae S NP N March April
M.C. Johnst.
119. Saiix alba L. Salicaceae T MP Mic May September
12Q. Salvia Lamiaceae H
moorcroftianáWall. TH Mag July August
exBenth.
121. Sarcococca prun/fOrm/SLindl. Buxaceae S NP Mic March July
122. Scandix pecten-veneris L. Apiaceae H TH Mic March April
123. Senecio chrysanthemoidesDC. Asteraceae H TH Mic July September
124. Seseli mucronatum(Schrenk) Pimenov and Sdobnina Apiaceae H TH Mic March June
125. Síeene conoidea.. Caryophyllaceae H TH N March June
12б. SHybum marianum(L-) Gaertn. Asteraceae H TH Mes March May
127. Solanum nigrum L. Solanaceae H TH Mic March May
12B. Solanum pseudocapsicurríL. Solanaceae H TH Mic March May
129. Sonchus asper (L.) Hill Asteraceae H TH N April June
130. Stellaria media (L.) Vill. Caryophyllaceae H TH L March May
131. 132. 133. Strobiianthes urticifoiiaWall. Ex Kuntze Swertiachirata (Roxb ex. Fleming) H.Karst Tagetes minuta L. Acanthaceae Gentianaceae Asteraceae H H H TH TH CH Mic L Mic March June June May August August
134. 135. Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H.Wigg Trifoluum repená.. Asteraceae Papilionaceae H H TH TH Mic N April May July July
136. Tulip adusiandDC. Liliaceae H TH Mic March May
137. Urtica dioica.. Urticaceae H TH Mic August September
138. Verbascum thapsuA.. Scrophulariacea e H TH Mes April June
139. 140. Vicia sativa L. Xanthuum strumariuM.. Fabaceae Asteraceae H H TH TH N Mes March June May August
141. 142. Zanthoxyuum armaturríDC. Zzziphus jujubaMill. Rutaceae Rhamnaceae T T NP MP Mic Mic May May July June
Abbreviations for Life Form : MP : Megaphanerophytes, MicP : Microphanerophytes, MesP : Mesophanerophytes, NP : Nanophenrophytes, H : Hemicryptophytes, G : Geophytes, CH : Chamaephytes, TH : Therophytes, L : Liana. Abbreviations for Plant Habit : H=Herb, S=Shrub, T=Tree.
Table. 2. Life form of different taxa recorded from Agror valley.
S.No Life Form Classes No. of Species Percentage
1 Megaphanerophytes 20 14.08%
2 Mesophanerophytes 05 3.52%
3 Nanophanerophytes 17 11.97%
4 Chamaephytes 04 2.81%
5 Hemicryptophytes 20 14.08%
6 Geophytes 12 8.45%
7 Therophytes 61 42.95%
8 Lianas 01 0.70%
Table 3. Leaf size spectra of different taxa recorded from Agror valley.
S.No Life spectra classes Number of plant species Percentage
1 Leptophylls 10 7.04%
2 Nanophyll 26 18.30%
3 Microphyll 73 51.40%
4 Mesophyll 32 22.53%
5 Megaphyll 1 0.70%
Phenological behaviour
Phenology of the plant species was documented through several visits in research area. Flowering
The results revealed that two flowering seasons were recorded in the study area, one from May to August and second from September to November (Tables 1 and 4). Mostly plants flowered in the first spell (May to August) during which a total of 137 (96.47%) plant species flowered including herbs 92 (67.15%), trees 28 (20.43%) and shrubs17 (12.40%). During the second flowering season, plant species flowered were 4 (80%) herbs, and 1 (20%) tree. Maximum flowering (42 plant species) occurred in the month of March i.e., the peak month of spring. Further, major flowering months were April, May, June, August, and July where
Ukrainian Journal of Ecology, 11(10), 2021
27, 22, 18, 15 and 13 species showed flowering respectively. On the contrary no flowering was observed during January, February, October, November and December and the most credible cause attributed is low temperature, cold injury, and less metabolic activities.
Fruiting
The phenomenon of fruiting specificly belongs to angiosperms but in broad sense it refers to the formation of cones and sorii etc. In the study area July was the peak fruiting month in which 29 (20.42%) plant species developed fruiting, followed by June 27 (19.01%) plant species, May 24 (16.90%) plant species, August 22 (15.49%) plant species, September 17 (11.97%) plant species while minimum fruiting was produced in the months of April 11 (7.74%) plant species, October 6 (4.22%) plant species, November 5 (3.52%) plant species, followed by December with 1 plant species (0.70%) (Tables 1 and 4). During January, February, and March none of plant species developed fruiting occurred.
Table 4. Flowering sessions of plant species in Agror Valley.
Session Herbs Shrubs Trees
May-Aug 92 67.15% 17 12.40% 28 20.43%
Sep-Nov 4 80% 0 0 1 20%
Discussion
Phyto diversity of Agror valley
Flora is priceless and valuable endowment of nature to mankind upon which human race has always been dependent. A flora encompasses all the plant individuals in any geographic area, which are attributes of a geological period or in habit a particular ecosystem. The flora comprises several species, while vegetation indicates the distribution, number of plant species and size of each (Durani et al., 2005). More than 0.25 million plant species are recognized, and an enormous number is still to be investigated and documented (Thorne, 1992). Floristic checklists provide most basic, productive, and key botanical information of a particular region. To formulate conservation and management strategies it is imperative to have detailed floristic interpretation of that particular area (Manikandan and Lakshminarasimhan, 2012). The total floral diversity in the study area consisted of 142 plant species belonging to 124 genra and 66 families. The area's physiognomy was dominated by 96 species (67.60%), followed by trees with 29 species (20.42%) and shrubs 17 (11.97%) species. Our findings are in agreement with many researchers of allied, neighboring and national regions (Khattak et al., 2015; S.M. Saeed et al., 2018; Shah et al., 2015; Ahmad et al., 2016 and Rahman et al., 2016b,c).
Family contribution
Asteraceae was the leading family with 17 species followed by Rosaceae 12 species, Lamiaceae 9 species and Polygonaceae 6 species. Flora of the study area displayed strong alliance with neighboring areas on account of families. i.e, in the western Himalayan region Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Poaceae were paramount and leading families (Rau, 1975). Whilst many other researchers such as Mehmood et al., (2015) documented Asteraceae as the dominant family from District Tor Ghar on whose foothills the present research area is located. Saeed et al., (2018) also reported Asteraceae as the leading family with 15 species from Datta, District Mansehra.
Life form spectra
Life form provides indication of the climate and depicts plant -environment interaction (Raunkiaer, 1934). The life form classes were dominated by Therophytes with 61 plant species (42.95%), followed by Megaphanerophytes and Hemicryptophytes with 20 species (14.08%) each. The dominancy of Therophytes indicates the harshness as the huge section of study area is dry subtropical in nature. Such results clearly indicate that flora is severely under pressure due to human activites, over grazing and deforestation. Our results are in accordance with Khan et al. (2013) who stated that therophytes dominated the study area with 40 species followed by Megaphanerophyte with 09 species of all the plants. Similar studies were accomplished by Rahman et al., (2018) from Manoor Valley and documented Therophytic life form as the dominant one.
Leaf size spectra
In present study Microphyll flora was dominanat with 73 species, followed by Mesophylls 32, Nanophylls 26, Leptophylls 10 species and Megaphylls 01 species. The dominancy of microphylls and mesophylls signifies that majority of the area is mesic and has plenteous and temporal distribution of precipitation. Our results are in line with Batalha and Martins (2004) who acknowledged Microphylls and Mesophylls as leading leaf size spectra in the vegetation of Azad Kashmir. Haq et al. (2015) also documented Microphylls and Mesophylls as dominant leaf spectra classes from Nandiar Khuwar Catchment, Battagram.
Conclusion
Exploration of Agror Valley accounted 142 plant species recorded. The study depicted that the area hosts diverse ecological habitat and plant diversity. Vegetation mostly signifies subtropical forest flora, humid ecotone and moist temperate forest vegetation in research area. It was observed that floral diversity varies with seasons and soil composition. The dominancy of Therophytes in study area clearly indicates that a significant proportion is dry subtropical in nature. The ecological attributes such as density, frequency and abundance were highly influenced by anthropogenic pressure. Density and frequency values were at peak in rainy season while were least in cold winter season. It was observed that majority of people are uneducated regarding biodiversity and natural resources. Deforestation of fuel wood and timber wood species, exploitation of medicinal plants and overgrazing is posing serious threats to the biodiversity. The participation of general populace in tree plantation and conserving nature is the need of the hour.
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Citation:
Ahmed, J., Iqbal, Z., Rahman, I.U., Azeem, A., Fatima, N.U.A., Taimur, N., Nawaz, G., Bibi, S., Kamal, S., Ahmad, R., Nawaz, S., Saman, S., Khattak, N.A., Parveen, S. (2021). Floral diversityand phytosociological studies on vegetation of agror valley, district Mansehra. Ukrainian Journal of Ecology. 11:84-93.
I (и)E^^^M This Work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 40 License
