Analysis of The Diversity and Important Value Index of Trees in Lowland Forest

Abstract

This study aims to determine the diversity and the population of plant species based on slope direction and height using plot paths. Data collection at seedling, sapling and pole level was carried out plots in 20 x 20m² sized plots. Plots for observation of seedlings, saplings, and poles measuring size of 2 x 2m², 5 x 5m², and 10 x 10m². Data analysis was performed using vegetation analysis methods by calculating the frequency, density, dominance, relative frequency, relative density, relative dominance, Important Value Index (IVI) and species diversity (H”). The results of the study obtained the highest tree growth strata and individual species were found in the northern slope, while the highest level of seedlings and saplings on the western slope. The dominant plant species on the western and southern slopes, are Murraya paniculata Jack, (IVI 125.42) and Maesopsis eminii Engl (IVI 124.64). The dominant plant species at  northern and eastern slopes is Pinus merkusii Jungh (IVI 80.56 and 130.75). The eastern and northern slopes have highest diversity index with an average value > 3, while the western slope direction only has a medium category diversity index with an average value ≤ 2.