Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 11(3), pp. 446 - 455
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2023.110304
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Taxonomic Diversity of Lianas in the Batang Toru Forest, North Sumatra

Nursahara Pasaribu ^1,*, Alfarid Faqih Siregar ¹, Julius Paolo Siregar ², Oky Kusuma Atni ¹, Adrian Hartanto ^1
1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
² Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari (YEL), Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Lianas are an important group in tropical rainforest that contribute to the alpha and beta diversity along with its functional traits. The current study deals with the floristic aspect of lianas and tree stands as their host within the West Block of Batang Toru Forest, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Seven transect lines were explored constituting a total of 2.14 ha as a study area. Lianas exhibited a peak in distribution at altitudes ranging between 850 and 950 m, followed by a subsequent decline in abundance beyond altitudes exceeding 950 m. The study identified a total of 77 liana species representing 47 genera and 18 families, with Apocynaceae and Annonaceae being the most speciose families. The study also identified six distinct climbing modes, with stem climbing being the most commonly observed mode. Among the host trees, Palaquium spp. supported the highest number of liana species, and Sapotaceae was the most dominant host family, indicating that this family provides suitable ecological conditions for the growth and development of lianas. Majority of documented species were categorized into NE (Not Evaluated) based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species while Stephanotis floribunda (Apocynaceae) and Gnetum oxycarpum (Gnetaceae) as VU (Vulnerable) and EN (Endangered), respectively. Notophylls were majorly identified across liana species which may indicate their adaptation to the current forest condition.

KEYWORDS
Apocynaceae, Palaquium, Sapotaceae, Stem Climbers, Notophylls

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Nursahara Pasaribu , Alfarid Faqih Siregar , Julius Paolo Siregar , Oky Kusuma Atni , Adrian Hartanto , "Taxonomic Diversity of Lianas in the Batang Toru Forest, North Sumatra," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 446 - 455, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2023.110304.

(b). APA Format:
Nursahara Pasaribu , Alfarid Faqih Siregar , Julius Paolo Siregar , Oky Kusuma Atni , Adrian Hartanto (2023). Taxonomic Diversity of Lianas in the Batang Toru Forest, North Sumatra. Environment and Ecology Research, 11(3), 446 - 455. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2023.110304.