Vegetation structure and composition in Ciletuh Geopark, Sukabumi, Indonesia

Abstract

Wulandari I, Hendrawan R, Husodo T, Megantara EN. 2018. Vegetation structure and composition in Ciletuh Geopark, Sukabumi, Indonesia. Asian J For 2: 54-61. Ciletuh Geopark has unique geological exposures and plant diversity that need to be maintained and managed to provide benefits, both to the environment and society. In order to manage plant diversity, the plant species that make up the area need to be identified. This research was conducted to determine the community structure and plants diversity of the Ciletuh Geopark. The results of the study were used as basic data in determining the pattern of biodiversity management in Ciletuh Geopark. The method used is a qualitative method, through an inventory of plant species and illustrating the vegetation profile diagram. Vegetation profile diagrams represent a vertical structure of the vegetation community. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively by describing vegetation conditions. Ciletuh Geopark has four types of communities, namely natural forests, horticultural gardens (gardens, humas, and fields), kebon tatangkalan (talun), coastal vegetation and mangroves. Ciletuh Geopark has 179 plant species, from understorey to trees. In this location, there has been a change in species diversity, which is dominated by crop plant species. However, based on its conservation status, there were also plants protected by the Indonesian government, namely Rafflesia patma.