POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY OF Pycnanthus angolensis IN RAINFOREST SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA

Abstract

Population distributionof Pycnanthus. angolensis was carried out in two locations of three States (Osun, Ekiti and Oyo) due to abundance and availability using direct enumeration. A total of 58 stands of plant viz Osun state 58.93%, Ekiti State 28.57% and Oyo State 12.50% were assessed. Variation occurred  within each State (Osun State: Ila 32.35% >20.59% Olooyo and Mojapa, Gbongan 17.65%, Ile Ogbo 5.88%  and least in Ajaba (2.94%). In Ekiti State, Osan 43.75% > Otun 31.25%.  > 25% Ayetoro Ekiti. In Oyo State, Adewumi, 28.57% > 14.29 %> Idito, Erumu, Sapara (U.I), Mosque (U.I) and Amina (U.I), 39 juvenile and 19 mature trees (flowering and fruiting) varied in ratios 30:6 Osun State, 9:7 Ekiti State and 0:6 Oyo state respectively.  Osun State had the highest number of juvenile trees (30), 9 in Ekiti State and zero juvenile in Oyo state.  Ekiti State had the highest number of mature tree 7> Oyo and Osun (6). Osun State had greater number of juvenile trees than Ekiti and Oyo States. P. angolensis was found growing in fallow or abandoned land, marshy areas, farmland, river side, new site areas and Quarters. P. angolensis could be found on different habitats among the States and within the States.  Given the high rate of forest destruction in the country, there is need to ensure sustainable conservation of the forest area to avoid further destruction by provision of alternative means of livelihood for the local population so as to reduce their dependence on these forest.