Vegetation Diversity and Conservation Implications on Habitat of Taxus (Taxus sumatrana Miq. de Laub) in Northern Sumatra

Taxus sumatrana is an important medicinal plant as a source of cancer drugs and indicated to cure various cancer. However, information about habitat and population especially in Northern Sumatra is very limited. This research aimed to observe the population and habitat of Taxus sumatrana in three locations (Gunung Tujuh, Gunung Kerinci and, Sibuaton) and implication in conserving this species. Data was collected by creating a plot analysis with strip transect method and data were analyzed by analysis of Important Vegetation Index, species diversity index, community similarity index and abundant index. The result showed that taxus population in all location was not in normal distribution which was lacking seedling, sapling, and poles level of stands. The overall diversity of the three study sites was still high enough so that the condition remains relatively stable. All the study sites have a low similarity value so it can be used as a location for genetic protection of plant distribution. As an implication, taxus habitat should be highly protected by a special rule to protect its existence as well as species enrichment to reduce growth level of this species.