Ecological evaluation and phytodiversity of vascular plants in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, Pakistan

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Research Paper 01/01/2020
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Ecological evaluation and phytodiversity of vascular plants in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, Pakistan

Asif Raza, Syed Mukaram Shah
Int. J. Biosci.16( 1), 205-226, January 2020.
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Abstract

Ecological research was conducted during 2016-2019, to assess the floristic diversity and biological spectra of vascular plant species in Mir Ali Subdivision,North Waziristan, Pakistan. The floristic list consisted of 336 plant species belonging to 229 genera and 79 families. There were 269 dicots, 60 monocots, 4 gymnosperms and 3 pteridophyte species. Poaceae (44 Spp., 13.09 %) and Asteraceae (28 Spp., 8.33 %) were leading families. Life form classes was dominated by Therophytes (171spps. 50.9%) followed by Nanophanerophytes (43 spps., 12.79%) and Megaphaneropyhtes (37 spps., 11.01%). Leaf size spectrum showed that leading leaf size classes were Nanophylls with 139 (41.4%) species, Microphylls 65(19.34%) species and Leptophylls consisted of 52 (15.5%) species. There were 313 (93.15%) deciduous species, 20 (5.95%) evergreen species and 3 (0.9%) aphyllous plant species. There were 283 (84.22%) non spiny plants and 53 (15.78%) spiny plant species. 276 (82.14%) species lived in terrestrial habitat and 60 (17.86%) dwelled in mesic habitat. The light requirements showed that 332 (98.8%) species found in light condition while 4 (1.2%) grow in shady places. 243 (72.32%) plants grow wild and 93 (27.67%) were cultivated plant species. 233 (69.35%) species had simple leaf structure while 52 (15.48%) plants possessed compound leaf structure. The phenology showed that 223 (66.36%) species were found at reproductive (S2), 84 (25%) pre-reproductive (S1) and 29 (8.63%) at post-reproductive (S3) stages. Atmospheric, edaphic and biotic factors effect distribution of plant species. The study concluded that the area has rich plant biodiversity which is subjected to heavy biotic pressures of grazing and deforestation. Conservation measures, sustainable utilization and further research are recommended.

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