Life-form and Density of Valuable Non-timber Plants in Ukpom Community Forest, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ukpom Community Forest in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria was assessed for the abundance of plant species producing economically valuable non-timber forest products. Forty-six plant species comprising 16 tree species, 17 shrub species, 8 herb species and 5 climber species were encountered. Apart from Baphia nitida, Pentatethra macrophylla and Brachystegia eurycoma with densities of 6,4 and 3/ha respectively, all the other tree species had a density of 1/ha each. In the shrub category, Lasianthera africana had the highest density of 255/ha and Alchornea cordifolia, the least of 1/ha. Palisota hirsuta had the highest density of 136/ha in the herb life-form, and Urena lobata the least of one/ha. Among the climbers, Ancistrophyllum secundiflorum had the highest density of 51/ha and Plukentia conophora, the least of 1/ha. The implications of the results for sustainable management of the forest are discussed.

Key words: Rainforest, Plants, Density, Non-Timber Products, Exploitation.