FRUITING AND FLOWERING PHENOLOGY OF CREEPERS, CLIMBERS AND EPIPHYTES DIVERSITY IN THE FRESH WATER SWAMP FOREST PATCHES IN AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY PERMANENT SITE
Abstract
The survey of Climbers, Creepers and Epiphyte Diversity and Abundance was
carried out in the Freshwater Swamp Forest Patches in Akwa Ibom State University
Permanent Site. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity, abundance,
fruiting and flowering phenology of this species in the Akwa Ibom State University
permanent site. The study area was divided into different sites for ease sampling and
different plots were measured 10m x 10m each for plant identification and
documentation. The results revealed a total of 17 plants species from 15 families
across all sites with 13 climber’s species, 2 creeper species and 2 epiphyte species
respectively. The study documented the climber, creeper and shrub diversity and
abundance in Akwa Ibom State University permanent site and also shows details of
family and conservation status of each species that was identified as well as the
fruiting and flowering phenology of the different species. Utilizing a comprehensive
field survey and phenological observations, we assess the onset, duration, and
intensity of fruiting and flowering events across the different species within this
ecologically significant habitat. Given the high rate of plant species destruction and
overexploitation, it is recommended that rational and sustainable use of plant
diversity that abound and encourage research in institutions should be implemented.
Additionally, the research examined the role of these reproductive events in shaping
the overall biodiversity and ecological resilience of the freshwater swamp forest.
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