The Herbaceous Species Tropical Savanna of West Timor Indonesia: Structure and Composition Pattern

Aims: This research was conducted to investigate the current structure and composition pattern of savanna of West Timor.

Study Design: Fourteen (14) stands (100 x 100 m) and 280 plots (1m x 1m) representing area of savanna were selected by purposive sampling.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in area of savanna in the District of Kupang West Timor Indonesia between April to November 2021.

Methodology: All ground herbs in each plot were identified to species level. Density, dominance, and Importance Value Index (IVI) for each species present were calculated. All species were categorized according to their habit as grass and non-grass and according to the economic value. Index Similarity between stand was calculated to investigate similarity of flora composition between stands by using Coefficient Sørensen (Ss).

Results: Of 14 stands and 280 plots investigated, 58 herbaceous species member of 23 families were identified, consisting of 27.12% grass and 72.88% non-grass species Based on plant density, dominance, and IVI, the most dominant grass species were Setarias phacelata (Schumach.) Stapf & C.E. Hubb. ex M.B. Moss, Bothriochloa pertusa (L.) A. Camus, Panicum repens L, and Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. The most dominant non-grass species were Cyperus rotundus L., Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lamk, and Mimosa pudica. The distribution of plant shows that most species present were species with low density where few species were within the category of abundant. Index of Similarity between 14 stands was very low, where about 57.14% of stands were dissimilar. Therefore, plant composition among stands varied. Of 16 grass species present, about 25.00% were considered medical plants, 18.75% as ornamental plants, 18.75% as plants used to make various tools, 12.5% as source of human food, and 31.25% as plants for erosion control. Of all non-grass species, about 59.52% were considered useful as medical plants; 19.04% as food sources, 16.67 as ornamental plants, and 4.76% as animal fodder sources.

Conclusion: Based on this result it can be concluded that herbaceous species savanna of West Timor has a high diversity and economic potential that have not been used due to the lack of information. Therefore, the tropical savanna of West Timor needs to be managed sustainably to maintain its diversity and ecosystem health.