Diversity and distribution patterns of aquatic macrophytes in selected ecosystems of south western Nigeria

Abstract

The present study investigates the macrophytes diversity from selected aquatic ecosystems in South‐Western Nigeria using quadrat method. The survey revealed two major aquatic ecosystem types (mangrove and freshwater swamp) and recorded a total of 83 species belonging to 77 genera and 41 families. Three species (Sacciolepis africana, Ipomoea asarifolia and Commelina diffusa) were found present in all the surveyed areas. However, species such as Acrostichum aureum, Avicennia germinans and Rhizophora racemosa were restricted in its distribution. Poaceae and Ludwigia were the dominant family and genus, respectively. In addition, our study recorded Hallea ledermannii classified as vulnerable by IUCN Red List. Diversity analysis revealed high species richness in all the studied locations especially in Lagos State. Similar diversity pattern was observed for Osun and Oyo States. Further, our results reflect that macrophytes assemblages in South‐Western Nigeria could be influenced by human activities. Hence, we recommend further studies that would test hypothesis on how human activities affect the diversity and distribution of flora in the area. Additionally, conservation of the aquatic environments of the region appears necessary. The findings of this study provide insights on the patterns of macrophyte diversity in South‐Western Nigeria, thus, forms a guideline for initiating effective conservation policies in the area.

Floral composition and diversity of the lagos coastal environment, South‐Western, Nigeria

“…In line with previous studies (Kumar & Chelak, 2015; Elo et al, 2018; Oyebanji et al, 2020), we recorded core freshwater species such as A. cordifolia , Costus afer Ker Gawl., Cyperus spp., L. senegalensis , Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, Ludwigia spp.…”

“…Thus, it adds to the existing knowledge and provides useful information towards the conservation of the habitats and their threatened species. Congruent with previous studies, we identified freshwater swamp and mangrove swamp forest in the LCE (Adekunle, 2006; Adeniyi et al, 2016; Adeonipekun et al, 2019; Ajikah et al, 2019; Obiefuna et al, 2013; Okorie, 2012; Olowokudejo & Oyebanji, 2016; Onyekwelu et al, 2008; Oyebanji et al, 2020). However, the total number of species recorded was lower compared to previous ecological survey of some selected coastal ecosystems in Southern Nigeria (Durugbo et al, 2012, 472 species; Olowokudejo & Oyebanji, 2016, 147 species).…”

“…However, the total number of species recorded was lower compared to previous ecological survey of some selected coastal ecosystems in Southern Nigeria (Durugbo et al, 2012, 472 species; Olowokudejo & Oyebanji, 2016, 147 species). Although we documented similar species, our present study recorded a higher species richness compared to previous studies within the coastal areas of Lagos state (Adeniyi et al (2016), 49 species; Ogunyebi et al (2018), 67 species; Adeonipekun et al (2019), 107 species; Oyebanji et al (2020), 49 species). We therefore indicate the one‐season sampling approach adopted in this study since we recorded higher species diversity.…”

“…These studies identified several plant species dominant on the Nigerian coast. Apart from the mangrove occupied by specific species, for example, Rhizophora spp., Acrostichum aureum Cav., and anthropogenic impacts on coastal communities of Lagos state Adekanmbi & Alebiosu, 2017;Adeniyi et al, 2016;Ajikah et al, 2019;Orijemie & Sowunmi, 2014;Oyebanji et al, 2020;Sowunmi, 2004). The above studies failed to provide a detailed floristic inventory of the coastal areas of Lagos.…”

Floral Distribution of a Sub-Bituminous Coal Dumpsite in Enugu, Nigeria

“…Species presence and absence were recorded for each sampled plot, followed by the comparative floristic analyses of the two zones (IZ and CZ) using four descriptive statistics and diversity indices (Patel et al, 2012, Patel et al, 2020Oyebanji et al, 2020). The descriptive statistics include frequency (%), relative frequency (%), density (plant/m 2 ), and relative density (%) while the diversity indices were performed using Dominance, Evenness, Shannon-Wiener, and Simpson's indices (Simpson, 1949;Shannon and Weaver, 1963;Magurran, 1988) incorporated in Paleontological Statistical software (PAST v 2.17c, Hammer et al, 2001).…”