ABSTRACT

The study assessed thefloristic composition ofIkwu watershed in Abia State. Specifically, the study sought to ascertain the current distribution and abundance ofplant species, and to determine the most dominant species in the area. The study was carried out in Ikwu watershed. Four sample areas, each measuring 20 m by 20 m, will be laid along the slope ofthe watershedforest in two horizontal strata from the river valley upwards: lower stratum (456m) middle stratum (470 m), and upper stratum (489 m). SPSS version 23 was used to calculate the sum, percentage and plotting ofcharts. Result obtained showed that Elaeis guineensis is the mostpredominant species around as it comprises 10% ofthe entire species. Treculia Africana is the second in line as it covers 9% ofthe entire watershed. Manihot esculenta and Centrosemapubescens were the second most dominant species in Ikwu Watershed because they occupy 5%> of each ofthe watershed. Acanthus Spp, Pennisetum purpureu and Sida acuta, occupy 4%> ofthe entire 'watershed region each, while the other plants occupy lesser portions. Shannon-Weaver of3.369 shows high species diversity which means that the Ikwu watershed is highly diversified in species. The evenness index of0.8542 depicts a very high evenness (uniformity) andrelative abundances distributed across the differentspecies. Based on the observations andfindings, the study concluded that Ikwu watershed reserves is a highly diverse ecosystem with a high potentialfor biodiversity conservation ifit is sustainably managed and it was recommended that: There is needfor laws that would designate protection area status on the watershed vegetation especially with increasing ecotourism activities in the area, andrare speciesshould be conserved by confronting thefactors thatresult in increased rarity in the area.