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VOL. 7, ISSUE 12 (2022)
The epiphytic plant community of Amedzofe: The highest human settlement in Ghana
Authors
Ernest Kwesi Dzah, Esenam Addo-Wuver
Abstract
Epiphytes are organisms that grow upon a living plant for support and are not parasites; they are usually independent of the host plant for water and nutrition. Worldwide, the diversity of epiphytic plants is estimated to be nearly 10 % of all vascular plant species; including gymnosperms, angiosperms, and ferns. This study attempted to assess and document the epiphytes distributions on the highest human settlement, Amedzofe in Ghana. This is to serve as a baseline information against which future studies of epiphytes in this area vis-a- vis other areas may be compared as indicator of Environmental Health. Individual tree stands were counted for observation and the different types of epiphytes identified using Standard Botany Guide. In all eleven different types of epiphytes have been identified and include Asplenium nidus, Campylocentrum micrantum, Drynaria quercifolia, Folios Lichen, Microgramma lycopodioides, Microsorum pustulatum, Moss, Nephrolepis exaltata, Sarcochilus sp., Rhipsalis baccifera and Platycerium staghorn at elevations of 677meters above sea level. Growing on trees, their fate is tied to that of their hosts and they are threatened by the loss of tropical forests. Being sensitive to disturbance and microclimate, and because of their importance for tropical forest ecology, epiphytes may serve as indicators or guides for careful management. Such data are important to manage environments in a way that minimises negative effects on living things. The study concludes that Amedzofe has special weather conditions which promotes the growth of a variety of epiphytes.
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Pages:41-48
How to cite this article:
Ernest Kwesi Dzah, Esenam Addo-Wuver "The epiphytic plant community of Amedzofe: The highest human settlement in Ghana". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 7, Issue 12, 2022, Pages 41-48
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