Diversity and distribution pattern of ebony trees Diospyros L. (Ebenaceae) in the forests of central Western Ghats, India

Diospyros trees, commonly known as persimmons or ebonies, have high economic and medicinal value. This study presents here a detailed analysis of the diversity and distribution of Diospyros species across 20 sites in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, encompassing different forest types. Data collected from belt transects were used to calculate species richness and quantitative characters such as frequency, density, abundance, importance value index, basal area cover, and distribution type. Alpha and beta diversity across the different study sites were also determined. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis was performed to study the relationship between forest types and species composition. The results indicate Diospyros montana had the greatest frequency, density, basal area cover, and importance value. Agumbe and Hosagunda areas of Shivamogga district, and Makutta region of Kodagu district, showed rich diversity.