Floristic Diversity in Mangrove Restoring Area-Pante Bayam, Aceh

Abstract The conversion and degradation of mangrove ecosystems for other purposes has damaged some mangrove covers, particularly in Aceh province. Several restoration initiatives have been undertaken, including planting native species in degraded areas. This study examines the flora diversity in a mangrove rehabilitation area dominated by the Xylocarpus granatum species in Pante Bayam, Aceh. A survey method was employed to assess vegetation in the one-hectare area at Pante Bayam. Based on the findings, the X. granatum restoration area encompasses eight species. X. granatum had the highest IVI throughout all growth stages, followed by Scyphiphora hydrophylacea, Avicennia marina , and Rhizophora apiculata . The sapling stage had the highest diversity value of 1.39 (medium), while the tree stage had the lowest at 0.25. Despite the low value of species diversity, the research results indicated that new seedlings were being recruited at the research area. The emergence of new species, particularly pioneer species, in the research area suggests that natural succession is continuing.