AN INVENTORY OF ANGIOSPERMIC FLORA OF AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS, EKPOMA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

This study presents an inventory of angiospermic flora within Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria, aimed at contributing to the understanding of plant biodiversity in the region. A systematic quadrat sampling technique was employed using 10m x 10m plots, spaced 20m apart along two major transects: a 4 km path from the Benin-Auchi Road to the campus boundary, and a 2 km path traversing the campus. To mitigate edge effects, sampling commenced 5m from the footpaths. Over a four-week period, a total of 152 quadrats were surveyed. Plant species were identified in situ when possible, with unidentified specimens taken to the university herbarium for taxonomic verification using standard floristic references. Data were analyzed using key biodiversity indices including abundance, density, frequency, and Simpson’s diversity index. A total of 173 species from 59 families were recorded, encompassing trees (78 species), shrubs (39), herbs (23), climbers (23), grasses (5), lianas (4), and epiphytes (1). The Fabaceae family exhibited the highest species diversity (30 species), followed by Apocynaceae (12), Euphorbiaceae (9), and Moraceae (8). These findings provide critical baseline data for conservation efforts and future ecological studies within the region.