DIVERSITY OF PALM AND RATTAN SPECIES AT TWO DIFFERENT ALTITUDINAL LEVELS AND THEIR ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY IN CENTRAL SULAWESI

This pattern is reflected in the high ICS values of several rattan species, such as Calamus scleracanthus, C. posoanus, and C. kandariensis. In contrast, in Bangga Village, which lies at a lower elevation, palm species are more dominant and more easily encountered, particularly Arenga pinnata, Corypha utan, and Arenga undulatifolia. The high availability of palms is associated with relatively more fertile soil conditions, warmer temperatures, and higher light intensity. This condition is directly proportional to the highest ICS value observed in palms, especially Arenga pinnata (121.5), which is widely utilized for food, traditional beverages, building materials, handicrafts, and ritual purposes. The diversity of palm and rattan species is higher in Katu Village (15 species) than in Bangga Village (6 species). The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) values indicate a medium-high category in Katu (2.17) and a low-medium category in Bangga (1.42). This is due to differences in environmental conditions; the Katu highlands have lower temperatures and light intensity, as well as high humidity, which support the growth of shade-loving forest species such as Pigafetta elata, Areca vestiaria, and Calamus scleracanthus. Species Dominance and Ecological Role: The species with the highest importance value (IVI) in the highlands is Pigafetta elata, while in the lowlands it is Arenga pinnata. Both species play significant ecological and social roles, highlighting the relationship between vegetation dominance and the intensity of use by the local community. Ethnobotanical Value and Species Importance: Based on the Species Importance Index (ICS), Arenga pinnata has the highest value in both Katu (109.5) and Bangga (121.5), indicating a very high level of community dependence on this species.