M.E Osawaru

This study surveyed the diversity, abundance, and distribution of ornamental plants within the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State, Nigeria. Five sites were selected for the assessment they were Main Gate (Site A), Edaiken Road (Site B), Vice Chancellor’s Office (Site C), Medical Complex (Site D), and Anatomy Back Gate (Site E). A line transect method was adopted, and plant species occurring along each transect were identified, counted, and recorded. Diversity was
evaluated using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′) and Evenness index (J). Results revealed variations in vegetation composition and diversity across the sites. Site A (Main Gate) had the
highest number of individuals (63) and moderate diversity (H′ = 1.217), dominated by Duranta erecta. Site B (Edaiken Road) recorded the lowest richness (two species) and diversity (H′ = 0.694), while Site C (Vice Chancellor’s Office) was strongly dominated by Ixora coccinea
(80.33%), resulting in the lowest diversity (H′ = 0.666). Site D (Medical Complex) exhibited the highest diversity (H′ = 1.368) and evenness (J = 0.764), indicating a well-balanced vegetation structure, while Site E (Anatomy Back Gate) showed moderate richness (H′ = 1.220). Overall,
findings showed that ornamental plant diversity in UNIBEN varied widely among sites, influenced by species dominance, planting design, and maintenance intensity. The Medical Complex emerged
as the most ecologically balanced site, while the Vice Chancellor’s Office was the least diverse.
The study concludes that ornamental diversity within the university can be improved through deliberate introduction of more indigenous and underutilized species, adoption of mixed planting strategies, and sustainable landscape management to promote ecological stability and enhance aesthetic value

A market survey was conducted to document and investigated the diversity and availability of root and tuber crops in selectedmarkets within Benin City, Edo State. The main objective was to identify the types, local names, Price, uses, and origin (indigenous or exotic) of rootand tuber crops commonly sold. This survey was conducted in seven major markets which are Oba market, Uselu market, New Beni market, Adolor market, Ekiadolo market,, Oregbeni market, and Ekosodin market, using direct observation and interviews with traders. Results revealed a diversity of root and tuber crops, including White yam (Dioscorea rotundata), Yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis), Water yam (Dioscorea alata), Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum), Carrot (Daucus carota), Beetroot (Beta vulgaris), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Radish (Raphanus sativus), and Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus). Among these, white yam, yellow yam carrot, turmeric, sweetpotato, were the most frequently traded and widely consumed, indicating their dominance in the local food system. Few of the crops identified were indigenous, while a most of the crops identified were exotic, such as Irish potato, carrot, beetroot. The study concludes that root and tuber crops contribute significantly to food security, nutrition, and economic livelihood in Benin City. It also emphasizes the importance of market surveys in assessing plant diversity and promoting the conservation of indigenous crop species

The study accessed and documented plants used by Igbanke people. The study area was delimited into 6 sites which were selected using the geographical assortment of the villages found in the community. The 6 sites where within the following villages Omolua, Ottah, Idumuodin, Ake, Olije, and Igbontor. Within the six site three areas where randomly selected for sampling. A reconnaissance visit was first made to the sample area and questionnaire were administered to key informants. Data collected via questionnaire were retrieved from the informants and analyzed quantitatively and documented. Descriptive statistics was used
to present the results using Microsoft Excel 2019. A total of 70 (Seventy) plant species from 33 families were observed in the sampled area. This number comprises 49 (72%) cultivated
and 21 (31%) semi-wild. Among these plants, life form observed include herbaceous life from 26 (38%), 13 (18.0%) shrub, 24 (35.0%) trees and 6 (9.0%) climbers. Omolua and Ottah had the highest diversity of plant species. Solanaceae was the most dominant, comprising seven species, reflecting its significance in both symbolic and practical contexts, including use as food, medicine, and in spiritual offerings. This was followed by Euphorbiaceae, Rutaceae and Malvaceae with six species; Dioscoreaceae had four; Poaceae had three species and others had two and one species. About 80% of the plants had food use while 20% had non food use is the study area. The group of fruits and nuts included 25% of the species which was the highest use. This This was closely followed by Medicinal and Vegetable use accounting for 14% each. 9% of the species were used for traditional worship and other cultural / deity. while 6% of the species were used as Roots and tubers. It is recommended that further studies be carried out in different locations in other to enhance conservation efforts globally.