SURVEY OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN,
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Abstract
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
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
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