Diversity of Vascular Epiphytes

This study was conducted to investigate the diversity of vascular epiphytes in Wondo Genet Natural forest, Southern Nation Nationalities and Peoples National Regional State of Ethiopia at altitude of 1750-2097m. Systematic sampling method was employed during data collection. Thirty six sample plots (20x20m) were laid following altitudinal gradient and 400m between transect. All vascular epiphyte species found in each plot were recorded, collected, pressed and identified following the flora of Ethiopia and Eretria. The data was analyzed by using Micro soft Excel, TWINSPAN, CANOCO, PAST and SPSS computer programmes to distinguish the degree of diversity, distribution of species and community among different quadrants. Qualitative analysis was followed depending up on raw data collection. A total 19 vascular epiphytes belonging to 7 families: Orchidaceae, Aspleniaceae and Polypodiaceae are dominant families of vascular epiphyte followed by Piperaceae and Pteridaceae whereas Dryopteridaceae and Amaranthaceae are the least dominant families. The 19 species of vascular epiphyte were recorded from eleven host species in the study area.