Floristic diversity pattern and vegetation analysis of moist sal forest of chilpi range, Kawardha forest division, Chhattisgarh

The present paper deals with the floristic diversity assessment and vegetation composition analysis in Chilpi range of Kawardha Forest Division, Chhattisgarh. A total of 9 species belonging to 6 families were recorded. Dipterocarpaceae family was represented highest individuals (>132) per ha followed by Combretaceae (35) and Lecythidaceae (5).Shorea robusta showed highest value of IVI (185.08) followed by Terminalia tomentosa (35.42) and Anogeissus latifolia (16.85). The quantitative features such as density and important value index (IVI) varied greatly among forest and different forest types. The diversity index of sapling layer with Shannon index (1.926) were higher than the tree species (1.531). It may be expected that plant density will become improve with upcoming sapling generation. Moreover this study creates a base to improve the management plan for the better growth of this natural Sal forest.