Vascular plant diversity of Sonaimuri Upazila, Noakhali, Bangladesh

Abstract

A survey of vascular plant diversity in Sonaimuri Upazila, Noakhali, Bangladesh , was conducted from August 2019 to October 2022. This study recorded 360 species under 248 genera in 87 families, including those cultivated and planted. Based on habit distribution, there are 47% herbs, 15% shrubs, 28% trees, 9% climbers, and 1% epiphytes. The families Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Euphorbiaceae were the most numerous in terms of species. Ficus and Solanum , with six species each, are the largest of the ten dominant genera found in the Sonaimuri, followed by Polygonum (5 species). For each species, a scientific name, vernacular name, family, plant group, and habit character have been presented. Many anthropogenic activities, the most prevalent of which are land grabs, agricultural expansion following vegetation clearance, infrastructure development, settlement, the gathering of fuel wood and leaf litter, significant visits, and other anthropogenic activities, are endangering the biodiversity of the study area.