RESEARCH ARTICLE

DIVERSITY, DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF GENUS Strobilanthes BLUME IN SRI LANKA AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION PLANNING

Abstract

Thirty three species of Strobilanthes BLUME in Sri Lanka and varieties of some species are illustrated with information on distribution pattern, elevation range, habitat and distinguishing characters useful for individual identification. All species have a rather restricted distribution in undisturbed montane and sub-montane forests and lowland rain forests of the island. Recorded locations of all species were mapped on floristic zones in Sri Lanka. Among the floristic zones, Foothills of Adam's Peak and Ambagamuwa has the highest species richness, whereas dry zone is the lowest compared to Strobilanthes recorded zones. Furthermore diversity and distribution of plants were affected by altitude. About 66% of Strobilanthes species from Sri Lanka belong to a threatened category, mainly because of the continued loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. Therefore special conservation plans should be implanted. This will help reduce the pressure on the forest and thus conserving the natural environment. More research should be geared towards effects of climate and land use changes factors on vegetation establishment in this area as this will help in the management of landslide activities in these ecosystems.

Keywords: Acanthaceae, elevavation, habitats, species delimitation

How to Cite: Nilanthi,R.M.R, (2019). DIVERSITY, DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF GENUS Strobilanthes BLUME IN SRI LANKA AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION PLANNING.WILDLANKA, 7(4):Pages 145-180

Published On:2019-12-31

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