International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 27:
51-54, 2001
© International Scientific Publications, New Delhi
Population Analysis of Alphonsea sclerocarpa Thw. (Annonaceae) in
the Kalrayan Hills of Eastern Ghats, India
K. Kadavul and N. Parthasarathy
ABSTRACT
Population structure and spatial patterns of Alphonsea sclerocarpa Thw.
(Annonaceae), an evergreen tree species of restricted distribution, were determined in two
1-ha plots (named VM1 and VM2) of tropical semi-evergreen forest at Vellimalai, Kalrayan
hills, Eastern Ghats, India. This species occurs between 680 m and 740 m elevation. The
total population density of seedlings, saplings, juveniles and adult trees did not vary
much between the two study plots. Adult tree density was 39 and 28 stems ha-1
in the two study plots. The tree population structure exhibited a reverse J-shape in both
plots. The individuals were mostly clumped at seedling, sapling and adult stages, while
the juveniles exhibited mostly uniform distribution. The locally restricted occurrence of
the species underlines the need for conservation.
Key Words: Alphonsea sclerocarpa, Eastern Ghats, Population structure,
Spatial pattern, Tropical tree.