Tropical Plant Research

Vandna Devi and Bhawana Pathak*

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/tpr.2016.v3.i3.070

Abstract:
Mangrove forests are of utmost importance due to their role in preventing extreme weather events like tsunamis and cyclones etc. The present study aimed to observe the mangrove plant diversity and edaphic characteristics from Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat. Ecological parameters and edaphic characteristics were studied for different sites i.e. Navsari, Surat and Bhavnagar. Avicennia marina was found as dominant species at all study sites. Plant species diversity shows increasing tendency with the decrease in plant density. Important Value Index, Shannon-Weaver diversity index and Simpson index of dominance of the mangrove species across the study area were also determined. The present study provides the baseline data of mangrove species and concludes the need of detail study for mangrove species in Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat for conservation and management strategies.