Invasiveness of Chimonobambusa quadrangularis (Francheschi) Makino in a remnant secondary forest of Cibodas Botanic Gardens, Indonesia and its proposed management

Abstract

 Chimonobambusa quadrangularis is one of 75 invasive plant species in Indonesia and found in Cibodas Botanic Gardens forest, Mt. Gede Pangrango National Park forest, and Sibolangit Tourist Park. We attempt to assess the population, spread rate, and biomass of C. quadrangularis in the Wornojiwo forest and the correlation between the presence of C. quadrangularis in the garden and the existing plant population. Nine (10 meters wide) purposive sampling belt transect was placed to measure vegetation structure and composition. The results indicate that the forest structure (vis-a-vis tree diameter distribution and stratification) was changing, indicating that the Wornojiwo forest had been disturbed considerably. C. quadrangularis dominated the shrub life form with a total population of 3,488 individuals and an average density of 1.4 individuals.m-2. The spread rate of C. quadrangularis was estimated at 422 m²year^-1 with a radial distribution pattern. The total biomass of C. quadrangularis was 12.66 Mg.ha-1, and its population density has a weak negative correlation  with species richness and abundance of tree, shrub, herb, and seedling species. Active management of this species is needed to restrict its invasion to the natural forest around Cibodas Botanic Gardens. The study indicates more rational forest management and minimizing human interventions if long-term conservation is to be achieved.