An Analysis of Functional Groups and Potential Values of Herbaceous Species of Grasslands in West Timor, Indonesia

This study was to determine the composition of plant functional groups and potential value herbaceous species present in grassland communities West Timor. Ten stations Kupang Timor (Penfui, Alak, Bakunase, Tode, Mulafa, Oesapa, Tanah Merah, Tilong, Bukit Cinta, Naketuka) were selected at each stations, 15 plots 1 m x (∑150) randomly place. In plot, all presents recorded. Each further classified into four groups, whether grasses, sedges, legumes, or forbs. Plants also grouped based on their they food plants, medicinal ornamental forage poisonous plants. For present, number individuals, dominance, frequency, Importance Value Index (IVI) calculated. From 150 plots, there 134 herb from 32 families. Of these species, grass (Poaceae) 26 (19.40%) (IVI 25.24%) while non-grass 108 (80.60%) 74.76%). Grasslands dominated by species. Based IVI, plants Euphorbia hirta L. 13.93%), Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. 12.46&), Cyperus rotundus 11.72%), Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler 11.12%), Senna tora Roxb. 9.54%), Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze 9.35%), Tridax procumbens 9.17%). forbs 77 (57.46%) 54.75%), 26.25%), legumes 20 (14.93%) ( IVI 12.41%), sedges 10 (7.461%) 6.09%). IVI. existing 43 (31.34%) 34.62%); (67.46%) 61.97%); 14 (10.45%) 11.45%), 23 (17.16%) 25.14%), 5 (3.73%) 2.31%). The Although grasslands generally seen as weeds, provide medicinal, food, fodder quite large. Nearly 70% for almost 50% more than 10% It is necessary explore economic grasslands. high dominance compared grasses may be an indication that this has been severely invaded weeds experienced disturbances. vegetation, general less ideal a grazing area. Efforts needed improve legume, suppressing weed invasion human interference area must reduced. Keywords: grasslands, herbs, Index, plant, DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/13-14-04 Publication date: August 31 st 2023