TREES IN THE SERVICE OF MAN: UNIVERSITY OF BENIN FLORA AS A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Trees are a major plant form, which are of utmost importance to man with immeasurable services. The flora of the University of Benin can be described as diverse with most of the plants adapting to the climatic conditions of the metropolis. This study aims to assess the diversity of trees and their associated roles in the campus. Results suggest the trees are mostly dicot and exotic, which were likely cultivated. The total tree flora is distributed among 13 families with Combretaceae having 101 individual species. The study revealed huge diversity in tree flora within the sites assessed, with site B been the richest with a diversity of 2.300 and species richness of 3.256. Terminalia catappa was the most abundant species with RD = 21.100. Sorenson index at 50 % significance suggests the sites are similar with a 66.600 % similarity index. The results also suggest the trees are associated with human activities. Felling of trees and urbanisation were listed as major constraints to the availability of trees in the study area by respondents. Common tree species found include Terminalia catappa, T. ivorensis, Delonix regia, Mangifera indica, Elaeis guineensis, Greenwayodendron suavolense, and their uses include, as food, fruits and shades for man, windbreaks, aesthetic value and as fuel. However, continuous felling of trees may hamper their utilisation and proper conservation. Therefore, proper planning and further studies should be encouraged in order to sustain their availability and enumerate the effects of urbanisation on tree productivity within the study area.