Taxonomic Composition and Phytosociological Analysis of Kainengkol Grassland, Kangpokpi District, Manipur

Abstract

The present study investigates the taxonomic composition and phytosociological structure of Kainengkol Grassland, Kangpokpi District, Manipur, to understand species diversity, distribution, and ecological dominance. A total of 26 plant species belonging to various families were recorded during the study period. Taxonomic analysis revealed that Poaceae is the most dominant family, followed by Asteraceae, indicating the prevalence of grassland vegetation under open and dynamic environmental conditions. The dominance of grasses reflects their high adaptability, rapid growth, and efficient resource utilization. Families such as Cyperaceae and Juncaceae indicate localized moist conditions, whereas ferns under Dennstaedtiaceae and Blechnaceae suggest the presence of humid and semi-shaded microhabitats. The occurrence of shrub species under Melastomataceae and Rosaceae further indicates ongoing secondary successional processes within the grassland ecosystem.

Phytosociological parameters, including frequency, density, abundance, and Importance Value Index (IVI), were analyzed to evaluate vegetation structure and species dominance. Most species exhibited high frequency, indicating uniform distribution across the grassland, while a few species showed restricted occurrence, reflecting microhabitat heterogeneity. Species such as Cynodon dactylon showed high density and abundance, indicating strong ecological adaptation and numerical dominance. The IVI values identified key species that significantly influence community structure and ecological functioning. Overall, the grassland represents a moderately diverse ecosystem dominated by grasses, with contributions from herbs, shrubs, and ferns, shaped by environmental variability and successional changes, highlighting the importance of sustainable management and conservation practices.