A Study of Species Composition of the Derived Savanna Vegetation at Agbeji, Kogi State, Nigeria.

Essien, B.C. [1], Idachaba, S.O. [2], Alege, G.O.[3], Amodu, D.E. [4], Usman, S.S.[5]
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The phytoecological study of the Derived Savanna vegetation at Agbeji, Kogi State, Nigeria, was
carried out to determine its species composition. A total of 50 plant species belonging to 23 families
(6 Monocotyledons and 17 Dicotyledons) were encountered. The dominant families included those
of Poaceae, Asteraceaae, Cyperaceae, Mimosoideae, Apocynaceae, Euphorbiaceae,
Caesalpinoideae, Meliaceae and Rubiaceae. All these are characteristics species of forest- savanna
ecozones.The dominance of plant species belonging to the grass (Poaceae) family is a valid
evidence for confirming the Derived Savanna status of the vegetation of the study area. The
presence of Alstonia boonei which is a typical rainforest species reflect the relics of rainforest
vegetation. The presence and relative abundance of Prosopis africana, Parkia biglobosa, Dialium
guineense and Daniella oliveri reflect fire tolerant and sensitive trees of Savanna vegetation. The
co-existence of the various phytoecological indicator species shows the rich floristic diversity and
heterogeneity of the vegetation of the study area which could provide a template and baseline
information on the sustainable utilization and exploitation of the rich and abundant resources of the
Nigerian savanna vegetation.
Key words: Species composition, Derived Savanna,Vegetation, Nigeria .