Plant Communities and Ageratina adenophora Invasion in Lower Montane Vegetation, Central Nepal

Abstract

Relatively little is known about the current status of existing plant communities and invasive alien species in lower montane vegetation. This paper aims to distinguish and describe plant communities concentrating on Ageratina adenophora invasion and altitude as factor that affects species richness and A. adenophora cover. Twenty plots were established in different locations of study site. Five types of plant communities were identified in the study area from cluster analysis. Higher species richness with higher level of A. adenophora invasion was found in naturally recovered lower altitude plant communities. Two native species; Schima wallichii and Alnus nepalensis were found as important elements in forest recovery process, while pine plantation reduced species richness. In general, A. adenophora threats species rich lower altitude plant communities and therefore regular monitoring of these plant communities is needed for proper conservation and management.