DOCSLIB.ORG

Human-Plant Ecology of an Afromontane Agricultural Landscape

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Human-Plant Ecology of an Afromontane Agricultural Landscape HUMAN-PLANT ECOLOGY OF AN AFROMONTANE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE: DIVERSITY, KNOWLEDGE, AND FOOD SOVEREIGNTY IN DEBARK, ETHIOPIA Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Cornell University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Morgan Laurent Ruelle August 2015 © 2015 Morgan Laurent Ruelle HUMAN-PLANT ECOLOGY OF AN AFROMONTANE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE: DIVERSITY, KNOWLEDGE, AND FOOD SOVEREIGNTY IN DEBARK, ETHIOPIA Morgan Laurent Ruelle, Ph.D. Cornell University 2015 Human ecological relations with plants are fundamental to the food sovereignty of indigenous and rural communities. Our study focused on subsistence farming communities in the mountainous Debark District of northern Ethiopia, to learn how their relations with plants contribute to self-determination of the food system. First, to understand how farmers perceive plant diversity, we conducted a linguistic analysis of local plant names, as well as pile-sorting activities. We found that farmers perceive greater diversity among plants central to their livelihoods, mainly domesticated crops. Second, we analyzed the roles of plants within the food system, including consumption of plants as food, use of plants for food system activities, conservation of plants that enhance agroecosystem functionality, and the suppression of plants with negative impacts. Third, we examined farmers’ knowledge of plant phenology and the timing of agricultural activities in the context of climate change. Because farmers reported increasing variability in the timing of the rainy season, we conducted a quantitative analysis to identify non-domesticated plants that could be used as seasonal cues for planting and harvesting. Fourth, to assess the spatial availability of useful plants, we conducted participatory mapping, vegetation survey, and analysis of remote-sensed imagery. While participatory mapping affirmed the significance of indigenous trees to farmers, vegetation survey and analysis of satellite images indicate that such trees are exceedingly rare, as woody vegetation is increasingly dominated by Eucalyptus globulus, an introduced species promoted for its multifunctionality and high market value. Fifth, we spoke with local clergy about the conservation of plants around Ethiopian Orthodox churches. We confirmed that church forests are critical habitat for rare indigenous trees and shrubs. However, most species are planted and tended by church communities, challenging the view that these forests are remnants of a pre-agricultural ecosystem. Rather, Ethiopian church forests provide an instructive example of community conservation based on the value of sacred space. In conclusion, we offer practical recommendations for local government and civil society institutions, as well as suggestions for future research to enhance the food sovereignty of Debark and other subsistence farming communities. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Morgan Ruelle was raised in West Bolton, Vermont, in a log cabin built by his parents. He graduated from Mount Mansfield Union High School in 1997 and went to study Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Yale University. His senior thesis measured differences in the nuclear genome of Galapagos tortoise (Geochelone nigra). During summers in college, Morgan worked for Olympic National Park and the Nature Conservancy of Wyoming. He spent one semester studying wildlife management at the School for Field Studies in Kenya. After graduating from Yale, Morgan moved to the Mojave Desert to work as a wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Land Management, monitoring the impacts of off-highway vehicle recreation on desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), Mohave ground squirrel (Spermophilus mohavensis), wintering songbirds, and bats. From 2004 to 2006, Morgan served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Armenia, where he led curricula development and teacher training programs related to solid waste management and biodiversity conservation. After returning to the United States, Morgan joined Americorps*VISTA, and worked with elders in the Standing Rock Nation (North and South Dakota) to expand access to healthy traditional foods. In 2008, Morgan began his graduate studies at Cornell University. He returned to Standing Rock to conduct his Master’s thesis research, which examined the seasonal availability of food plants, the transmission of traditional foodways, and the contributions of local markets to food sovereignty. Morgan first travelled to Ethiopia in 2010 with his sister Jolie and her husband Ezra Wube, who grew up in Addis Ababa. Jolie and Ezra introduced Morgan to Debark, a market town on the western slopes of the Semien Mountains. He conducted his dissertation research with farming communities in the surrounding landscape, focusing on the contributions of plant diversity and indigenous ecological knowledge to their food sovereignty. iii To my grandparents: Laurent Joseph Ruell (1911 - 1995), Mary Ellen Walsh (1916 - 2013) Eduard Suursoo (1917 - 1999), and Annelis Einstein (1922 - 1994). iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I begin by thanking my Debark-based research team for their boundless energy, astute interpretations of farmers words, and meticulous attention to detail. Amanuel Birhanie, Yohannes Desalegn, and Fekadu Alem, I have enjoyed every minute together. In truth, this dissertation represents your work as much as mine. By my calculations, we have walked more than 1000 kilometers together, and I hope we will have the chance to journey many more. Betam amesegenalehu! Our research emerges from the wisdom and generosity of farming families from the Debark District of northern Ethiopia. I am exceedingly grateful to the farmers who welcomed us into their homes, invested precious time answering seemingly-endless questions, and sustained us with food, drink, stories, and laughter. In particular, I thank Fetege Chekole (Afaf); Qes Abebew (Afaf); Tesfu Gebre Hiwot and Desta Belete (Dilde); Yelfie Adisu and Chalachew Admasie (Kidane Mihret); Qes Fikadie Alemayehu and Tirfie Demlew (Meskelko); Yeshi Gebre Medin (Meskelko); Endalk Dejen (Dilde); Berie Yimam and Qenu Alemu (Gotit); Yezbie Derbew and Terefe Belay (Muchache); Adie Muchie and Wubit Ambaw (Derie), Eyayo Hagus and Birytal Berie (Derita); Tamiyalew Tegegne and Enanu Melese (Mikara); Tezera Melkamu and Tadela Tegabie (Arba Tensa); Enanaw Sisay (Enkoye Mesq); Fentie Asmara; Ayanew Fentie and Naney Fentie (Gorezie); Tezera Berlie (Bilteko); Yezbalem Moges (Bilteko Mikayel); Asmamew Alemu (Bilteko Mikayel); Abazie Fentie and Maledu Tesfu (Yekirar); Tewodros Adino, Mitkie Adino and and Kassaw Worku (Barkayna); Mazaye Takele and Awlew Birhanie (Dagba); Ginbie Bogale and Kassa Haile (Koso Mender); Abebe Alemu and Marie Asnaqew (Kino Kidane Mihret); Temesgen Adunya (Kulgize); Yalew Kassie (Denkazie); Ayenew Truneh (Gebre Amelak Mikayel); Dessie Amare (Kulgize); Shumet Adane (Lencha); Bidir Tesfu and v Birhanu Fekade (Filfilit); Yezbie Mola and Kisadie Ayaliew (Gana Meda); Asrasew Kasie and Serkalem Yizez (Mesqel Aura); Emohay Widedugn Damtew (Mesqel Aura); Tama Negatie (Abal Segi Mikayel); Asfaw Ferede (Angua Maryam); Eskedar Asega (Dilbit); Lamenew Girmay (Fich Teklehaimanot); Degefa Dessie (Takayna); Emoye Tezazew Gola (Debark); Ato Abasqe (Debark); Abba Aleqa Mulie Berhie (Debark); and Addisu Dessie (Dessie). With permission from the Debark Betekihnet Tsihfet Bet, we were able to conduct additional interviews with clergy and lay attendees of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Many thanks to Aba Aberham Mekonnen, Qes Girmay Mihret, Qes Amera Dessie, and Assefa Birara (Debir Giorgis); Memihir Mengistu Tesfu and Aba Melaka Genet (Debre Genet Gomya Maryam); Qes Meles Adugna (Debre Genet Yekirar Maryam); Qes Meretie Abuhay and Qes Tezera (Debre Midanu Debark Kidane Mihret); Qes Tadesse Berie, Muluneh Asnaqew, and Asefa Ayeneh (Debre Sebehat Mikara Eyesus Church); Qes Nega Derso (Debre Sehay Gotit Maryam); Qes Ismew Wolde Gebriel and Habte Ismew (Debre Selam Kino Libanos); Imer Wube (Kino Kidane Mihret); Qes Alemu Zewdu (Meskelko Abu); Qes Angew Mola and Qes Muluqen Haregwayn (Mikane Birhan Arbayitu Insesat); Ato Fessaha and Ato Tadesse (Zebena Maryam). We thank the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (formerly the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation) for their letter of support and introduction to local government agencies. Permissions to conduct interviews and collect voucher plant specimens were gracefully provided by the Debark District Administration, the Debark District Bureau of Agriculture, and the Debark City Agricultural Office. Special thanks to Yeshibir Dagnew from the Debark District Bureau of Agriculture who joined us for participatory mapping activities. I am grateful to the faculty and staff of the Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity vi Management at Addis Ababa University. Professor Zemede Asfaw has been an invaluable source of ethnobotanical knowledge, research guidance, editing advice, and friendship. I am honored that he joined me in Debark in October 2012 and has been an active member of my dissertation committee. I thank Professors Ensermu Kelbessa, Sebsebe Demissew, Zerihun Woldu, and Ib Friis, as well as Melaku Wondafrash for their encouragement and assistance with plant identifications. I am indebted to my dear friend Mekbib Fekadu, who has guided and supported me throughout my research. I thank the entire staff at the National Herbarium, particularly Shewangizew Lemma, Wege Abebe, Fiseha Getachew, and Ayenew Ayalneh, for their friendship and assistance. I am
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Xanthium Strumarium, on Species Diversity and Composition of Invaded Plant Communities in Borena Zone, Ethiopia
    Biodiversity International Journal Research Article Open Access Impact of invasive alien plant, Xanthium strumarium, on species diversity and composition of invaded plant communities in Borena zone, Ethiopia Abstract Volume 1 Issue 1 - 2017 Biological invasion is considered as the second greatest global threat to biodiversity. Amare Seifu, Nigussie Seboka, Manaye An IAPS, Xanthium strumarium, is widely spread in the agricultural land, roadside, near stagnant water and disturbed land of Borena Zone, Oromia Region. However, its Misganaw, Tesfaye Bekele, Edget Merawi, impact on diversity and floristic composition of the invaded plant communities has not Ashenafi Ayenew, Girum Faris been determined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the impact Genetic Resources Access and Benefit Sharing Directorate, of Xanthium strumarium, on the species diversity and composition of invaded plant Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Ethiopia communities in Borena Zone. Accordingly, to examine its effects of invasions on the Correspondence: Amare Seifu, Genetic Resources Access species diversity and composition of invaded communities, ninety six 1m2 quadrats and Benefit Sharing Directorate, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, were sampled (48 quadrats for invaded and 48 for non-invaded or control).There were Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel +251916595709, 70 species found in the non-invaded areas as compared to 31 in the invaded areas. Email [email protected] The number of species decreased by 55.71% in Xanthium strumarium invaded area as compared to control. The mean evenness value of the entire invaded sampled study Received: May 26, 2017 | Published: June 30, 2017 sites was 0.27 indicated that 27% of the plant communities had uniform distribution while the mean evenness value of the controls samples was 0.74 indicated that 74% of the plant communities had uniform distribution.
    [Show full text]
  • Dil Limbu.Pmd
    Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 87-96 A Checklist of Angiospermic Flora of Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale, Eastern Nepal Dilkumar Limbu1, Madan Koirala2 and Zhanhuan Shang3 1Central Campus of Technology Tribhuvan University, Hattisar, Dharan 2Central Department of Environmental Science Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 3International Centre for Tibetan Plateau Ecosystem Management Lanzhou University, China e-mail:[email protected] Abstract Tinjure–Milke–Jaljale (TMJ) area, the largest Rhododendron arboreum forest in the world, an emerging tourist area and located North-East part of Nepal. A total of 326 species belonging to 83 families and 219 genera of angiospermic plants have been documented from this area. The largest families are Ericaceae (36 species) and Asteraceae (22 genera). Similarly, the largest and dominant genus was Rhododendron (26 species) in the area. There were 178 herbs, 67 shrubs, 62 trees, 15 climbers and other 4 species of sub-alpine and temperate plants. The paper has attempted to list the plants with their habits and habitats. Key words: alpine, angiospermic flora, conservation, rhododendron Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale Introduction determines overall biodiversity and development The area of Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale (TMJ) falls under the activities. With the increasing altitude, temperature middle Himalaya ranging from 1700 m asl to 5000 m asl, is decreased and consequently different climatic and geographically lies between 2706’57" to 27030’28" zones within a sort vertical distance are found. The north latitude and 87019’46" to 87038’14" east precipitation varies from 1000 to 2400 mm, and the 2 longitude. It covers an area of more than 585 km of average is about 1650 mm over the TMJ region.
    [Show full text]
  • Notas Sobre Neófitas 4. Polygonum Nepalense (Polygonaceae), Una Planta Invasora Nueva Para México
    Acta Botanica Mexicana 82: -6 (2008) NOTAS SOBRE NEÓFITAS 4. POLYGONUM NEPALENSE (POLYGONACEAE), UNA PLANTA INVASORA NUEVA PARA MÉXICO HEIKE VIBRANS1 Y ANA MARÍA HANAN ALIPI2 Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, Programa de Botánica, km 36.5 carretera México-Texcoco, 56230 Montecillo, Texcoco, México. [email protected] 2Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Unidad Académica de Agricultura, Programa de Biología, Km 9 Carretera Tepic-Compostela, Xalisco, Nayarit, México. RESUMEN Se registra como nuevo para México a Polygonum nepalense Meisn. (= Persicaria nepalensis (Meisn.) H. Gross), familia Polygonaceae, originario de Asia. Se encontraron dos poblaciones en las partes altas del Estado de México, que tienen el aspecto de estar en expansión. Se trata de una maleza agresiva, peligrosa para varios cultivos y también invasora de la vegetación natural. Dado que su irrupción parece ser reciente e incipiente, se sugieren esfuerzos para erradicar la especie. Palabras clave: Estado de México, invasora, maleza, Persicaria nepalensis, Polygonum nepalense. ABSTRACT Polygonum nepalense Meisn. (= Persicaria nepalensis (Meisn.) H. Gross), Polygo- naceae, of Asia is reported as new to Mexico. Two populations were found in high-altitude areas of the State of Mexico, and they appear to be in expansion. The species is known as an aggressive weed, with high impact on various crops, and also as an invader of natural vegetation. As the invasion seems to be recent and incipient, an eradication effort is recom- mended. Key words: State of Mexico, invasive, Persicaria nepalensis, Polygonum nepalense, weed. Exploraciones botánicas recientes hechas para un proyecto de flora digital de las malezas de México (www.malezasdemexico.net) han dado como resultado el Acta Botanica Mexicana 82: -6 (2008) registro de una planta invasora hasta ahora desconocida para México: Polygonum nepalense Meisn.
    [Show full text]
  • Illinois Exotic Species List
    Exotic Species in Illinois Descriptions for these exotic species in Illinois will be added to the Web page as time allows for their development. A name followed by an asterisk (*) indicates that a description for that species can currently be found on the Web site. This list does not currently name all of the exotic species in the state, but it does show many of them. It will be updated regularly with additional information. Microbes viral hemorrhagic septicemia Novirhabdovirus sp. West Nile virus Flavivirus sp. Zika virus Flavivirus sp. Fungi oak wilt Ceratocystis fagacearum chestnut blight Cryphonectria parasitica Dutch elm disease Ophiostoma novo-ulmi and Ophiostoma ulmi late blight Phytophthora infestans white-nose syndrome Pseudogymnoascus destructans butternut canker Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum Plants okra Abelmoschus esculentus velvet-leaf Abutilon theophrastii Amur maple* Acer ginnala Norway maple Acer platanoides sycamore maple Acer pseudoplatanus common yarrow* Achillea millefolium Japanese chaff flower Achyranthes japonica Russian knapweed Acroptilon repens climbing fumitory Adlumia fungosa jointed goat grass Aegilops cylindrica goutweed Aegopodium podagraria horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum fool’s parsley Aethusa cynapium crested wheat grass Agropyron cristatum wheat grass Agropyron desertorum corn cockle Agrostemma githago Rhode Island bent grass Agrostis capillaris tree-of-heaven* Ailanthus altissima slender hairgrass Aira caryophyllaea Geneva bugleweed Ajuga genevensis carpet bugleweed* Ajuga reptans mimosa
    [Show full text]
  • Towards an Updated Checklist of the Libyan Flora
    Towards an updated checklist of the Libyan flora Article Published Version Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 (CC-BY) Open access Gawhari, A. M. H., Jury, S. L. and Culham, A. (2018) Towards an updated checklist of the Libyan flora. Phytotaxa, 338 (1). pp. 1-16. ISSN 1179-3155 doi: https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.338.1.1 Available at http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/76559/ It is advisable to refer to the publisher’s version if you intend to cite from the work. See Guidance on citing . Published version at: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.338.1.1 Identification Number/DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.338.1.1 <https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.338.1.1> Publisher: Magnolia Press All outputs in CentAUR are protected by Intellectual Property Rights law, including copyright law. Copyright and IPR is retained by the creators or other copyright holders. Terms and conditions for use of this material are defined in the End User Agreement . www.reading.ac.uk/centaur CentAUR Central Archive at the University of Reading Reading’s research outputs online Phytotaxa 338 (1): 001–016 ISSN 1179-3155 (print edition) http://www.mapress.com/j/pt/ PHYTOTAXA Copyright © 2018 Magnolia Press Article ISSN 1179-3163 (online edition) https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.338.1.1 Towards an updated checklist of the Libyan flora AHMED M. H. GAWHARI1, 2, STEPHEN L. JURY 2 & ALASTAIR CULHAM 2 1 Botany Department, Cyrenaica Herbarium, Faculty of Sciences, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya E-mail: [email protected] 2 University of Reading Herbarium, The Harborne Building, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Read- ing, RG6 6AS, U.K.
    [Show full text]
  • Etude Florisitique D'une Végétation Naturelle En Anthropise: Cas De La
    UNIVERSITE DE KISANGANI CENTRE UNIVERSITAIRE EXTENSION DE BUKAVU C.U.B B.P. 570 BUKAVU FACULTE DES SCIENCES ETUDE FLORISTIQUE D’UNE VEGETATION NATURELLE EN MILIEU ANTHROPISE : CAS DE LA FORMATION ARBUSTIVE XEROPHILE DE CIBINDA, AU NORD DE BUKAVU Par Chantal KABOYI Nzabandora Mémoire présenté et défendu en vue de L’obtention du grade de Licence en Sciences Option : Biologie Orientation : Phytosociologie et Taxonomie végétale Directeur : Prof. Dr Jean-Baptiste Dhetchuvi Matchu-Mandje Année académique 2003-2004 II DEDICACE A nos très chers parents, Joseph NZABANDORA et Florence KOFIMOJA, pour tant d’amour et de sacrifice consentis dans notre parcours terrestre et dont l’aboutissement de nos études universitaires demeure un des témoignages les plus éloquents que nous n’ayons jamais eu dans la vie ; A notre charmante sœur jumelle Julienne BASEKE avec qui, de par notre existence, nous avons été faites pour partager une vie inséparable et chaleureuse ; A nos petits frères et sœurs, pour tant d’amour et de respect qu’ils n’on cessé de témoigner à notre égard, que ce travail soit pour vous un exemple à suivre ; A notre futur époux et nos futurs enfants pour l’amour, l’attente et la compréhension qui nous caractériseront toujours. III AVANT-PROPOS Au terme de notre parcours universitaire, il nous est un agréable devoir de formuler nos vifs remerciements à tous ceux qui, de près ou de loin, ont contribué à notre formation tant morale qu'intellectuelle. Nos sincères remerciements s'adressent, tout d'abord, aux autorités académiques, administratives ainsi qu'aux professeurs, chefs de travaux et assistants du Centre Universitaire Extension de Bukavu (CUB), pour toutes les théories apprises tout au long de notre séjour en son sein.
    [Show full text]
  • Seedimages Species Database List
    Seedimages.com Scientific List (possibly A. cylindrica) Agropyron trachycaulum Ambrosia artemisifolia (R) not Abelmoschus esculentus Agrostemma githago a synonym of A. trifida Abies concolor Agrostis alba Ambrosia confertiflora Abronia villosa Agrostis canina Ambrosia dumosa Abronia villosum Agrostis capillaris Ambrosia grayi Abutilon theophrasti Agrostis exarata Ambrosia psilostachya Acacia mearnsii Agrostis gigantea Ambrosia tomentosa Acaena anserinifolia Agrostis palustris Ambrosia trifida (L) Acaena novae-zelandiae Agrostis stolonifera Ammi majus Acaena sanguisorbae Agrostis tenuis Ammobium alatum Acalypha virginica Aira caryophyllea Amorpha canescens Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus Alcea ficifolia Amsinckia intermedia Acanthospermum hispidum Alcea nigra Amsinckia tessellata Acer rubrum Alcea rosea Anagallis arvensis Achillea millifolium Alchemilla mollis Anagallis monellii Achnatherum brachychaetum Alectra arvensis Anaphalis margaritacea Achnatherum hymenoides Alectra aspera Andropogon bicornis Acmella oleracea Alectra fluminensis Andropogon flexuosus Acroptilon repens Alectra melampyroides Andropogon gerardii Actaea racemosa Alhagi camelorum Andropogon gerardii var. Adenostoma fasciculatum Alhagi maurorum paucipilus Aegilops cylindrica Alhagi pseudalhagi Andropogon hallii Aegilops geniculata subsp. Allium canadense Andropogon ternarius geniculata Allium canadense (bulb) Andropogon virginicus Aegilops ovata Allium cepa Anemone canadensis Aegilops triuncialis Allium cernuum Anemone cylindrica Aeginetia indica Allium fistulosum Anemone
    [Show full text]
  • Plant Species and Functional Diversity Along Altitudinal Gradients, Southwest Ethiopian Highlands
    Plant Species and Functional Diversity along Altitudinal Gradients, Southwest Ethiopian Highlands Dissertation Zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades Dr. rer. nat. Vorgelegt der Fakultät für Biologie, Chemie und Geowissenschaften der Universität Bayreuth von Herrn Desalegn Wana Dalacho geb. am 08. 08. 1973, Äthiopien Bayreuth, den 27. October 2009 Die vorliegende Arbeit wurde in dem Zeitraum von April 2006 bis October 2009 an der Universität Bayreuth unter der Leitung von Professor Dr. Carl Beierkuhnlein erstellt. Vollständiger Abdruck der von der Fakultät für Biologie, Chemie und Geowissenschaften der Universität Bayreuth zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades eines Doktors der Naturwissenschaften genehmigten Dissertation. Prüfungsausschuss 1. Prof. Dr. Carl Beierkuhnlein (1. Gutachter) 2. Prof. Dr. Sigrid Liede-Schumann (2. Gutachter) 3. PD. Dr. Gregor Aas (Vorsitz) 4. Prof. Dr. Ludwig Zöller 5. Prof. Dr. Björn Reineking Datum der Einreichung der Dissertation: 27. 10. 2009 Datum des wissenschaftlichen Kolloquiums: 21. 12. 2009 Contents Summary 1 Zusammenfassung 3 Introduction 5 Drivers of Diversity Patterns 5 Deconstruction of Diversity Patterns 9 Threats of Biodiversity Loss in the Ttropics 10 Objectives, Research Questions and Hypotheses 12 Synopsis 15 Thesis Outline 15 Synthesis and Conclusions 17 References 21 Acknowledgments 27 List of Manuscripts and Specification of Own Contribution 30 Manuscript 1 Plant Species and Growth Form Richness along Altitudinal Gradients in the Southwest Ethiopian Highlands 32 Manuscript 2 The Relative Abundance of Plant Functional Types along Environmental Gradients in the Southwest Ethiopian highlands 54 Manuscript 3 Land Use/Land Cover Change in the Southwestern Ethiopian Highlands 84 Manuscript 4 Climate Warming and Tropical Plant Species – Consequences of a Potential Upslope Shift of Isotherms in Southern Ethiopia 102 List of Publications 135 Declaration/Erklärung 136 Summary Summary Understanding how biodiversity is organized across space and time has long been a central focus of ecologists and biogeographers.
    [Show full text]
  • Persicaria Capitata (Buch.-Ham
    Naturalista sicil., S. IV, XXXVI (1), 2012, pp. 111 -116 SALVATORE PASTA A NEW CASUAL ALIEN PLANT IN SICILY: PERSICARIA CAPITATA (BUCH.-HAM. EX D.DON) H.GROSS (Polygonaceae ) SUMMARY The ongoing process of naturalization of this central Asiatic knotweed is here presented. More - over, the paper provides basic information of the site where it grows (urban centre of Palermo) and on the plant community it takes part to. The recent diffusion of this xenophyte at global scale sug - gests its potentially invasive behaviour. RIASSUNTO Una nuova pianta avventizia in Sicilia: Persicaria capitata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) H.Gross (Poly - gonaceae). Viene segnalata la presenza allo stato subspontaneo di questa poligonacea d’origine cen - tro-asiatica. Si fornisce inoltre una breve descrizione della stazione di rinvenimento, posta nel cen - tro urbano di Palermo, e della comunità vegetale cui la xenofita partecipa. La sua recente diffusione su scala globale suggerisce il suo comportamento potenzialmente invasivo. During my last temporary teaching appointment in a secondary school of Palermo, I noticed a strange creeping knotweed growing at the base of a heap of sand and crushed stones, remnant of an abandoned construction site in the inner playground of the school. The day after, the direct observation of a sample by using the key for Italian Polygonum s.l. published by GALASSO (2009) enabled me to solve the enigma: the “mysterious” plant actually is Per - sicaria capitata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) H.Gross (Polygonaceae). After a careful check of the most recent contributions on the alien flora of Sicily ( RAI - MONDO et al ., 2005a, 2005b; DOMINA & M AZZOLA , 2008; SCUDERI & P ASTA , 112 S.
    [Show full text]
  • Phylogenetic Relationships in the Order Ericales S.L.: Analyses of Molecular Data from Five Genes from the Plastid and Mitochondrial Genomes1
    American Journal of Botany 89(4): 677±687. 2002. PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS IN THE ORDER ERICALES S.L.: ANALYSES OF MOLECULAR DATA FROM FIVE GENES FROM THE PLASTID AND MITOCHONDRIAL GENOMES1 ARNE A. ANDERBERG,2,5 CATARINA RYDIN,3 AND MARI KAÈ LLERSJOÈ 4 2Department of Phanerogamic Botany, Swedish Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden; 3Department of Systematic Botany, University of Stockholm, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; and 4Laboratory for Molecular Systematics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden Phylogenetic interrelationships in the enlarged order Ericales were investigated by jackknife analysis of a combination of DNA sequences from the plastid genes rbcL, ndhF, atpB, and the mitochondrial genes atp1 and matR. Several well-supported groups were identi®ed, but neither a combination of all gene sequences nor any one alone fully resolved the relationships between all major clades in Ericales. All investigated families except Theaceae were found to be monophyletic. Four families, Marcgraviaceae, Balsaminaceae, Pellicieraceae, and Tetrameristaceae form a monophyletic group that is the sister of the remaining families. On the next higher level, Fouquieriaceae and Polemoniaceae form a clade that is sister to the majority of families that form a group with eight supported clades between which the interrelationships are unresolved: Theaceae-Ternstroemioideae with Ficalhoa, Sladenia, and Pentaphylacaceae; Theaceae-Theoideae; Ebenaceae and Lissocarpaceae; Symplocaceae; Maesaceae, Theophrastaceae, Primulaceae, and Myrsinaceae; Styr- acaceae and Diapensiaceae; Lecythidaceae and Sapotaceae; Actinidiaceae, Roridulaceae, Sarraceniaceae, Clethraceae, Cyrillaceae, and Ericaceae. Key words: atpB; atp1; cladistics; DNA; Ericales; jackknife; matR; ndhF; phylogeny; rbcL. Understanding of phylogenetic relationships among angio- was available for them at the time, viz.
    [Show full text]
  • Species Composition, Plant Community Structure and Natural Regeneration Status of Belete Moist Evergreen Montane Forest, Oromia Regional State, Southwestern Ethiopia
    Species composition, Plant Community structure and Natural regeneration status of Belete Moist Evergreen Montane Forest, Oromia Regional state, Southwestern Ethiopia Kflay Gebrehiwot1* and Kitessa Hundera2 1Department of Biology, Samara University, P.O.Box 132, Ethiopia (*[email protected]) 2Department of Biology, Jimma University, P.O.Box 378, Ethiopia ABSTRACT Belete forest is one of the very few remnant moist evergreen montane forests in Ethiopia. The objective of this work was to study the vegetation structure, composition and Natural regeneration status of Belete moist evergreen montane forest. To investigate the plant community structure, composition and regeneration status of Belete forest, line transects were laid down on the longest transect starting from the bottom valley to the top ridge. Sample quadrats 20m x20 m, 5m x 5m, 1m x 1m were laid for trees, shrubs, sapling and seedling, and herbaceous layer respectively in a nested form. The sample quadrats were laid down along transects at a distance of 50m from each other. A total of 69 quadrats were sampled. Vegetation classification was performed using PC - ORD for windows version 5.0. Five communities were recognized. Results showed that a total of 157 plant species representing 69 families and 135 genera were recorded. These were composed of 31.2% Herbs, 28.7% Trees, 26.1% Shrubs, 5.7% Climbers, 5.1% Liana, 1.9% Epiphytic herbs, and 1.3% herbaceous Ferns. The major families were Fabaceae and Asteraceae each represented by 10 species (6.4%), followed by Lamiaceae 9 (5.7%) and Rubiaceae 6 (3.8%). Other thirty three families consisting 19.8% were represented by one species only.
    [Show full text]
  • Dictionary of Cultivated Plants and Their Regions of Diversity Second Edition Revised Of: A.C
    Dictionary of cultivated plants and their regions of diversity Second edition revised of: A.C. Zeven and P.M. Zhukovsky, 1975, Dictionary of cultivated plants and their centres of diversity 'N -'\:K 1~ Li Dictionary of cultivated plants and their regions of diversity Excluding most ornamentals, forest trees and lower plants A.C. Zeven andJ.M.J, de Wet K pudoc Centre for Agricultural Publishing and Documentation Wageningen - 1982 ~T—^/-/- /+<>?- •/ CIP-GEGEVENS Zeven, A.C. Dictionary ofcultivate d plants andthei rregion so f diversity: excluding mostornamentals ,fores t treesan d lowerplant s/ A.C .Zeve n andJ.M.J ,d eWet .- Wageninge n : Pudoc. -11 1 Herz,uitg . van:Dictionar y of cultivatedplant s andthei r centreso fdiversit y /A.C .Zeve n andP.M . Zhukovsky, 1975.- Me t index,lit .opg . ISBN 90-220-0785-5 SISO63 2UD C63 3 Trefw.:plantenteelt . ISBN 90-220-0785-5 ©Centre forAgricultura l Publishing and Documentation, Wageningen,1982 . Nopar t of thisboo k mayb e reproduced andpublishe d in any form,b y print, photoprint,microfil m or any othermean swithou t written permission from thepublisher . Contents Preface 7 History of thewor k 8 Origins of agriculture anddomesticatio n ofplant s Cradles of agriculture and regions of diversity 21 1 Chinese-Japanese Region 32 2 Indochinese-IndonesianRegio n 48 3 Australian Region 65 4 Hindustani Region 70 5 Central AsianRegio n 81 6 NearEaster n Region 87 7 Mediterranean Region 103 8 African Region 121 9 European-Siberian Region 148 10 South American Region 164 11 CentralAmerica n andMexica n Region 185 12 NorthAmerica n Region 199 Specieswithou t an identified region 207 References 209 Indexo fbotanica l names 228 Preface The aimo f thiswor k ist ogiv e thereade r quick reference toth e regionso f diversity ofcultivate d plants.Fo r important crops,region so fdiversit y of related wild species areals opresented .Wil d species areofte nusefu l sources of genes to improve thevalu eo fcrops .
    [Show full text]