Azizah Nur Rochmah, Sulisetijono Sulisetijono, Murni Sapta Sari
Vegetation data in the Argowayang Mountain section of Tahura Raden Soerjo has not been comprehensively recorded, indicating a decline in documented endemic plant diversity. This study aimed to inventory angiosperm vegetation on Mount Argowayang and calculate the Importance Value Index (IVI). Quadrat line transect sampling was conducted in August 2024 and May 2025 at elevations of 1,400-1,600 m asl. The study area covered 5.8 ha (10% of Tambik Block), with 40 plots (20×20 m each) distributed across 8 transects. For tree stratum, the highest IVI was recorded for Mallotus barbatus Müll.Arg (20.98%), followed by Trema orientale (L.) Blume (14.48%) and Homalanthus populneus (Geiseler) Pax (16.28%). For the shrub stratum, Lithocarpus sundaicus (Blume) Rehder exhibited the highest IVI (97.91%), followed by Montanoa hibiscifolia Benth. (50.59%) and Begonia palmata D.Don (31.54%). Two threatened species were documented: Saurauia bracteosa DC. (VU) and Canthiumera glabra (Blume) K.M. Wong & Mahyuni (NT). These findings underscore the urgent need for strict protection measures, community-based conservation programs, and enhanced monitoring systems to preserve the high biodiversity value of this tropical montane forest ecosystem. © 2026, J. Tropical Biodiversity Biotechnology (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Universitas Negeri Malang, Cakrawala Street No.5, East Java, Malang City, 65145, Indonesia
