• Shahana Jasmi A
• Saritha Lakshmi V.
• Anagha M.S
• Sreeshna Das A

The present study assesses the phytosociological structure of herbaceous plant communities in the foothills of the Western Ghats within Mannarkkad Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala. Vegetation data were collected from five representative sites using randomly placed 1 m² quadrats. Phytosociological parameters such as Density, Frequency, Abundance, and the Importance Value Index (IVI) were calculated to evaluate species dominance and community structure. Species identification was carried out using standard taxonomic methods.The analysis revealed clear spatial variation in herbaceous vegetation across sites, with dominance concentrated among a few ecologically successful species. Alternanthera triandra recorded high IVI values up to 103.93, indicating widespread dominance. Isachne polygonoides showed near-monocultural dominance at Kumaramputhur with an IVI of 103.43, while Paspalum fimbriatum dominated Kularmunda with an IVI of 103.64. Co-dominance was observed at several locations, particularly involving Mimosa pudica (IVI 81.28) and Alternanthera triandra (IVI 84.16). IVI-based assessment highlights distinct dominance patterns in herbaceous communities and provides baseline quantitative data useful for biodiversity documentation and conservation planning in the Western Ghats.

Phytosociology; Plant diversity; Quadrat method; Importance Value Index (IVI); Mannarkkad Taluk; Kerala

"FLORISTIC COMPOSITION AND COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS OF HERB-LAYER ECOSYSTEMS", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no.e584-e591, January-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601483.pdf

"FLORISTIC COMPOSITION AND COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS OF HERB-LAYER ECOSYSTEMS", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no. ppe584-e591, January-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601483.pdf