Bionomic Studies of Latex-producing Plants in Savanna Region of Nigeria

Information on latex-producing plants is very scanty in Nigeria especially the uses, abundance and distribution in the various vegetation belts of Northern Nigeria (Savanna and Montane vegetation types). Ecological study was carried out to ascertain the niche of latex-producing plants considering soil, climate, vegetation and anthropogenic activities. Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to locate study areas. Twenty (20) plots of 15 m x 20 m (300 m2) quadrat size were used. Ten (10) families and 33 plant species were noted to exude latex. Ordination analysis (PCA) showed clusters eigenvalues representing the four study areas namely Lokoja, Jos, Katsina and Minna. Measured vegetation attributes were total number of species, total number of woody species, species diversities and basal area of woody species. Montane vegetation of Jos recorded high value for the latex-producing plants. PCA brought out these relations more succinctly. Questionnaire was administered to natives. Students and researchers at Secondary, Tertiary and University need this book because the detail discourse of vegetation belts, environmental factors and latex-oozing plants of Northern Nigeria.