Plant Communities on The Sandy Areas of Karachi University Campus

The communities were distinct types ranging from halophytes to xerophytes with disturbed nature. Six plant communities (Suaeda, Haloxylon, Lasiurus, Prosopis, Aerva and Senna) were found in studying area. On the basis of Importance Value Index (IVI) Suaeda fruticosa was the leading dominant species followed by Lasiurus hirsutus and Haloxylon recurvum, respectively. Out of thirty six species, only five species attained highest constancy class III as compared to rest of the species. All the communities were heterogeneous due to the absence of certain frequencies classes. Species diversity and community maturity index was low. As far as the density size classes are concerned, highest number of individuals belonged to class VII. Suaeda fruticosa showed better representation in all the classes. The soil of the study area was sandy and alkaline in nature. The soil had an appreciable amount of calcium carbonate with moderate percentage of maximum water holding capacity and high alkaline earth carbonate, soil Ec and chloride. It was observed that certain edaphic and anthropogenic activity were responsible for variation in the composition and structure of the vegetation.