PLANT DIVERSITY IN DAK NONG PROVINCE, VIETNAM: A CASE STUDY IN DAK GLONG AND KRONG NO DISTRICT

This study was conducted in Quang Son commune (Dak Glong district), Quang Phu and Dak Nang commune (Krong No district), Dak Nong province, to determine the diversity of plant resources. The temporary transect survey and sample plot method were applied to assess the properties of forest resources as the foundation for conservation management and sustainable development of this valuable resource. This study demonstrates that the flora in Dak Nong has tremendous and vital value in terms of plant biodiversity. A total of 731 species, 425 genera, and 145 families of plants were recorded. The most diverse families are Fabaceae, Orchidaceae, Asteraceae, Rubiaceae, etc. The genera with dominant species numbers are Ficus, Syzygium, Bulbophyllum, Cinnamomum, Crotalaria, etc. Regarding the life-form spectrum, Phanerophytes (Ph) accounted for 85.50% of species of the whole flora; in terms of plant geography, up to 89.47% of species belonging to tropical elements in the study area. The flora has high use and conservation value, with 533 useful plant species and 74 plant species threatened nationally and internationally. These results indicate that merging this forest resource into Nam Nung Nature Reserve is required to more effectively manage, conserve and develop a valuable resource beyond its potential and value.