A Study of Diversity and Abundance of Aroids as Environmental Indicator in Jeli Hot spring, Kelantan

The study was conducted in Jeli Hot spring area. The objective of the study are as follows; (i) to identify the species of aroids in Jeli Hot spring area, (ii) to determine the diversity, species richness and abundance of aroids species in Jeli Hot spring area, (iii) to assess the environmental indicator of aroids in Jeli Hot spring area. 20 square plots (2m x 2 m) were set up near to rubber plantatation. The result shows two species from Homalomena, one species from Alocasia and Schismatoglottis were identified from Jeli Hot spring. These are Homalomena griffithii (Schott) Hook, f., Homalomena wallichii Schott, Alocasia longiloba Miq. and Schismatoglottis calyptrata (Roxb.) Zoll & Moritzi. The most abundance and diverse species is Homalomena griffithii (Schott) Hook. f. because of the topography (on slope) and altitude are the most influencing factor on species richness and abundance of aroids species. The forest in Jeli Hot spring area was assumed as heavily disturbed where less than five species of aroids found.