This study was conducted to identify the plant species and investigate the diversity, distribution and vegetation structure of the forest patches of Brgy. R.A. Padilla. Vegetation sampling was carried out by laying nine (9) quadrats, each 20m x 20m in size. The study revealed a Miscanthus-Themeda-Imperata grassland and Palosapis-Lauan-Oak secondary growth forest type vegetation structure in the area. A total of 1,535 individuals belonging to 230 morpho-species consisted of 220 morpho species of angiosperm that can be found as forest tree canopy and under the canopy, one (1) gymnosperm and nine (9) pteridophytes. Its stand structure composed of 50 canopy species>15cm dbh in 132 individuals. Fourteen (14) species are endemic to the Philippines. These species comprise 28% of total canopy trees listed. Most dominant are Anisoptera thurifera (19 individuals) with high computed species importance value of 11.22%, Bauhinia malabarica (10) the second-most important with IV-6.69%, Lithocarpus sulitu (7), and Canarium asperum (5). Most specious Families are Fabaceae and Moraceae (figs). Almost all of the quadrats surveyed obtained relatively low with one moderate biodiversity indices indicating normal species diversity in the present forest type. Out of 50 species of trees surveyed, all of them were contiguously distributed. Biodiversity matrix value suggests that majority of the area of Brgy. R.A. Padilla are considered to be ecologically important in its ecological region. Alpha phyto (Tree) species diversity, distribution and population structure provide baseline information for conservation and management of the present forest.

Thesis (Master of Science in Forestry - Forest Resource Management)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references