Floral Diversity of Modibbo Adama University Yola: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

Biodiversity supports ecosystem balance and human well-being, yet floral resources in many Nigerian regions remain underexplored. This study provides a preliminary account of floral diversity within Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State. - Field surveys of plant species with the University community were conducted between July 2023 and October 2024. Whole plant was for small sized plants such as herbs or parts of plants along with fruits or flowers were collected for large sized plants, the specimen for each species was identified using the taxonomic keys and confirmed with existing collections deposited in the Herbarium of Department of Plant science, Modibbo Adama University, Yola. Ninety-two (92) plant species belonging to 34 families were noted from the fauna composition of the campus. Members of the family Fabaceae were the most dominant (19.6%), followed by Malvaceae (8.7%) and Lamiaceae (7.6%). Herbs constituted the largest growth form (39%), followed by trees (37%), shrubs (19%), and grasses (5%). The dominance of legumes is indicative of their adaptability to the climatic conditions of savanna regions and their ecological role in the enrichment soil with valuable nutrients. The diversity observed points to the university’s ecological significance as a refuge for species with medicinal, nutritional, and ornamental value. This study provides an essential baseline data for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management within the Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria.