Ecology of Scaphium macropodum in the Production Forest Area of Sarolangun, Jambi

Abstract

In Limun District, Sarolangun Regency, Jambi Province, the Pengulu Tribe has long utilized the fruit of Scaphium macropodum, locally referred to as "merpayang" or "mempayang," for traditional medicinal purposes. This species, part of the Sterculiaceae family, has a broader range compared to its seven subspecies. This research examines the ecological characteristics of S. macropodum, aiming to provide baseline information on its utilization by the Pengulu Tribe and the species' population and habitat conditions within Sarolangun Jambi's production forest. The study's objectives include estimating the population of S. macropodum and analyzing the ecological factors shaping its habitat. Conducted between December 2023 and January 2024, the research employed observation, interviews, and literature review, with data analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. Ecological factors were assessed through the Importance Value Index (IVI), diversity and evenness indices, community similarity index (Ward’s method), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The study identified 47 tree species from 18 families within the habitat of S. macropodum. In two sites, APL NM and HA DM, the dominant species was Shorea parviflora, while in HL DT and APL DM, Shorea multiflora (squirrel coconut) and Canarium sp. (mosquito legs) dominated. Shannon-Wiener diversity analysis showed moderate diversity and evenness across the four sites. Significant community similarity (90.81%) was found between APL NM and HA DM, while APL DM displayed a lower diversity index than the other locations.