Identification and characterization of enau plant (Arenga pinnata) in Gayo Lues

Abstract

Ferita I, Tawarati, Syarif Z. 2015. Identification and characterization of enau plant (Arenga pinnata) in Gayo Lues regency. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 1 (1): 31-37. Enau is one of the economically important plants in Indonesia with many benefits, for example as renewable energy sources (bioethanol). The purpose of this research is to investigate the morphological diversity of enau in Gayo Lues District of Aceh. This study provides basic information needed for the conservation and sustainable use of the plant. Data was collected from interviews with the local communities and related institutions, direct observation, and morphological
characterization, based on purposive sampling technique from Juli to September 2014, at five sub-districts: Blangkejeren, Rikit Gaib, Blang Jeranggo, Dabun Gelang, and Putri Betung. In each of the sub-districts, 10 samples were collected. Morphological characters were examined using descriptive analysis, phenotypic variability using standard deviation, and cluster analysis using NTSYS ver 2.02. The results showed that both quantitative and qualitative characters of enau on five sub-district varied and clustered into two groups. The quantitative characters generally exhibit wide phenotypic variability, while the qualitative ones have more limited variability.