Identification of shade plants health condition in Ecopark, Cibinong Science Center-Botanic Gardens

Abstract

Noviady I, Rivai RR. 2015. Identification of shade plants health condition in Ecopark, Cibinong Science Center-Botanic Gardens. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 1: 1385-1391. Ecology Park (Ecopark) are located in Cibinong Science Center-Botanic Gardens (CSC-BG) that covers 32 acres. It place have opened and available for the public since 2004. The objective of this research was to identify health condition of some shade plants in Ecopark. Plant damage analysis was performed by modified Forest Health Monitory method (FHM). Survey to visitors related to the safety and comfort was also carried out to 36 respondents. Observation results showed that from 52 plants, there were 68% that fell to health category, while 29% and 3% fell into minor damage and medium damage categories, respectively. The majority of the damage was an open wound that reached up to 19%. The damage location was found mostly in plants’ branches (29%) and bottom part of plants’ bark (27%). The survey results revealed that 94,44% respondents think it was necessary for routine inspection of plants. Furthermore, even though most of the visitors (83,33%) felt secure in location due to the relatively young age of plants, they recommended the necessity of warning sign for risky plants. This study also recommended the important of environmental education to raise public awareness.