Morphological Characters and Soil Characteristics of Potential Horticultural Plants Growing in the Wild

Abstract

This study investigated the variations observed in morphology of four (4) potential horticultural plants: Callichilia stenosepala Stapf, Clerodendrum splendens G. Don, Combretum bracteatum Herb. Madr. ex Wall and Combretum indicum (L.) Defillips and the soil characteristics of their habitats. Plants samples were obtained within University of Uyo Main Campus, Use Offot village in Uyo Local Government Area and Ifiayong Usuk Village in Uruan L.G.A. of Akwa Ibom State. Soil samples were obtained around the base of the studied plants before collection. Plants' morphological characters were extensively described and the soil samples analyzed using standard methods. The results revealed that these plants thrive on slightly acidic soils (6.31±0.07 to 6.75±0.05). Soils supporting Callichila stenosepala recorded the highest electrical conductivity (18.2±4.10), organic carbon (5.28±0.80), total nitrogen (4.86±0.52), calcium (164.00±10.20), magnesium (74.36±6.21) and exchange acidity (2.88±0.07) values, soils supporting Clerodendrum splendens recorded the highest pH (6.75±0.05), bulk density (1.88±0.004), phosphorus (2.08±0.003), sodium (18.40±4.09), potassium (32.18±7.02) and clay (34.00±6.10). Also, Combretum indicum was supported by soils having higher sand (62.00±7.10) and silt (23.00±4.30) contents while Combretum bracteatum occurred on soils with lower values of base cations, basic nutrient elements and soil physical properties. In conclusion, there are plants with potential horticultural values found within the study area and there are significant differences in the soil properties at the locations in which they are found. A better ecological investigation is needed in order to provide useful insights needed for the adoption, management, mass production, and better utilization of these potential horticultural plants within the study area.