Pengelolaan Tumbuhan Asing Invasif di Arboretum Universitas Sumatera Utara, Bekala, Kabupaten Deli Serdang

Abstract

Invasive alien plants are non-native species that grow rapidly, dominate, and disrupt local ecosystems. The Arboretum of the University of North Sumatra (USU), as a conservation and educational area, is at risk of ecological function decline due to the presence of unmanaged invasive plants. However, species inventory and risk assessment of invasive plants in this area have never been investigated. This study aims to analyze the diversity of invasive alien plants, their taxonomic relationships, associations with native plants, and to formulate management strategies. Data were collected using purposive sampling with a quadrat technique. A total of 29 invasive species from 16 families were identified, dominated by Asystasia gangetica (1.361 individuals) and Clidemia hirta (523 individuals). The Importance Value Index (INP) was 148.97%; diversity, richness, and evenness indices were in the moderate category; taxonomic diversity index was low; taxonomic dominance index was high; and taxonomic uniqueness index was moderate. The Jaccard index values (0.184–0.606) indicate weak associations among species within plots. Three management strategies are recommended: “site management” for Asystasia gangetica and Clidemia hirta; “monitoring” for 6 species (Drymaria cordata, Elephantopus scaber, Ipomoea triloba, Lantana camara, Limnocharis flava, Momordica charantia); and “limited action” for 21 other species. These findings are expected to serve as a basis for effective invasive plant management in the USU Arboretum.