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Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences logoLink to Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
. 2017 Feb 27;25(4):801–810. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2017.02.009

Eco-Floristic studies of native plants of the Beer Hills along the Indus River in the districts Haripur and Abbottabad, Pakistan

Saira Bano a, Shujaul Mulk Khan b,⁎, Jan Alam a, Abdulaziz A Alqarawi c, Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah c,⁎, Zeeshan Ahmad b, Inayat Ur Rahman a, Habib Ahmad d, Abdullah Aldubise c, Abeer Hashem e
PMCID: PMC5936874  PMID: 29740247

Abstract

The present study was conducted to elaborate vegetation composition structure to analyze role of edaphic and topographic factors on plant species distribution and community formation during 2013–14. A mixture of quadrat and transect methods were used. The size of quadrat for trees shrubs and herbs were 10 × 5, 5 × 2, 1 × 1 meter square respectively. Different phytosociological attribute were measured at each station. Primary results reported 123 plant species belong to 46 families. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were dominant families with 8 species each. PCORD version 5 were used for Cluster and Two Way Cluster Analyses that initiated 4 plant communities within elevation range of 529–700 m from sea level. Indicator species analyses (ISA) were used to identify indicator species of each community. CANOCO Software (version 4.5) was used to measure the influence of edaphic and topographic variables on species composition, diversity and community formation. Whereas Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to measure the effect of environmental variables which showed elevation and aspect were the stronger environmental variable among topographic and CaCO3 contents, electric conductivity, soil pH were the stronger edaphic factors in determination of vegetation and communities of the Bheer Hills. Grazing pressure was one of the main anthropogenic factors in this regard.

Keywords: Floristic study, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), PC-ORD, Edaphic factor, Plant communities

Abbreviations: ISA, Indicator Species Analysis; CCA, Canonical Correspondence Analysis; DBH, diameter at breast height; CA, Cluster Analysis; TWCA, Two Way Cluster Analysis; IVI, Importance Value Index; T, transect; S, station

1. Introduction

The plant communities are a complex quantitative hierarchy in the vegetation science that always depends on species richness, distribution and associated ecological factors (Gaston, 2000, Maurer, 1999). These have previously been described floristically as well as physiognomically in number of ways. They have a demarcated structure in an area in relation to biotic and a biotic variation (Kent and Coker, 1992, Van Rooyen et al., 1981, Roberts and Wuest, 1999, Tainton et al., 1996, Cleaver et al., 2005, Brown and Bezuidenhout, 2005). Vegetation structure is usually influenced by environmental gradient and anthropogenic activates. In addition the edaphic and topographic factors also play a vital role in communities formation that ultimately leads to specific phytogeographic regions (Rohde, 1992). Ecological researches always tend to understand and quantify the relationship between biotic and a biotic components of an ecosystem (Tavili and Jafari, 2009). Various floristic analyses are used to identify the plant communities habitat types and important characteristic plant species (Katsuno, 1977, Fujiwara, 1987). In each sort of habitat each plant species has a microclimate and play its role in habitat formation (Duigan and Bredenkamp, 2003) and relations among populations (Scheiner, 1993). It is essential to measure and develop a suitable model to capture the natural features of an ecosystem for its sustainable use. Floristic analyses are the prerequisites for conservation of plant species. Therefore, current project was conducted to comprehend the role of such factor in the establishment of plant communities and its application in future conservation studies.

The Beer Hills along the Indus River have not been studied using recently developed analytical methods for vegetation characterization. The current study was therefore conducted to find out the floristic composition and vegetation structure of plant communities in the targeted region using modern tools. For this purpose plant species composition, abundance and the environmental variability, with special reference to gradient analyses were taken into consideration during 2012–2013.

2. Materials and methods

The Beer Hills are located at the bank of Indus River in two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan i.e., District Abbottabad and District Haripur at 34°10′ North latitude and 72°58′ East longitude with elevation 529–700 m at sea level. The temperature and precipitation equally distributed throughout the year with humid subtropical sort of climate. A total of seven transects were established at 3 km distance and within each transect five stations were recognized at 200 m interval randomly along with elevation gradient. In this a total of 34 stations with three hundred and six (306) quadrats were established using GPS (Global Positioning system) (Khan et al., 2013b). Quadrat and transect methods were used on hill slopes at all stations. Sizes of the quadrates for trees, shrubs and herbs were 10 × 5 m, 5 × 2 m and 1 × 1 m respectively (Salzer and Willoughby, 2004). Data attributes i.e., density, relative density, cover, relative cover, frequency, relative frequency and Importance Values Index (IVI) were measured at each station. The diameters of trees were measured at breast height (DBH) to find out its cover value for trees. The biological spectrum was determined using Raunkiaer Life form classification (Raunkiaer, 1934). The plant specimens were collected in each quadrat, labeled with tags, and pressed with plant presser in the field. Specimens were poisoned using 3% solution of Mercuric Chloride and Ethyl Alcohol solution and mounted on standard size herbarium sheets having a size of (17.5″ × 11.5″). All specimens were identified with the help of flora of Pakistan and other available literature (Khan et al., 2013a).

2.1. Soil analyses

The soil samples were collected up to 45 cm depth from each station through soil sampling tube. The samples were sieved to remove large particles. The soil physiochemical analyses i.e., Soil Texture, Calcium, Carbonate, Organic Matter concentration, Soil pH, Electrical Conductivity (E.C), Phosphorus and Potassium were measured in Agriculture research station Baffa Mansehra. The soil texture and pH were measured through hydrometer and pH meter respectively (Khan et al., 2012a, Khan et al., 2012b, Koehler et al., 1984). While, soil organic matters were determined by standardized solution of FeSO4 and K2Cr2O7 (Nelson et al., 1996). Whereas CaCO3 concentration were determined by acid neutralization method (Black et al., 1965). AB-DTPA extractable P and K was determined in samples through method described by Soltanpour (1991).

2.2. Data analyses

The data were statistically analyzed to find out the relationship between plant species composition and various ecological variables. For the data analysis we put the data of seven transect (34 stations and 306 quadrates) in MS EXCEL and prepared presence absence (1, 0) data sheet for CA (Cluster Analysis) and TWCA (Two Way Cluster Analysis). The plant species data were arranged horizontally and quadrates data were arranged vertically according to the software (PC-ORD version 5 software) requirement (Lepš and Šmilauer, 2003). The species and environmental data matrices were analyzed in CANOCO software version 4.5 to find the effect of environmental variables on species composition and distribution pattern.

3. Results

A research study was conducted in Beers Hills to find out plant species distribution pattern, composition and abundance in relation to environmental variables and edaphic factors.

3.1. Species composition of the Beer Hills

A total of 123 plant species were collected belong to 46 families distributed in 34 stations included 27 trees, 23 shrubs and 73 herbs species of all the vegetation. The topmost dominant families were Asteraceae and Lamiaceae having eight plant species, 13% of all species. The Amranathaceae, Moraceae and Poaceae have seven species each. While Malvaceae and Solanaceae with six species each respectively.

3.2. Raunkier life form

The plant species were classified through Raunkiaer (1934) classification into 5 various life form classes. The Phanerophytes was the most dominant class with 52 plant species (42%) followed by Therophytes with 37 species (30%), Hemicryptophytes with 24 species (20%), Cryptophytes with 7 species (6%) and Chemaephytes having 3 species (2%) respectively (Table 2).

Table 2.

Plant species and Family names with Raunkiaer Life form classes.

NO. SO Botanical name of Plants Family name Life forms
1 Acacia modista (Wall.) Fabaceae Ph
2 Acacia nilotica (L.)Del. Fabaceae Ph
3 Ailanthus altissima (Mill) Swingle Simaroubaceae Ph
4 Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) vent Moraceae Ph
5 Cassia fistula L. Fabaceae Ph
6 Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaerth. Malvaceae Ph
7 Citrus aurantium L. Rutaceae Ph
8 Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.ex.DC. Fabaceae Ph
9 Eriobatrya japonica (Thunb.) lindl. Rosaceae Ph
10 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. Myrtaceae Ph
11 Ficus benghalensis L. Moraceae Ph
12 Ficus carica L. Moraceae Ph
13 Ficus racemosa L. Moraceae Ph
14 Ficus religiosa L. Moraceae Ph
15 Juglans regia L. Juglandaceae Ph
16 Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell. Euphorbiaceae Ph
17 Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Ph
18 Melia azedarach L. Meliaceae Ph
19 Morus alba L. Moraceae Ph
20 Morus nigra L. Moraceae Ph
21 Olea ferruginea Royle. Oleaceae Ph
22 Papulus ciliata Wall.ex.Royle Salicaceae Ph
23 Pistacia integerrima J.L.Stewart ex Brandis Anacardiaceae Ph
24 Pterospermum acerifolium (L.) Willd. Malvaceae Ph
25 Punica granatum L. Lythraceac Ph
26 Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Myrtaceae Ph
27 Ziziphus jujuba Milli. Rhamnaceae Ph
28 Aerva javanica (Burm.f.)shult Amaranthaceae Ch
29 Berberis lycium Royle. Berberidaceae Ph
30 Calotropis procera (L.) Asclapiadaceae Ph
31 Colebrookea opposifolia Sm Labiatae Ph
32 Clerodendrum Philippinum multiplex.JPG Verbenaceae Ph
33 Carissa opaca L. Apocynaceae Ph
34 Cotoneaster dammeri C.K.Schneid. Rosaceae Ph
35 Dodonaea viscose (L.) Jacq. Sapindaceae Ph
36 Gymnosporia royleana Wall. Celastraceae Ph
37 Ipomoea carnea Jace. Convolvulaceae Cr
38 Jasminum nudiforum Lindl. Oleaceae Ph
39 Jasminum officinale L. Oleaceae Ph
40 Justicia adhatoda L. Acanthaceae Ph
41 Lantana camara L. Verbenaceae Ch
42 Marrubium supinum L. Lamiaceae Ph
43 Nerium oleander L. Apocynaceae Ph
44 Otostegia limbata (Beth.) Boiss Lamiaceae Ph
45 Parthenocissus semicordata Wall. Vitaceae Ph
46 Periploca aphylla Decne. Asclepiadaceae Ph
47 Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae Ph
48 Rubus fruticosus L. Rosaceae Ph
49 Sageretia brendrethiana J.Linn. Rhamnaceae Ph
50 Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz Lythraceac Ph
51 Ziziphus nummularia Burm.f. Rhamnaceae Ph
52 Achyranthes asperaL. Amaranthaceae He
53 Adiantum caudatum Klotzsch Pteridaceae Th
54 Ajuga bracteosa Wall. Lamiaceae He
55 Alternanthera hirtula (Mart.) Amaranthaceae Th
56 Alternanthera philoxeroides Griseb. Amaranthaceae Th
57 Amaranthus spinosus L. Amaranthaceae Th
58 Amaranthus viridis L. Amaranthaceae Th
59 Anthriscus sylvestris L. Apiaceae Th
60 Argemone mexicana L. Papaveraceae Th
61 Artemisia absinthium L. Asteraceae Th
62 Arundo donax L. Poaceae Ph
63 Avena barbata Pott ex Link Poaceae Th
64 Barleria cristata L. Acanthaceae He
65 Bidens pilosa L. Asteraceae He
66 Brassica compestris L. Brassicaceae Th
67 Cannabis sativa L. Cannabaceae Th
68 Celosia argentea L. Amaranthaceae Th
69 Chenopodium album L. Chenopodiaceae He
70 Cichorium intybus L. Asteraceae Th
71 Commelina communis L. Commelinaceae Cr
72 Convolvulus arvensis L. Convolvulaceae Cr
73 Conyza bonariensis L. Asteraceae Th
74 Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist Asteraceae Th
75 Corchorus olitorius L. Malvaceae Th
76 Cynodon dactylon (L.)Pers. Poaceae He
77 Cynoglossum zeylanicum (Lehm.)Brand Boraginaceae He
78 Cyperus niveus Retz. Cyperaceae He
79 Cyperus rotundus L. Cyperaceae He
80 Datura alba L. Solanaceae Th
81 Debregeasia salicifolia N/A Urticaceae Ph
82 Delphinium bicolor Nutt. Ranunculaceae Th
83 Diclipter roxburghiana T.Anders. Acanthaceae Th
84 Echinochloa colona (L.) link. Poaceae He
85 Euphorbia helerophylla L. Euphorbiaceae Th
86 Euphorbia helioscopia L. Euphorbiaceae Th
87 Euphorbia hirta L. Euphorbiaceae Th
88 Hybiscus caesius Garcke var caesius Malvaceae Ph
89 Ipomoea hederacea Jaeq. Convolvulaceae Cr
90 Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Rath Convolvulaceae Cr
91 Lepidium virginicum L. Brassicaceae He
92 Leucas cephalota (Roth) Spreng. Lamiaceae Th
93 Malva neglecta Wallr. Malvaceae He
94 Malvastrum coromandelianum L. Malvaceae He
95 Marsilea villosa Kanlf. Marsileaceae Cr
96 Medico denculatus L. Fabaceae He
97 Melica persica Kunth Poaceae He
98 Mentha longiafolia (L.) Huds. Lamiaceae He
99 Mentha piperita L. Lamiaceae He
100 Mirabilis jalapa L. Nyctaginaceae Th
101 Nasturtium officinale W.T.Aiton Brassicaceae Th
102 Oxalis corniculata L. Oxalidaceae He
103 Oxalis corymbosa DC. Oxalidaceae He
104 Parthenium hysterophorus L. Asteraceae He
105 Pastinaca sativa L. Apiaceae Th
106 Pentanema indicum (L.)Ling Asteraceae Th
107 Persicaria globra Willd. Polygonaceae Th
108 Phegopteris connectilis (Michx.) Wall Thelypteridaceae Cr
109 Physalis angulata L. Solanaceae Ph
110 Polygonum aviculare L. Polygonaceae He
111 Ranunculus muricatus L. Ranunculaceae He
112 Rumex dentatus L. Polygonaceae He
113 Salvia coccinea Buc. Lamiaceae Th
114 Solanum nigrum L. Solanaceae Th
115 Solanum pseudocapsicum L. Solanaceae Th
116 Solanum surattense L. Solanaceae Th
117 Solanum virginanum L. Solanaceae Th
118 Sorghum vulgare L. Poaceae Th
119 Triticum aestivum L. Poaceae Th
120 Urtica dioica L. Urticaceae Th
121 Vaccaria pyramidata Medik. Caryophyllaceae Th
122 Verbascum thapsus L. Scrophulariaceae He
123 Xanthium strumarium L. Asteraceae Ch
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Ph = Phanerophyte; Ch = Chamaephytes; He = Hemicryptophytes; Cr = Cryptophytes; Th = Therophytes.

3.3. Abundant and less abundant plant species of the Beer Hills

The abundant and less abundant plant species were found on the basis of Importance Values Index (IVI). The topmost abundant tree species of the study area was Mallotus philippensis, Acacia nilotica, Acacia modista, Ziziphus jujuba, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus carica, Broussonetia papyrifera, Pistacia integerrima, Dalbergia sissoo and Morus nigra with high IVI. While Punica granatum, Ailanthus altissima, Citrus aurantium, Pterospermum acerifolium, Eriobatrya japonica, Ceiba pentandra, Cassia fistula, Syzygium cumimi, Juglans regia, and Ficus religiosa were recorded as less abundant trees with minimum IVI in the study area. In shruby layer the most dominant species were Dodonaea viscosa, Justicia adhatoda, Otostegia limbata, Berberis lyceum, Cotoneaster dammeri, Sageretia brendrethiana, Ziziphus nummularia, Marrubium supinum, Nerium oleander and Periploca aphylla with IVI above than 800 in the region. The top ten rare shrub species were Lantana camara, Ipomoea carnea, Clerodendrum philippinum, Parthenocissus semicordata, Rubus fruticosa, Aera javanica, Ricinus communis, Jasminum nudiforum, Jasminum officinale and Calotropis procera having low Importance values in the Beer Hills along with Indus River. In addition to, the Cynodon dactylon, Avena barbata, Medicogo denculatus, Parthenium hysterophorus, Cannabis sativa, Euphorbia helioscopia, Euphorbia hirta, Nasturtium officinale, Malva neglecta, and Melica persica were the most abundant species in herbaceous layer of the region. The uppermost rare herbs recorded with minimum IVI were Datura alba, Brassica compestris, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Physalis angulate, Phegoteris connectilies, Achyranthes aspera, Diclipter roxburghiana, Cypres routundes, Oxalis corniculata and Cyprus niveus. Most of the rare species present in the area were palatable which faces great pressure of grazing.

3.4. Species area curve

Initially PC-ORD version 5 were used to draw species area curves and compositional area curves to recognize either the quadrates size was adequate or not through abundance data combined with Sorensen distance values (Ahmad et al., 2016a, Ahmad et al., 2016b). It also comprehends the vegetation relation with environmental variables. It results that the transect number 25 show maximum number of plant species and appearing new species continuously up to station number 31 (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

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The Specie area curves showing adequacy of sampling in the studied area.

3.5. Results of Cluster Analysis

The Cluster Analyses using PCORD version 5 clustered 34 stations (306 quadrats) into 4 plant communities or habitats (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2.

Fig. 2

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Cluster dendrogram classified 34 sampled stations into 4 habitat types/plant communities.

3.6. Two Way Cluster Analysis (TWCA)

The Two Way Cluster analysis showed distribution of plant species in sampling stations. It was constructed with the help of presence and absence (1, 0) data sheet by Soresen measures. The black bubbles/dots represented the presence whereas white bubbles indicated the absence of plant species in the region. Four plant communities were recognized through grouping of various stations (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3.

Fig. 3

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Two Way Cluster dendogram showing distribution of 123 species in 306 quadrats.

3.7. Classification of plant communities

3.7.1. Ficus beghalensis-Nerium oleander-Euphorbia heterophylla community

The community name was given based on Indicator species analyses (ISA). This community was observed at elevation of 432–583 m. Ficus beghalensis, Nerium oleander and Euphorbia heterophylla were the characteristics species of tree, shrub and herb layer respectively. The other dominant species of tree layer with high IVI values included Mallotus philippensis, Broussonetia papyrifera, Ficus carica, Dalbergia sissoo and Mangifera indica. While the rare tree species were Ceiba pentandra, Cassia fistula, Syzgium cumini, Juglans regia, Ficus religiosa and Olea ferruginea with minimum IVI in the region. Whereas shrub layer was dominated by Justicia adhatoda, Otostegia limbata, Nerium oleander, Dodonaea viscosa, Cotoneaster dammeri, Marrubium supinum, with rare species Carissa opaca, Sageretia brendrethiana, Jasminum nudiforum, Ricinas comununis, Jasminum officinale, Calotropis procera. Although the dominant herbaceous layer included Cynodon dactylon, Cannabis sativa, Avena barbata, Nasturtium officinale, Parthenium hysterophorus, Euphorbia helioscopia, Mediogo denculatus, Malva neglecta, Euphorbia heterophylla and Rumex dentatus. Whereas Physalia angulata, Hybisus caesium, Phegopteris connectilis, Achyranthes aspera, Delphinium bicolar, Dicolipter roxburghiana, Argemome Mexicana, Artemisia absinthium and oxalis corymbosa are rare herbs species in the region with low IVI values.

The characteristic plant species in community i.e., Ficus beghalensis having important value 78 and p value 0.02, Euphorbia helerophylla having IVI 71 and with p value 0.03. In addition to the data attribute plot of Ficus beghalensis that show the grazing pressure has no effect on this species because tree layer was not affected by grazing pressure but greatly affected by high altitude as a result it was mostly observed in lower altitude of the region. While the electrical conductivity of community soil was measured between 0.16 and 0.25 dsm−1, Calcium carbonate was 2.4–6.2%, Potassium 90–130 ppm and Phosphorus 5.6–8.4 ppm respectively.

3.7.2. Ficus carica - Justicia adhatoda - Parthinium hysterophorus community

This community was found between elevations of 557–640 m. The Ficus carica, Justicia adhatoda, and Parthinium hysterophorus were the dominant characteristic tree, shrub and herb. The other dominant species of the tree layer included Acacia nilotica, Acacia modista, Ziziphus jujuba, Olea ferruginea and Ficus carica. While, the rare tree species were Punica granatum, Broussonetia papyriafera, Melia azedarach, Morus nigra and Dalbergia sissoo. Regarding the shruby layer Dodonia viscosa, Justicia adhatoda, Otostegia limbata, Sageretia brenrerthiana, Colebrookea opposifolia was the most dominant and Marrubium supinum, Gymnosporia royleane, Cotoneaster dammeri, Ricinus communis and Calotropis procera was the rare plant species in the region. The characteristic species of herbaceous layer was Cynodon dactylon, Solanum surattense, Parthenium hysterophous, Medicogo denculatus, Avena barbata, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia helioscopia, Rumex dentatus, Delphinium bicolor, Amaranthus viridis and the characteristic rare species of community was Mirabilis jalapa, Convolvulus arvensis, Solanum pseudocapsium, Bidens pilosa, Conyza Canadensis, Ranunculus muricatus, Cichorium intybus, Achyranthus aspera, Phegopteris connectilis and Physalis angulate with minimum IVI.

Regarding the soil analyses of community electrical conductivity was 0.15–0.25 dsm−1, Calcium carbonate was 5.2–7.2%, Potassium was 100–125 ppm and Phosphorus 6.4–7.5 ppm was recorded.

3.7.3. Melia azedarach - Dodonaea viscosa – Polygonum avicula community

This community was found at the elevation of 572–645 m. The recorded Characteristic species of tree layer was Mallotus philippensis, Pistacia integerrima, Acacia modista, Ziziphus jujuba and Acacia nilotica. While rare trees were Olea ferruginea, Broussonetia papyrifera, Ficus racemosa, Morus alba and Melia azedarach with minimum IVI in the region. While, the dominant species of shruby vegetation in community included Dodonaea viscosa, Berberis lyceum, Otostegia limbata, Carissa opaca and Sageretia brendrethiana. In addition to, Periploca aphylla, Gymnosporia royleana, Aerva javanica, Marrubium supinum, Polygonum avicular and Colebrookea opposifolia was the rare shrubs recorded with low IVI in the region. The characteristic herbaceous species are Avena barbata, Melica persica, Medicogo denculatus, Artemisia absinthium, Parthenium hysterophous, Argemone Mexicana, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia helioscopia and Polygonum aviculare. The community has rare herb species with minimum IVI was Ajuga bracteosa, Malva neglecta, Arundo donax, Hybiscus caesius, Vaccaria pyramidata, Urtica dioica, Ipomoea hederacea, Ipomoea purpurea, Physalis angulata and Solanum virginanum.

The soil analyses resulted that the community has Electrical conductivity between 0.17 and 0.23 dsm−1, Calcium carbonate 2.4 and 6.5%, Potassium 100 and 130 ppm and Phosphorus 7.3 and 8.2 ppm respectively.

3.7.4. Acacia nilotica - Berberis lycium - Echinochloa colona community

This community initiated at the elevation of 2485–2937 m. The dominant tree species were Acacia modista, Ziziphus jujuba, Mallotus philippensis with rare species Morus nigra, Ficus carica and Broussonetia papyrifera. The characteristic shrub species of the community were Indigofera heterantha and Plectranthus rugosus. While dominant species were Berberis lycium, Dodonaea viscosa, Periploca aphylla, Justicia adhatoda, Ziziphus nummularia and rare species included Cotoneaster dammeri, Sageretia brendrethiana, Carissa opaca and Gymnosporia royleana. Among the characteristic herbaceous species Cynodon dactylon, Avena barbata, Euphorbia hirta, Mediocogo denculatus, Delphinium bicolor, Melica persica, Conyza bonariensis, Conyza Canadensis, Echinochloa colona and Solanum surattens. Whereas Argemone mexicaca, Parthenium hysterophorous, Saliva coccinea, Chenopodium album, Leucas cephalota, Ajuga bracteosa, Barleria cristata, Sorghum vulgare, Oxalis corniculata, and Xanthium strumarium were recorded as rare herbs with minimum IVI in the region.

The soil analyses of this habitat show the electrical conductivity between 0.16 and 0.22 dsm−1, Calcium carbonate 4 and 6.4%, Potassium 100 and 130 ppm and Phosphorus 6 and 9 pp, which play a significant key role in distribution of plant species of present community.

3.8. Environmental gradient

The Species and environmental data matrices were put together in CANOCO software version 4.5. All environmental variables as biotic factors (grazing pressure) and abiotic factors (edaphic and topographic) show significant effect on plant species composition, distribution pattern and abundance with p value (p ≤ 0.002) (Table 1).

Table 1.

Data summary table of 123 plant species in relations with all he environmental variables.

Axis 1 2 3 4 TI
EV (eigen values) 0.363 0.165 0.105 0.096 2.216
SEC (species-environment correlations) 0.962 0.910 0.906 0.915
CPVSP (cumulative percentage variance of species data) 16.4 23.8 28.6 32.9
SER (species-environment relation) 33.0 47.9 57.5 66.2



SMC test
TSFCA (test of significance of first canonical axis) TSACA (test of significance of all canonical axes)
EV (eigen value) 0.363 (Trace) 1.102
FR (F-ratio) 4.121 FR (F-ratio) 1.730
PV (P-value) 0.0020 PV (P-value) 0.0020
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In ordination of various plant species each cross in the figure represented a plant species and the distance between them show the similarity and differences index. All the plant species were compared with environmental gradient and soil data through CANOCO software. The treated environmental variables were altitude, aspect, grazing pressure, organic matter, phosphorous, potassium, pH, deep soil, silt and rocky soil. The CCA (bi-plot diagram) of first quadrant indicated most of the plants were assembled under the influence of CaCO3 and sandy nature of soil. While going through 3rd quadrant most of the environmental variables clustered around phosphorous, pH, organic matter concentration, potassium, high elevation rang and clay nature of soil. Furthermore on the 4th quadrant most of the plants are assembled under the influence of electrical conductivity and grazing pressure (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4.

Fig. 4

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CCA diagram showing the species distribution under the influence of various environmental variables. Spp = Species, Env Var = Environmental factors, Phosph = Phosphorus, Potas = Potassium, Elec Con = Electrical Conductivity, Organ M = Organic Matter, Text Cla = Texture Class, Graz Pr = Grazing Pressure.

3.9. Ordination of different stations under the influence of environmental gradient

The CCA ordination bi-plot based on edaphic and topographic factors data presents the first quadrant was preliminary related with CoCO3 and sandy nature of soil (Fig. 5). The 3rd quadrants was mainly correlated with phosphorous, pH, organic matter concentration, potassium, high elevation rang and clay nature of soil having T2S2, T3S2, T4S2, T5S, T5S4, T6S2 and T6S3 (T = transect, S = station). While the 4rt quadrant show aspect of electrical conductivity and grazing pressure that clustered T4S1, T5S1, T5S2, T6S1 and T7S1 respectively (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5.

Fig. 5

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CCA bi-plot diagram showing the distribution of sampled stations in relation to various environmental variables. T = Transect, S = Station, Samp = Sample, Env Var = Environmental factors, Phosph = Phosphorus, Potas = Potassium, Elec Con = Electrical Conductivity, Organ M = Organic Matter, Text Cla = Texture Class, Graz Pr = Grazing Pressure.

3.10. Discussion

The current study revealed a total of 123 plant species of the Beer Hills along Indus River belong to 46 families. The 27 tree species (22%), 23 shrubs (19%) and 73 herbs (59%) were recorded. The study area revealed the herb species were in maximum number with greater cover, followed by trees and shrubs. Physiographic factors such as slope angle, different edaphic factors and altitudinal rang effect the vegetation composition and distribution pattern. Furthermore, at higher altitude vegetation layer became decrease due to physical and biological factors that affect plant growth. The same results were reported by Haq et al. (2011) that showed the vegetation was rich at lower elevation as compared to higher elevation range. The flora of Beer Hills result Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Moraceae, Amaranthaceae and Poaceae was the most dominant families of the region. Similarly Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were proved well established and largest families in flora of Pakistan by Ali and Qaiser, 1995, Stewart, 1972. Plus in other adjacent locations Dar et al., 2012 reported one hundred and three families at Machiara national park Muzaffarabad. The dominant families of the investigated area were Balsaminaceae, Ranunculaceae and Asclepiadaceae. While Pant and Samant (2007) described forest plant biodiversity of the Western Himalaya. Similar to our results Perveen and Hussain (2007) work out on species density, cover and frequency of Gorakh hills and reported seventy-four plant species distributed in thirty-four families. Plants play a vital role in economy of a country. It was used as food, fruit, medicines, forage, timber wood, fire wood, etc. (Durrani, 2000, Malik, 2005, Shinwari et al., 1996). This research project also resulted various plant species i.e., Medicogo denculatud, Malva neglecta were edible species, Mentha species, Justicia adhatoda and Acacia were medicinally use, Morus species, Melia azedarach were used as a timber and Dadonia vescosa were used as a fuel wood in the Beer Hills area. Flora of an area represents the particular species of an area which are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Floristic structure of a region was very important to relate it with environmental gradient. It depends upon biotic and abiotic factors of an environment and can be affected by deforestation and over grazing particularly (Longhi et al., 1992). Similar were also reported in present work that grazing pressure effect on plant species distribution and composition. A total of 4 plant communities were identified through PCORD version 5 in study area. (Moinuddin et al., 2006: Ahmad et al., 2016a) studied the Phyto-sociological analysis of Himalayan forests of Pakistan, described twenty-four different communities and four monophonic specific forests vegetation as well as labeled the species composition and IVI values. While CANOCO Software version 4.5 was used to measure the influence of edaphic and topographic variables on species composition and diversity and community formation. Similar techniques were also applied by Khan et al. (2012b) for proper documentation of plant species. Whereas Borcard et al., 1992 performed Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) by using a quantitative statistical approach to categorize among various variables. Brown and Bezuidenhout (2005) investigated National park (De mountain zebra National park, South Africa) and find out fourteen communities consuming TWINSPAN grouping. The soil pH ranges from 7.2 to 7.8; organic matter concentration from 0.52% to 0.85%, calcium carbonate amount is 2.38% to 7.2%, sand concentration was 28.6% to 58.6%, Phosphorous was 5.6 ppm to 9 ppm, potassium ranges 130 ppm to 90 ppm. Similarly (Khan et al., 2012a, Khan et al., 2012b, Khan et al., 2014, Khan et al., 2016, Nazir et al., 2012, Shaheen et al., 2011, Iqbal et al., 2015, Ahmad et al., 2016a) also found out various plant communities in relation to environmental gradients. Furthermore, Noureen et al., 2008 investigated Cholistan desert, vegetation on the basis of environmental factors. Whereas, Yimer, 2007, defined that soil disturb the structure of the plant community and ground cover, amount of plant development, capability of natural regeneration and additional critical factors. In study area grazing pressure was observed higher at lower elevation range of the Beer Hills. It was also reported by Pennings and Silliman (2005) that grazing pressure was high at lower elevation. Whereas, Sakya and Bania (1998) describes, elevation play an important role in the community formation. Shank and Noorie (1950) find out that temperature and atmospheric pressure changed with increasing height other factors like soil pH, soil moisture, soil nutrients and biotic factors also take part in the formation of plant communities. Life forms of the plants were very important to describe the vegetation structure. The plant species collected in the study area were classified into five Raunkiaer classes. It was resulted that Phanerophytes was the dominant class followed by the Therophytes, Hiemicryptophytes, Cryptophytes, and Chamaephytes respectively. A similar result was described by Malik and Malik (2004) in Kotli Hill Kashmir. Whereas Hadi et al. (2009) reported a phytosociological effort on weed flora in the vegetable fields of (Botanical Garden, Azakhel in summer season 2009) which consist of 30 weed species in different vegetables fields with dominant Therophytes life form class.

4. Conclusion

It was concluded that CaCO3 contents, electrical conductivity, soil pH, organic matter concentration, phosphorous and silty nature of soil were the stronger edaphic factors. While, among topographic factor the elevation and aspect were the significant environmental variables that affect the distribution pattern, composition and diversity of plant species and communities of Beer Hills. Identification of indicator and rare plant species in the specific micro-habitat can further be used for conservation management purposes.

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at king Saud University for its funding this Research group NO (RG-1435-014).

Footnotes

Peer review under responsibility of King Saud University.

Contributor Information

Shujaul Mulk Khan, Email: smkhan@qau.edu.pk.

Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah, Email: eabdallah@ksu.edu.sa.

Appendix A.

See Appendix A.

Appendix A.

Importance value index (IVI) of each plant species in the studied area.

No. S Plant name
 Plant name
 Plant name
 Plant name
Plant name T IVI 1 T IVI 2 Plant name T IVI 3 Plant name T IVI 4
1 Ficus benghalensis 279.9 Acacia nilotica 173.8 Mallotus philippensis 286.9 Acacia modista 68.8
2 Mallotus philippensis 263.2 Acacia modista 123.3 Pistacia integerrima 151.8 Ziziphus jujuba 62.2
3 Broussonetia papyrifera 208.2 Ziziphus jujube 96.6 Acacia modista 69.5 Mallotus philippensis 61.4
4 Ficus carica 181.5 Olea ferruginea 67 Ziziphus jujube 69.2 Acacia nilotica 52.3
5 Dalbergia sissoo 179.7 Ficus carica 32.4 Acacia nilotica 68.8 Morus nigra 24.6
6 Mangifera indica 165.3 Mallotus philippensis 32 Ficus carica 57.4 Ficus carica 14.3
7 Ziziphus jujube 129 Punica granatum 29 Morus nigra 38.8 Broussonetia papyrifera 6.2
8 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 125 Broussonetia papyrifera 12 Olea ferruginea 37.8 Ailanthus altissima 0
9 Morus alba 121.7 Melia azedarach 12 Broussonetia papyrifera 27.7 Cassia fistula 0
10 Acacia modista 121.4 Morus nigra 9.9 Ficus racemosa 6 Ceiba pentandra 0
11 Morus nigra 119.9 Dalbergia sissoo 9 Morus alba 4.6 Citrus aurantium 0
12 Ficus racemosa 115.5 Ailanthus altissima 0 Melia azedarach 3.8 Dalbergia sissoo 0
13 Populus ciliata 112.6 Cassia fistula 0 Ailanthus altissima 0 Eriobatrya japonica 0
14 Acacia nilotica 108.5 Ceiba pentandra 0 Cassia fistula 0 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 0
15 Melia azedarach 95.4 Citrus aurantium 0 Ceiba pentandra 0 Ficus benghalensis 0
16 Ailanthus altissima 62.1 Eriobatrya japonica 0 Citrus aurantium 0 Ficus racemosa 0
17 Punica granatum 58.9 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 0 Dalbergia sissoo 0 Ficus religiosa 0
18 Pistacia integerrima 56.4 Ficus benghalensis 0 Eriobatrya japonica 0 Juglans regia 0
19 Citrus aurantium 55 Ficus racemosa 0 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 0 Mangifera indica 0
20 Pterospermum acerifolium 34.1 Ficus religiosa 0 Ficus benghalensis 0 Melia azedarach 0
21 Eriobatrya japonica 30 Juglans regia 0 Ficus religiosa 0 Morus alba 0
22 Ceiba pentandra 29.9 Mangifera indica 0 Juglans regia 0 Olea ferruginea 0
23 Cassia fistula 25.6 Morus alba 0 Mangifera indica 0 Populus ciliata 0
24 Syzygium cumini 22.5 Populus ciliata 0 Populus ciliata 0 Pistacia integerrima 0
25 Juglans regia 17.3 Pistacia integerrima 0 Pterospermum acerifolium 0 Pterospermum acerifolium 0
26 Ficus religiosa 15.4 Pterospermum acerifolium 0 Punica granatum 0 Punica granatum 0
27 Olea ferruginea 14.8 Syzygium cumini 0 Syzygium cumini 0 Syzygium cumini 0
28 Justicia adhatoda 259.1 Dodonaea viscosa 194.15 Dodonaea viscosa 366.8 Berberis lycium 140.6
29 Otostegia limbata 198.7 Justicia adhatoda 190.55 Berberis lyceum 185.3 Dodonaea viscosa 133.9
30 Nerium oleander 179 Otostegia limbata 94.4 Otostegia limbata 162.5 Periploca aphylla 104.4
31 Dodonaea viscosa 174.6 Sageretia brendrethiana 85.5 Carissa opaca 117.8 Justicia adhatoda 89.5
32 Cotoneaster dammeri 167.7 Colebrookea opposifolia 29 Sageretia brendrethiana 93.3 Ziziphus nummularia 48.1
33 Marrubium supinum 161 Ziziphus nummularia 14.4 Cotoneaster dammeri 87 Cotoneaster dammeri 30.6
34 Colebrookea opposifolia 112.9 Marrubium supinum 13 Justicia adhatoda 72.2 Sageretia brendrethiana 26.2
35 Ziziphus nummularia 86.9 Gymnosporia royleana 12 Ziziphus nummularia 70.5 Otostegia limbata 25
36 Woodfordia fruticosa 86.3 Cotoneaster dammeri 11.6 Periploca aphylla 58.6 Carissa opaca 15
37 Gymnosporia royleana 79.3 Ricinus communis 1.4 Gymnosporia royleana 57.1 Gymnosporia royleana 13.7
38 Lantana camara 76.05 Calotropis procera 1.03 Aerva javanica 28.4 Aerva javanica 0
39 Ipomoea carnea 75.15 Aerva javanica 0 Marrubium supinum 28 Calotropis procera 0
40 Berberis lyceum 75 Berberis lyceum 0 Colebrookea opposifolia 17.3 Clerodendrum Philippinum 0
41 Clerodendrum Philippinum 62.79 Carissa opaca 0 Calotropis procera 0 Colebrookea opposifolia 0
42 Parthenocissus semicordata 62 Clerodendrum Philippinum 0 Clerodendrum Philippinum 0 Ipomoea carnea 0
43 Rubus fruticosus 53 Ipomoea carnea 0 Ipomoea carnea 0 Jasminum nudiforum 0
44 Carissa opaca 28.9 Jasminum nudiforum 0 Jasminum nudiforum 0 Jasminum officinale 0
45 Sageretia brendrethiana 23.9 Jasminum officinale 0 Jasminum officinale 0 Lantana camara 0
46 Jasminum nudiforum 17 Lantana camara 0 Lantana camara 0 Marrubium supinum 0
47 Ricinus communis 16.1 Nerium oleander 0 Nerium oleander 0 Nerium oleander 0
48 Jasminum officinale 14.1 Parthenocissus semicordata 0 Parthenocissus semicordata 0 Parthenocissus semicordata 0
49 Calotropis procera 8.75 Periploca aphylla 0 Ricinus communis 0 Ricinus communis 0
50 Aerva javanica 0 Rubus fruticosus 0 Rubus fruticosus 0 Rubus fruticosus 0
51 Periploca aphylla 0 Woodfordia fruticosa 0 Woodfordia fruticosa 0 Woodfordia fruticosa 0
52 Cynodon dactylon 1145 Cynodon dactylon 302 Cynodon dactylon 525 Cynodon dactylon 560
53 Cannabis sativa 800 Solanum surattense 220 Avena barbata 264 Avena barbata 198
54 Avena barbata 651 Parthenium hysterophorus 215 Melica persica 221 Euphorbia hirta 190
55 Nasturtium officinale 646 Medicogo denculatus 203 Medicogo denculatus 202 Medicogo denculatus 160
56 Parthenium hysterophorus 643 Avena barbata 187 Artemisia absinthium 190 Delphinium bicolor 149
57 Euphorbia helioscopia 640 Euphorbia hirta 93 Parthenium hysterophorus 168 Melica persica 145
58 Medicogo denculatus 605 Euphorbia helioscopia 74 Argemone mexicana 159 Conyza bonariensis 125
59 Malva neglecta 574 Rumex dentatus 73 Euphorbia hirta 144 Conyza canadensis 111
60 Euphorbia helerophylla 548 Delphinium bicolor 67 Euphorbia helioscopia 127 Echinochloa colona 92
61 Rumex dentatus 434 Amaranthus viridis 64 Polygonum aviculare 121 Solanum surattense 92
62 Mentha piperita 428 Ajuga bracteosa 55 Salvia coccinea 121 Polygonum aviculare 79
63 Xanthium strumarium 414 Alternanthera hirtula 51 Solanum surattense 121 Hybiscus caesius 68
64 Persicaria globra 385 Adiantum caudatum 46.05 Lepidium virginicum 115 Argemone mexicana 62
65 Amaranthus viridis 322 Oxalis corniculata 45 Barleria cristata 113 Parthenium hysterophorus 62
66 Euphorbia hirta 316 Malvastrum coromandelianum 44 Alternanthera hirtula 103 Salvia coccinea 60
67 Sorghum vulgare 316 Verbascum Thapsus 44 Xanthium strumarium 102 Chenopodium album 59
68 Mentha longiafolia 300 Cyperus rotundus 43 Bidens pilosa 96 Leucas cephalota 57
69 Melica persica 263 Arundo donax 36 Cannabis sativa 72 Ajuga bracteosa 54
70 Celosia argentea 259 Chenopodium album 32 Conyza canadensis 71 Barleria cristata 36
71 Cichorium intybus 258 Argemone mexicana 30 Conyza bonariensis 67 Sorghum vulgare 34
72 Mirabilis jalapa 244 Cannabis sativa 30 Delphinium bicolor 64 Oxalis corniculata 32
73 Conyza canadensis 227 Cyperus niveus 21 Amaranthus spinosus 62 Xanthium strumarium 30
74 Arundo donax 220 Solanum nigrum 19 Rumex dentatus 62 Achyranthes aspera 0
75 Bidens pilosa 211 Malva neglecta 18 Pentanema indicum 58 Adiantum caudatum 0
76 Commelina communis 211 Mirabilis jalapa 18 Cichorium intybus 55 Alternanthera hirtula 0
77 Solanum nigrum 208 Convolvulus arvensis 16 Malvastrum coromandelianum 55 Alternanthera philoxeroides 0
78 Chenopodium album 202 Solanum pseudocapsicum 15 Leucas cephalota 49 Amaranthus spinosus 0
79 Ranunculus muricatus 202 Bidens pilosa 13 Chenopodium album 46 Amaranthus viridis 0
80 Pastinaca sativa 196 Conyza Canadensis 13 Echinochloa colona 43 Anthriscus sylvestris 0
81 Echinochloa colona 182 Ranunculus muricatus 8 Verbascum thapsus 39 Artemisia absinthium 0
82 Anthriscus sylvestris 160 Cichorium intybus 7 Ajuga bracteosa 38.08 Arundo donax 0
83 Lepidium virginicum 160 Achyranthes aspera 6.05 Malva neglecta 37 Bidens pilosa 0
84 Leucas cephalota 157 Phegopteris connectilis 6 Arundo donax 34 Brassica compestris 0
85 Amaranthus spinosus 155 Physalis angulata 1 Hybiscus caesius 34 Cannabis sativa 0
86 Malvastrum coromandelianum 153 Alternanthera philoxeroides 0 Vaccaria pyramidata 29 Celosia argentea 0
87 Verbascum thapsus 149 Amaranthus spinosus 0 Urtica dioica 10 Cichorium intybus 0
88 Corchorus olitorius 145 Anthriscus sylvestris 0 Ipomoea hederacea 6 Commelina communis 0
89 Oxalis corniculata 140 Artemisia absinthium 0 Ipomoea purpurea 6 Convolvulus arvensis 0
90 Solanum virginanum 130 Barleria cristata 0 Physalis angulata 1 Corchorus olitorius 0
91 Vaccaria pyramidata 128 Brassica compestris 0 Solanum virginanum 1 Cynoglossum zeylanicum 0
92 Urtica dioica 121 Celosia argentea 0 Achyranthes aspera 0 Cyperus niveus 0
93 Alternanthera hirtula 120 Commelina communis 0 Adiantum caudatum 0 Cyperus rotundus 0
94 Marsilea villosa 118 Conyza bonariensis 0 Alternanthera philoxeroides 0 Datura alba 0
95 Debregeasia salicifolia 110.3 Corchorus olitorius 0 Amaranthus viridis 0 Debregeasia salicifolia 0
96 Triticum aestivum 108 Cynoglossum zeylanicum 0 Anthriscus sylvestris 0 Diclipter roxburghiana 0
97 Adiantum caudatum 107.65 Datura alba 0 Brassica compestris 0 Euphorbia helerophylla 0
98 Convolvulus arvensis 106 Debregeasia salicifolia 0 Celosia argentea 0 Euphorbia helioscopia 0
99 Cynoglossum zeylanicum 103 Diclipter roxburghiana 0 Commelina communis 0 Ipomoea hederacea 0
100 Pentanema indicum 100 Echinochloa colona 0 Convolvulus arvensis 0 Ipomoea purpurea 0
101 Solanum pseudocapsicum 99 Euphorbia helerophylla 0 Corchorus olitorius 0 Lepidium virginicum 0
102 Solanum surattense 99 Hybiscus caesius 0 Cynoglossum zeylanicum 0 Malva neglecta 0
103 Ipomoea hederacea 93 Ipomoea hederacea 0 Cyperus niveus 0 Malvastrum coromandelianum 0
104 Ipomoea purpurea 93 Ipomoea purpurea 0 Cyperus rotundus 0 Marsilea villosa 0
105 Ajuga bracteosa 87 Lepidium virginicum 0 Datura alba 0 Mentha longiafolia 0
106 Datura alba 85 Leucas cephalota 0 Debregeasia salicifolia 0 Mentha piperita 0
107 Polygonum aviculare 82 Marsilea villosa 0 Diclipter roxburghiana 0 Mirabilis jalapa 0
108 Barleria cristata 80 Melica persica 0 Euphorbia helerophylla 0 Nasturtium officinale 0
109 Brassica compestris 79 Mentha longiafolia 0 Marsilea villosa 0 Oxalis corymbosa 0
110 Alternanthera philoxeroides 78 Mentha piperita 0 Mentha longiafolia 0 Pastinaca sativa 0
111 Conyza bonariensis 76 Nasturtium officinale 0 Mentha piperita 0 Pentanema indicum 0
112 Physalis angulata 72 Oxalis corymbosa 0 Mirabilis jalapa 0 Persicaria globra 0
113 Hybiscus caesius 71 Pastinaca sativa 0 Nasturtium officinale 0 Phegopteris connectilis 0
114 Salvia coccinea 60 Pentanema indicum 0 Oxalis corniculata 0 Physalis angulata 0
115 Phegopteris connectilis 59 Persicaria globra 0 Oxalis corymbosa 0 Ranunculus muricatus 0
116 Achyranthes aspera 57.83 Polygonum aviculare 0 Pastinaca sativa 0 Rumex dentatus 0
117 Delphinium bicolor 57 Salvia coccinea 0 Persicaria globra 0 Solanum nigrum 0
118 Diclipter roxburghiana 52 Solanum virginanum 0 Phegopteris connectilis 0 Solanum pseudocapsicum 0
119 Argemone mexicana 50 Sorghum vulgare 0 Ranunculus muricatus 0 Solanum virginanum 0
120 Artemisia absinthium 43 Triticum aestivum 0 Solanum nigrum 0 Triticum aestivum 0
121 Oxalis corymbosa 30 Urtica dioica 0 Solanum pseudocapsicum 0 Urtica dioica 0
122 Cyperus niveus 0 Vaccaria pyramidata 0 Sorghum vulgare 0 Vaccaria pyramidata 0
123 Cyperus rotundus 0 Xanthium strumarium 0 Triticum aestivum 0 Verbascum thapsus 0
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