Floristic Survey of Agroecosystems of Nampula Research Station
Authors: Mamba Aristides Cassiano , Tage Matilde da Martina Ussene , Arlindo Elisabete 
Published: February 2025

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the flora existing in Nampula Agricultural Station, specifically identifying all plant species existing in the surrounding area and classifying them according to their uses.

Theoretical Framework: Plant species can be classified according to their use: timber, ornamental, edible, fruit, medicinal, shade and also toxic. From a landscaping/ornamental point of view, plants can be divided into trees, shrubs, climbing plants, palm trees and cycads, herbaceous plants, bedding plants, lawns, aquatic plants, succulents, flowering plants and bromeliads. Ethnobiological studies are important for the conservation of species and cultural heritage in threatened urban spaces. In the species identification system, various identification materials are used, including physical manuals and software. Good identification material should be useful to anyone without any knowledge of botany, easy to use, capable of identifying plants at any stage of growth, tolerant of observable errors, useful in the office as well as in the field and have regularly updated information.

Method: The Study was carried out at the Institute of Agricultural Research of Mozambique (IIAM) – Northeast Zonal Centre (CZnd), Nampula Research Station (PAN), Mozambique. The methodology adopted for all species was participatory action research and direct observation, that is, field and/or exploratory research which consisted of random walks through the agronomic station and direct identification of them. For herbaceous plants, one part was identified in the field and another was collected for identification in the laboratory using WIKTROP software and field manuals.

Results and Discussion: The results obtained reveal that 37 analyzed plants were grouped into 5 categories and groups (timber, ornamental, medicinal, fruit and shade plants). As a result, ornamental species are the majority of plants found in the PAN (30), followed by medicinal and shade species, with 19 and 18, respectively. Finally fruit trees and timber trees with 11 and 7 trees each. As for herbaceous plants, a total of 20 (twenty) species and 11 (eleven) families were identified. The results of this research make it possible to understand the floristic potential of the place, as well as to know the herbaceous species (weeds and weeds) for their conservation and combat within agricultural ecosystems. One of the major limitations of the study has to do with the seasonality of the species, as well as the lack of adequate instruments for their identification.

Research Implications: This study is very important and has great implications for agricultural research since once the species existing in agroecosystems are known, it will allow the researcher to better plan his production and testing area, as well as define the priorities of species to be produced. The study can cover several areas of research and knowledge, involving areas such as the environment, agriculture and livestock.

Originality/Value: This study represents the initial milestone in surveying the flora of the Nampula Agricultural Station, which will culminate in the publication of a book and/or compendium of all identified species for future consultation, as well as a field guide. The data obtained in this research can be used as reference material for other researchers, students and the general public. The biggest focus is on identifying herbaceous plants and weeds, which will greatly impact agroecosystems.