Comparing the Javanese Edelweiss (Anaphalis javanica) density in Tegal Alun, Tegal Bungbrun and Pondok Saladah of Mount Papandayan

Abstract

Javanese Edelweiss (Anaphalis Javanica) is a natural plant possessing enormous ecological benefits. It is commonly found in volcanic ash deposits and soils as in Mount Papandayan. However, It is considered as an endangered species. This study was intended to: (1) compare the density of Javanese Edelweiss in Mount Papandayan especially in Tegal Alun, Tegal Bungbrun and Pondok Saladah; (2) find out the abiotic factor effects (temperature, light intensity and soil pH) on the Javanese Edelweiss density. To this end, this study employed quantitative descriptive method. The data were collected through belt transect technique covering 100-meter-in-length and 5-meter-in-length tracks in the three different locations; Tegal Alun (28 transects), Tegal Bungbrun (3 transects) and Pondok Saladah (10 transects). The result found that the density of the Javanese Edelweiss in Tegal Alun, Tegal Bungbrun and Pondok Saladah was different. The density values are 2275.7 trees per hectare in Tegal Alun, 946.7 trees per hectare in Tegal Bungbrun and 366 trees per hectare in Pondok Saladah. For the abiotic factors, the statistical analysis revealed that air temperature, light intensity and soil pH simultaneously influence the density of Javanese Edelweiss with R = 0.85 and effect size of 70%.