Growth and habitat preference of Acacia decurrens Willd. (Fabaceae) after the 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi, Indonesia

Succession of Mount Merapi supported the spread of invasive species. Mount Merapi after the eruption in 2010 was dominated by Acacia decurrens. This research was conducted from December 2014 to March 2015 at locations that heavily damaged by the eruption such as Cangkringan and Kemalang Resort. All of sample units were taken using random sampling. Analysis of vegetation in plot observations were made using line transect with length of line 20 x 200 m and direction perpendicular to the contour. Morphometric variables of two habitats were carried out such as diameter at breast height (dbh), basal area, height, and volume. Habitat preference was calculated using Principle Component Analysis (PCA) in PAST 3.06. A. decurrens population after 5 years eruption has reached the level of growth poles. High density condition of A. decurrens was predicted to be able to disturb the growth of other species. Habitat preference of A. decurrens strongly correlated with temperature and slope conditions. The study about the growth condition and habitat preference of A. decurrens are important for management area and restoration program.