Effect of habitat variation on the structure, herbage production and oil yield of Cymbopogon flexuosus Stapf. dominated grasslands in Anamalais, the Western Ghats..

Five habitats of Cymbopogon flexuosus Stapf. dominated grasslands at differ ent altitudes viz., 550, 800, 1400, and 1650 ms. above m.s. I were selected in Anamalais. The study was carried out for a period of one year during 19 96. The results of the investigation exhibited that the site III located at an elevation of 1200 ms. registered more pronounced single species dominan ce by C. flexuosus, higher biomass structure, enhanced net primary producti on and greater content of lemon grass oil than the other sites. Among the a nalysed variables, the biotic attribute of community, the dominance index h as significant positive correlation with net primary production. Hence it i s known that the climate and altitudinal conditions prevailing in site III are suitable for the better growth of the host of minor forest produce, C. flexuosus in Anamalais.