Endemism of plants in the Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro, Tanzania

A survey was conducted to determine richness of Vascular Endemic Plants of the Uluguru Mountains in Morogoro, Tanzania. Strict and near-endemic species were identified and their habits, habitats and altitudinal ranges were indicated. About 108 strict endemic plant species were identified in the Uluguru Mountains. Most of the endemic species are shrubs followed by herbs, trees and climbers, and are confined to the families Rubiaceae (38 species in 11 general), Orchidaceae (13 species in 7 general) and Balsaminaceae (11 species in 1 genus). The major habitat for endemic species is the montane rain forest on the windward side ranging between 1200 and 2450 m a.s.l. The major areas where the Uluguru endemics are concentrated are the forests of Bondwa/Lupanga followed by Lukwangule/Chenzema and then Bunduki and Mgeta. These areas are therefore the major hotspots for the endemism in the Uluguru Mountains. The information presented in this paper will contribute to the conservation and management of the biodiversity of the Uluguru Mountains.