Abstract

The aim of this study is to give an inventory on the flora diversity around Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, Warri, Delta State. Plant species present in and around the refinery were sampled using line transecting method. Direct observation of plants growing freely around the refinery was adopted and the collected plant samples were identified. Total of forty-five (45) plants species were encountered. Majority of the plants were shrubs with a total of eighteen (18) plants accounting for 40.0% of the total plants. This was followed by herbs with a total of seventeen (17) plants accounting for 37.8% of the total plants encountered. Tree recorded the least with a total of ten plants accounting for 22.2% of the total plants. From the survey of the plant diversity within the WRPC environs, a total of 45 plants which cut across twenty eight (28) families were encountered and documented. The result of the study has shown the rich nature and diverse plant species within the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company. The status of plant diversity within the refinery environment could be under threat due to refinery effluents and discharge. There is need for environmental management to sustain vegetation for future purposes.