Introduction: Clerodendrum paniculatum Linn is a known alien species discovered in the Akure forest where it is seen co-habiting with native plants mostly at the road edge of the study area. Its introduction to the ecosystem is unknown but its occurrence in the Strict Nature Reserve indicates early stages of invasion which call for proactive management control. The assessment of C. paniculatum is aimed at reporting its ecological characteristics and current impact on the protected area in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Sampling design In March 2020, we collected samples of C. Paniculatum at two different sites; Forest Plantation and Strict Nature Reserve. Four temporary sample plots of 400m2 (two at each site) were randomly demarcated along the vegetation road edge where C. Paniculatum was found. The first 10m line of 400m2 (20m by 20m) was stationed to start from the first occurrence of C. paniculatum, where it was sighted at the spatial area from the road edge to the smaller spatial area of the site (adjacent to the road edge). The scientific name and family followed the Flora of China Editorial Committee (2020). Data analyses: The plant species were categorized using Hutchinson et al. (1963). The species relative density (Kent and Coker 1992) was calculated using Relative Density, Shannon-Wiener diversity, and Species Richness (Margalef) indices. Conclusion: C. paniculatum is relatively dominant in the Forest Plantation which could be due to its tolerance to light and its spatial distribution. The present result shows that C. paniculatum invasion is still at the early stage but these results further show species abundance has an ecological impact on the study areas. Efforts to eradicate it in the protected areas is dependent on forest management by the way of mechanical uprooting and immediate road edge rehabilitation with native species.
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