INTRODUCTION:
The State of Jammu & Kashmir, forming major part of the Northwest Himalayan Biogeographic zone, has a good representation of arboreal plants; in Kashmir province alone ca.15 % flora comprising trees and shrubs (Dar & Khuroo 2013).The overall arboreal flora in Kashmir valley is represented by 295 species of trees and shrubs, distributed over 120 genera and 60 families (Ara et. al.1995). Poonch district because of congenial geographical and climatic conditions is rich in flora and fauna. Out of 1674 Km2 geographical area, 951 Km2 lies under demarcated forests as per settlement record of 1961-62.It includes a large number of trees and shrubs, some of which are very rare and highly localized. These woody plants occur along a wide range of altitude, ranging from subtropical, through temperate to alpine zones, as in other regions of the State.
Situated in western part of state Poonch lies between 330 -2 to 340 -01 N latitude and 730 - 58 to 740 -35 E longitude and plotted on survey of India Degree Sheet number 43K.This hilly district with small fertile valleys is surrounded by Pir Panjal mountain range in the North and NE. On the other side are boundaries of district Shopian ,Baramula, Budgam and Kulgam. Rajouri District is in the South and shares border with POK in west.
The geographical area excluding that of POK is just 1.65% of total area of state. The district is headquartered at Poonch town and comprises 179 inhabited villages near LOC. The district is divided into four Tehsils i.e; Haveli, Mandi , Surankote and Mendhar with 6 C.D. Blocks i.e; Poonch, Mandi, Surankote, Bufliaz, Mendhar and Balakote .
As per census the population of Poonch district is 3,72,613 persons with a density of 223 persons km2. People of different faiths, caste, colour and creed are living harmoniously and speak Pahari except Gujjars / Bakarwals who speak Gojari.
Altitude ranges from 700 M at Mankote Mendhar to 4700 M on Pir Panjal peaks. The region can be divided into three climatic zones i.e; subtropical zone, temperate and alpine. Whereas Mendhar and Poonch town fall in subtropical zone, Mandi Town and Surankote town in temperate zones. The upper reaches of Pir Panjal range cover alpine zone with lush green meadows surrounded by touching peaks and seven high level lakes such as Nandan Sar, Chandan Sar, Katora Sar, Bhag Sar, Gum Sar, Suksar and Kali Dachni. The average minimum and maximum temperature in the district varies from -200C to 400C. January is the coldest and June is the hottest month. The district receives precipitation in form of rain mainly through summer monsoon between July-August and also in form of snow during December to February. The average annual rainfall is 1225 mm with 56 to 73 rainy days.
Broadly two types of soils are present in the district with sub-mountainous soil towards southern part and Meadow soil over northern part. Localized wedges of alluvial soil are also present in the various valleys of the area. Soils of the district are medium in available N, low in P and K.
Among plants, woody (arboreal) species, i. e. trees and shrubs form the most conspicuous part of vegetation, especially so in the forests and scrubby areas. Forests are the most important contributors to the economics and social well-being of any country/region. They play vital role in maintaining stable environment conducive to sustained development of agriculture. Trees can grow extremely tall and provide food, cover, nesting sites and protection to many organisms. The arboreal element form a significant part of the flora, these woody plant species occurring in varied combinations and proportions to form so many different forest types in this district.
All known conifer species except Ginkgo biloba such as Ceder pine ( Cedrus deodara) king of hills, Kail (Pinus excelsa) a timber species, Spruce (Abies pindrow) growing in tension belt between fir and kail , Fir (Abies webbiana) a good raw material to feed paper/pulp industry, Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) provides resin and feeds Rosin and turpentine industry, red wood yew tree (Taxus baccata) is used in the cure of cancer.
Besides conifer species we have mixed deciduous broad leaved species occurring mainly on shady places, Nallahs and even on spurs with deep and rich soil. The prominent among these are Ban Oak (Quercus incana) making second storey under predominant Chir trees in subtropical zone , Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Dhaman (Grewia oppostifolia) and Shisham (Dalbergia sisso).
Among shrubs Anardana (Punica granatum), Tarnari (Rosa moschata),Kamilla (Mallotus philipinensis), Berry (Zizyphus jujuba ), Pakran ( Principia utilis ), Akk (Calotropis procera), Bana (Vitex negundu), Thor ( Euphorbia royleana ), Kathi (Indigofera gerardiana), Kankoli (Elaeagnus umbellata ) and Sanatha ( Dodonia visicosa), also occur in subtropical zone of Mendhar and lower parts of Poonch. In temperate zone we have Horse-chestnut (Aesculus indica) , in flowering it becomes ornamental and its soft wood is used for making cups. Chikhhari (Buxus sempervirens) is a threatened species and the factory at Thanna Mandi uses it for making combs, wooden kharaun, spoons, forks, ash trays and other decoration pieces. Bird cherry (Prunus paddus) and Tarkanna (Acer caesium) are best raw material for Plywood Industry. Bagunu (Populus celiata) feeds packing cases industry. Walnut (Juglans regia) timber of this species feeds Rifle half wrought Industry, Beesa (Salix alba) feeds match industry and Wicker work for manufacturing sticks, Boxes, purses, tables, chairs, toys.
Other economically useful species which protect the hill side, provide fodder, firewood, timber and add to the aesthetic sense besides maintaining eco-system and photosynthesis are Manu (Ulmus villosa) Ashwood ( Fraxinus hookkeri ), Mohoru oak (Quercus dilatata), Brachhar ( Quercus semicarpifolia), Khirak (Celtis australis), Arkhur (Rhus cotinus), Mulberry (Morus alba), Drawa (Cederella serrata), Toon (Cedrella toona), Chirrun (Cornus capitata), Loon (Cottoneaster bacilaris), Batangi (Pyrus pashia) and Sarol (Alnus nitida).
Among prominent shrubs are Ghuchh (Vibernum nervosum), Berberis (Berberis lycium), Pakran (Principia utilis), Kathi (Indigofera heterentha) and Patris ( Aconitum heterophyllum ) its leaves are used as medicine.
In alpine zone of Pir Panjal range we have Bhoj patar (Betula utilis), Dwarf willows ( Salix spp. ), Junipers (Juniperus recurva) and Hardulli (Rhododendron arboreum).
The scrub forests at lower altitudes near the urban areas are more prone to conversion to other land uses, such as habitation and agricultural land. In the recent past, efforts were made to check deforestation and enhance reforestation. These efforts, however, did not materialize due to poor spatial planning and monitoring of the projects, and weaknesses in land resource surveys and evaluation systems. This situation will worsen if the present rate of exploitation of flora continues and new regenerative efforts on large scale are not made. It is, therefore, necessary to pay special attention to document, protect, and preserve the natural flora. Since the arboreal flora is the main constituent of the vegetation of Poonch district, and the taxonomic diversity of this flora has not yet been satisfactorily determined using state-of-the-art botanical classification and nomenclature. It is envisaged to undertake comprehensive taxonomic studies on its arboreal flora so as to generate first hand data pertaining to all aspects of taxonomy of trees and shrubs occurring in this district. These data will help arrive at a clear picture regarding the richness of trees and shrubs in this district: their overall taxonomy, local distribution, frequency, altitudinal range, association, variation, phenology, indigenous utility and bioprospective potential, rarity and conservation scenario. These data will be of great use in up-to-date consolidation of flora of the state.