Masoodi et al., Vegetos 2017, 30:3

Plant 10.5958/2229-4473.2016.00121.X or Re F s y e t a e i r c c h Vegetos- An International o

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Research Article a SciTechnol journal

qualitative descriptions of the forest vegetation of the Plant Species Diversity in Abies are available, scattered attempts on quantitative examinations have been made only recently. Diverse climate and varied environmental pindrow (Royle) Spach. Forest conditions prevailing in Himalaya supports diverse habitat to the flora and fauna including 9,000 species of angiosperms and hence, in Garhwal Himalayas, is considered as the hot spot of biodiversity. There are about 3,470 Haseeb Ul Rashid Masoodi1, Manisha Thapliyal1 and Singh species considered exclusively endemic to the Himalaya [5]. A very VRR2 few studies have been conducted in other parts of the region and therefore, it has been stressed that extrapolation of ecological data from one region to the other essentially requires much caution and Abstract that the patterns shown by a taxon or type in one area may not be reflected in others, even though it may be dominant at both places Present study was conducted in forests of Uttarakhand of Western Himalayas with the aim to analyse the [6]. The rich biodiversity is being utilized by the inhabitants of the diversity of plant species. The altitudinal range of the different sites region for medicine, food (wild edible), fodder, fuel, timber, making varied between 2200-3300 m above mean sea level (msl). The agriculture tools, religious and various other purposes [7,8]. analysis of species revealed that the generic spectrum belonged to 73 families, comprising of 204 genera with 315 species of trees, The forests of Western Himalayan temperate regions consists of shrubs and herbs which highlights the rich species diversity of Oak forests, Moist , Western mixed coniferous forests, higher in the Abies pindrow forests of the Western Himalaya Low level blue pine forest and forests. The most common coniferous in India. Maximum number of species belonged to family Asteraceae species in these forests are Silver fir ((Abies pindrow (Royle ex D.Don) (29 species), followed by Poaceae (23 species), Rosaceae (21 Royle), Blue Pine ( A. B. Jacks), Himalayan cedar species), Lamiaceae (17 species), Orchidaceae (15 species), ( Royal ex D. Don), Himalayan cypress (Cupressus Ranunculaceae (13 species), Apiaceae (12 species), Caprifoliaceae torulosa Don), Spruce ( wall Boiss) and Himalayan (11 species) and Polygonaceae (10 species) whereas other Yew (Taxus baccata Linn.). The natural regeneration of silver fir, families had less than 10 species. Most of the forests in the present study were pure Abies pindrow forests. Tree species primarily spruce and Himalayan yew is generally poor and first attention to this belonged to family , shrubs to Rosaceae, Berberidaceae problem was paid by Redcliffe (1906). and Caprifoliaceae whereas; herbaceous flora primarily belonged In the western Himalayan Mountains, vegetation dynamics to Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae, Ranunculaceae, Polypodiaceae, Aspleniaceae, Poaceae and Cyperacae. A total of have been neglected by researchers because of their remoteness, 198 species were present out of which 5 were trees, 50 shrubs and inaccessibility, danger, and lack of local infrastructure. The community 143 were herbaceous species. The herbaceous species comprised structure and distribution patterns are poorly understood, because of 103 herbs, 4 climbers, 21 ferns, 11 grasses and 4 sedges. they have not been given due attention by plant ecologists to date [9]. The community usually exhibits seasonal fluctuations, and its Keywords structure and composition are strongly influenced by the extent to Abies pindrow; Herbaceous; Shrubs; Species diversity; Himalayas; which periodic phenomena in the individuals are adjusted to one India another [10].

Introduction Study Area The Himalayas constitute one of the richest and most unusual Four sites bearing Abies pindrow forests were selected in the ecosystems on Earth [1]. It embodies diverse and characteristic state of Uttarakhand for undertaking the present study. Two sites vegetation distribution over a wide range of topographical variation. Mundali and Deoban fall under Chakrata forest division and Bhukki In the not too distant past, except for the high altitude mountain and Dharali sites fall under Uttarkashi forest division (Figure 1). The ranges, the entire Himalayas were covered with dense forests [2]. altitudinal range of all the four sites varied between 2200-3300 m Himalayas is one of the mega biodiversity regions of the world [3]. above msl. The latitudinal and longitudinal ranges of all the four sites Species diversity is a measure of resilience and provides resistance have been given in Table 1. against environmental changes to ecosystems [4]. The Himalayan moist temperate forest, which extends from 1500-3000 m above Material and Methods msl in the western Himalayas, is of immense significance from the Field survey and data analysis environmental conservation and sustainable development viewpoints. Within one altitude the cofactors like topography, aspect, inclination Assessment of the vegetation for inventorization of the floristic of slope and soil type effect the forest composition. Although diversity present within the study area was accomplished through stratified random sampling which was carried out in all the different altitudinal ranges varying from 2200-3300 m above msl, thereby, *Corresponding author: Haseeb Ul Rashid Masoodi, Forest Research Institute, covering all the possible zonation’s of the study area. Besides, surveys Dehradun, India, Tel: 0135 275 5277; E-mail: [email protected] in all the seasons during the years 2011 to 2013 were also ensured. Received: June 22, 2016 Accepted: August 22, 2017 Published: August 25, Samples of vascular plants were also collected and information 2017 on their altitudinal range(s), habitat(s), life form(s), etc. was also

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International Publisher of Science, copyright laws. Copyright © 2017, SciTechnol, All Rights Reserved. Technology and Medicine Citation: Masoodi HUR, Singh VRR, Thapliyal M (2017) Plant Species Diversity in Abies pindrow (Royle) Spach. Forest in Garhwal Himalayas, India. Vegetos 30:3.

doi: 10.5958/2229-4473.2016.00121.X

Figure 1: Location map of the study sites.

Table 1: Latitudinal and longitudinal attributes of the study sites. Latitudinal Range Longitudinal Range Forest Divisions Sites Elevation (m) Aspect Slope (%) (N) (E) 30º48'40.6"- 77º55'39.9"- Mundali 2300-2600 Western 20-45 30º49'02.6" 77º57'01.9" Chakrata 30º44'42.0"- 77º51'38.7"- Deoban 2500-2900 North-West 15-40 30º45'28.3" 77º52'29.5" 30º51'05.5"- 78º41'40.0"- Bhukki 2200-2500 Eastern 25-50 30º52'08.3" 78º43'05.5" Uttarkashi 30º00'13.3"- 78º45'43.3"- Dharali 2800-3300 Northern 30-60 30º00'49.1" 78º46'56.5" recorded for each of the individual species. The species were later in Table 1 (at the end of the text) which is a first ever report on the identified taking the help of earlier standard publications [11,12] flora of the said area. The species diversity was determined in terms and also through the personal field experience. All the species thus of number of species and mentioned as species richness [13]. Data identified, were later listed and analyzed for assessment of the floristic extraction and analysis were done in MS-Excel using established diversity in this area. The checklist of plants is presented in Table 1 techniques. A ‘Rank Correlation Coefficient’ was determined between (at the end of the text) which is a first ever report on the flora of the families and their species richness by assigning ranks in order of said area. The species diversity was determined in terms of number dominance. of species and mentioned as species richness [13]. Data extraction and analysis were done in MS-Excel using established techniques. A Results ‘Rank Correlation Coefficient’ was determined between families and Floristic composition their species richness by assigning ranks in order of dominance. n for inventorization of the floristic diversity present within the study area Floristic studies in the four sites i.e. Deoban, Mundali, Bhukki was accomplished through stratified random sampling which was and Dharali were conducted and results were evaluated. In Deoban, carried out in all the different altitudinal ranges varying from 2200- a total of 198 species were present out of which, 5 were trees, 50 3300 m above msl, thereby, covering all the possible zonations of the shrubs and 143 were herbaceous species (Table 2). At Mundali a total study area. Besides, surveys in all the seasons during the years 2011 to of 5 trees, 47 shrubs and 134 herbaceous species were recorded and 2013 were also ensured. Samples of vascular plants were also collected herbaceous flora further comprised of 95 herbs. Likewise at Bhukki and information on their altitudinal range(s), habitat(s), life form(s), a total of 5 trees, 47 shrubs, 134 herbs were recorded. Similarly in etc. was also recorded for each of the individual species. The species Dharali in all 5 trees, 59 shrubs, 172 herbaceous were recorded. were later identified taking the help of earlier standard publications [11,12] and also through the personal field experience. All the species Amongst the angiosperms, families like Asteraceae (45 spp.); thus identified, were later listed and analysed for assessment of the Poaceae (30 spp.); Lamiaceae (29 spp.); (23 spp.); floristic diversity in this area. The checklist of plants is presented Rosaceae (21 spp.); Orchidaceae (15 spp.); Ranunculaceae (14 spp.);

Volume 30 • Issue 3 • 1000292 • Page 2 of 9 • Citation: Masoodi HUR, Singh VRR, Thapliyal M (2017) Plant Species Diversity in Abies pindrow (Royle) Spach. Forest in Garhwal Himalayas, India. Vegetos 30:3.

doi: 10.5958/2229-4473.2016.00121.X

Table 2: Floristic composition at four different sites in Abies pindrow forest. Stellaria media, Swertia angustifolia, S. chirata, Taraxacum officinale, Sites I II III IV Teucrium quadrifarium, Thalictrum foliolosum, Verbascum thapsus, Vicia sativa, Vicoa indica, Viola canescens, V. pilosa and V. biflora; climbers:- Deoban Mundali Bhukki Dharali Plant layer Hedera nepalensis; ferns:- Adiantum capillus, Adiantum lunulatum, Trees 5 5 5 5 Araiostegia pseudocystopteris, Asplenium adiantum, Coniogramme Shrubs 50 47 47 59 serrulata, Coniogramme affinis, Hypodematium crenatum, Lepisorus Herbs 103 95 93 113 sesquipedalis and Pteris cretica; grasses:- Agrostis canina, A. jaunsarensis, Climbers 4 5 2 5 A. spathiflora, Chrysopogon fulvus, Heteropogon contortus and Poa Ferns 21 20 24 27 annua; sedges:- Carex cruciata and C. Inanis (Table 3). Grasses 11 9 10 20

Herbaceous Sedges 4 5 5 7 Discussion Total 198 186 186 236 The floristic composition of any region gives the first hand

Table 3: Presence and absence of trees, shrubs and herbaceous species in the 35 various sites. s

e 30 i

c Life Sites 25 S. No. Family e form Mundali Deoban Bhukki Dharali p 20 S Acanthaceae

f 15 o

10 Daedalacanthus .

o 5 1 nervosus (Vahl) S + + + +

N 0 T.Anderson e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a Hemigraphis latebrosa e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e 2 H + + + + c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c (Roth) Nees a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a i t r r r r s c c c l b n n d h i i i i i i g e t d o A Strobilanthes alatus a r s o r L V i h a v n n s R F 3 S + + + + e g m e c a l n a a a

t Nees y p a l r s c p o s p y O i l o a B A C y h H a l Strobilanthes P P c

e 4 S + + + + B

S atropurpureus Nees h T Adiantaceae Family Adiantum capillus 5 F + + + + Figure 2: Species composition with respect to families. Veneris L. Adiantum incisum 6 F + + + Forsk. Polygonaceae (11 spp.); Apiaceae (09 spp.); Cyperaceae, Gentianaceae, Adiantum lunulatum 7 F + + + + Liliaceae, Urticaceae (08 spp. each); Balsaminaceae, Brassicaceae, Burm. Caryophyllaceae (07 spp. each) Acanthaceae, Crassulaceae, 8 Adiantum philippense L. F - - - + Primulaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae and Solanaceae (06 spp. Alliaceae each) were recorded as the dominant families (Figure 2). 9 Allium stracheyi Baker. H - - - + Floristic composition of trees, shrubs and herbs in all the elevations 10 Allium wallichii Kunth. H - - - + were same except for few species. The common trees, shrubs and Apiaceae Acronema hookeri (C. herbs in all the sites were: trees:- Abies pindrow, Cedrus deodara and 11 H - - + - Picea smithiana; shrubs:- Arundinaria jaunsarensis, A. spathiflora, B. Clarke) H. Wolff Bupleurum candollii 12 H - - + + Berberis aristata, B. chitria, B. lycium, B. umbellata, Caesalpinia Wall. ex DC sappan, Cotoneaster microphylla, Daphne papyracea, Daedalacanthus Bupleurum hamiltonii N. 13 H + + + + nervosus, Hypericum perforatum, Ilex dipyrena, Jasminum humile, P. Balakr. J. officinale, Leucomeris spectabilis, Lonicera angustifolia, Maesa Bupleurum longicaule 14 H - - + - indica, Mahonia nepalensis, Myrsine africana, Piptanthus nepalensis, Wall. ex DC. Prinsepia utilis, Ribes gracile, Rosa macrophylla, R. sericea, Rubus Chaerophyllum macilentus, R. niveus, Sarcococca saligna, Sorbaria tomentosa, 15 acuminatum (Lindl.) H + + - - Hedge & Lamond Strobilanthes alatus, S. atropurpureus, Viburnum calamifolia, V. Chaerophyllum villosum 16 H + + - - cylindricum, V. nervosum, V. stellulatum and Wikstroemia canescens; DC herbs:- Agrimonia pilosa, Ajuga bracteosa, Ampelocissus divaricata, Heracleum candicans 17 H + + + + Anaphalis busua, Androsace umbellata, Anemone serenade, Arisaema DC propinquum, A. jacquemontii, Bistorta vaccinifolia, Bupleurum Osmorhiza aristata 18 H + + - - hamiltonii, Calanthe tricarinata, Cirsium verutum, Conyza stricta, (Thunb.) Rydb. Pimpinella acuminate Delphinium denudatum, Duchesnea indica, Evolvulus nummularius, 19 H + + - - Fragaria nubicola, Galium aparine, G. elegans, Geranium lucidum, (Edgew.) Cl. Selinum tenuifolium G. nepalense, G. wallichianum, Gerbera gossypina, Girardinia 20 H + + + + Wall. ex C.B. Clark heterophylla, Halenia elliptica, Hemigraphis latebrosa, Heracleum 21 Vicatia coniifolia DC. H - - + - candicans, Malva verticillata, Oenothera rosea, Origanum vulgare, Paeonia emodi, Persicaria hydropiper, Polygonum vaccinifolium, Aquifoliaceae Potentilla argyrophylla, Potentilla atrosanguinea, Prunella vulgaris, 22 Ilex dipyrena Wall. S + + + + Ranunculus hyperboreus, Rumex nepalensis, Selinum tenuifolium, Araceae

Volume 30 • Issue 3 • 1000292 • Page 3 of 9 • Citation: Masoodi HUR, Singh VRR, Thapliyal M (2017) Plant Species Diversity in Abies pindrow (Royle) Spach. Forest in Garhwal Himalayas, India. Vegetos 30:3.

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23 Arisaema intermedium H + + - + Leucomeris spectabilis 57 S + + + + Arisaema propinquum D. Don 24 H + + + + Shott. Parthenium 58 H - - + + Arisaema jacquemontii hysterophorus L. 25 H + + + + Bl. Saussurea auriculata 59 H - + - - (DC.) Sch. Bip. Araliaceae Saussurea costus Aralia leschenaultia 60 H - - - + 26 H - + - - (Falc.) Lipsch. (DC.) J. Wen Eleutheroccus 61 Senecio laetus Edgew. H + + - - 27 cissifolius (Griff. ex C.B. S - - + + Siegesbeckia orientalis 62 S + - - - Clarke) Nakai L. Hedera nepalensis K. Taraxacum officinale 28 C + + + + 63 H + + + + Koch Webb Aspleniaceae 64 Vicoa indica (L.) DC. H + + + + Asplenium adiantum 29 F + + + + Athyriaceae -nigrum - L. Athyrium setiferum C. 65 F - - + + Asplenium khullarii T. Chr. 30 Reichst. & Rasbach ex F - - + + Diplazium spectabile 66 F - - + + Fraser-Jenk. (Wall. ex Mett.) Ching Asplenium laciniatum 31 F - - + + Balsaminaceae D.Don Impatiens glandulifera Asplenium nesii H. 67 H - - + - 32 F + + - - Royle Christ

Asplenium Berberidaceae 33 septentrionale (L.) F - - + + 68 Berberis aristata DC. S + + + + Hoffm. Berberis chitria Buch. 69 S + + + + Asplenium tenuicaule –Ham. ex Lindl. 34 F - - + - Hayata 70 Berberis edgeworthiana S + + - + Asplenium trichomanes Berberis jaeschkeana 35 F + + - + 71 S - - - + L. C.K. Schneid. Asteraceae Berberis kumaonensis 72 S - - - + Adenocaulon bicolor C.K. Schneid. 36 H - - + - Hook. 73 Berberis lycium Royle S + + + + 37 Ainsliaea aptera DC. H + + - + Berberis umbellata 74 S + + + + Ainsliaea latifolia (D. Wall. ex G.Don 38 H - + - - Don) Sch. Bip. Berberis zabeliana 75 S + + - + Anaphalis busua Schneider 39 (Buch.-Ham. ex D. H + + + + Mahonia nepalensis Don) DC 76 S + + + + DC. Anaphalis cinnamomea 40 H - - + + Betulaceae (DC.) C.B. Clarke 77 Betula utilis D. Don T - - - + Anaphalis contorta (D. 41 H - - - + Don) Hook. f. Boraginaceae Anaphalis cuneifolia Myosotis sylvatica 42 H - - + + 78 H - + - - (DC.) Hook. f. Ehrh. ex Hoffm. 43 Anaphalis royleana DC. H + + - + Brassiaceae 44 Anaphalis trinema H + + - + 79 Rorippa indica Hiern. H + + - - 45 Anaphalis trinervis Var. H + + + - Brassicaceae Artemisia scoparia Arabis amplexicaulis 46 H + - + + 80 H - - + - Waldst. Edgew. 47 Calendula officinalis L. H + + - - Arabis pterosperma 81 H + + - - Cicerbita brunoniana Edgew. 48 (Wall. ex C.B.Clarke) H - + - - Cardamine scutata 82 H + - + - Rech.f. Thumb. 49 Cirsium verutum D. Don H + + + + Buxaceae 50 Cirsium wallichii DC. H + - - - Sarcococca saligna (D. 83 S + + + + 51 Conyza stricta Willd. H + + + + Don) Maell.-Arg. Erigeron multicaulis Caesalpiniaceae 52 H - - + + Wall. ex DC. 84 Caesalpinia sappan L. S + + + + 53 Erigeron roylei DC. H - + - - Caprifoliaceae Gerbera gossypina Leycestria Formosa 54 H + + + + 85 S + + - - (Royle) Beauverd Wall. Gerbera kunzeana A. Lonicera angustifolia 55 H + + - + 86 S + + + + Braun & Aschers Wall. ex DC Gerbera lanuginose Lonicera myrtillus Hook 56 H + + - + 87 S - - - + Benth. f. & Thomson

Volume 30 • Issue 3 • 1000292 • Page 4 of 9 • Citation: Masoodi HUR, Singh VRR, Thapliyal M (2017) Plant Species Diversity in Abies pindrow (Royle) Spach. Forest in Garhwal Himalayas, India. Vegetos 30:3.

doi: 10.5958/2229-4473.2016.00121.X

Vibunum foetens Piptanthus nepalensis 88 S - - - + 119 S + + + + Decne. (Hook.) D. Don 89 Viburnum calamifolia S + + + + 120 Trifolium pratense H - - - + Viburnum cotinifolium 121 Trifolium repens L. H - - + + 90 S + - - + D. Don 122 Vicia sativa L. H + + + + Viburnum cylindricum Quercus semecarpifolia 91 S + + + + 123 T + + - - Buch.-Ham ex D. Don Sm. Viburnum grandiflorum 92 S - - - + Gentianaceae Wall. ex DC. 124 Halenia elliptica D.Don H + + + + Viburnum nervosum 93 S + + + + Swertia angustifolia Hook. f. & Thoms. 125 H + + + + Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don Viburnum stellulatum 94 S + + + + Swertia chirata (Roxb. (Oerst.) Hemsl. 126 H + + + + ex Fleming) H. Karst. Caryophyllaceae Swertia ciliata (D. Don 127 H - + - - Arenaria orbiculata ex G. Don) B. L. Burtt 95 Royle ex Edgeworth & H + + - - Swertia cuneata Wall. J. D. Hooker 128 H - + + - ex D.Don 96 Cucubalus baccifer L. H + - + + Geraniaceae Gypsophila cerastioides 97 H - - + - 129 Geranium lucidum L. H + + + + D. Don Geranium nepalense Sigina saginoides (Linn) 130 H + + + + 98 H + + - - Sweet Karsten Geranium polyanthes Stellaria decumbens 131 H - - - + 99 H - - - + Edgew. & Hook. f. Edgew. Geranium wallichianum 132 H + + + + 100 Stellaria media (L.) Vill. H + + + + D. Don ex Sweet Stellaria monosperma Hemionitidaceae 101 Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don H + + - - Coniogramme serrulata var. paniculata 133 F + + + + (Bl.) F & eacute Colchicaceae Coniogramme affinis Disporum pullum 102 H - - + + 134 (C. Presl) Wall. ex F + + + + Salisb. Hieron. Convolvulaceae 135 Vittaria flexuosa Fée F - - - + Evolvulus nummularius 103 H + + + + Hypericaceae (L.) L. Hypericum nepalense 136 S - - - + Cyperaceae Hort. ex K. Koch Carex cruciata Hypericum perforatum 104 Se + + + + 137 H + + + + Wahlenb. L. 105 Carex inanis Kunth. Se + + + + H + - - - 106 Carex setosa Boott Se + + - + Hypodematiaceae Carex stramentitia Hypodematium 107 Se + + + Boott ex Boeck L. 138 crenatum (Forssk.) F + + + + Fimbristylis tenera Kuhn 108 Se - - + - Roem. & Schult. Iridaceae Kobresia esebbeckii Iris kemaonensis Wall. 109 Se - - - + 139 H - - + + (Kunth) Noltie ex G. Don Kobresia nitens C. B. Juncaceae 110 Se - - + + Clarke Luzula multiflora (Retz.) 140 H - + - - 111 Scirpus setaceus L. Se - - - + Lejeune 112 Scleria parvula Steud. Se + + - + Lamiaceae Ajuga bracteosa Wall. Davalliaceae 141 H + + + + ex Benth. Araiostegia 113 pseudocystopteris F + + + + 142 Ajuga parviflora Benth. H + + - + (Kunze) Copel. Anisomeles indica (L.) 143 H - - + - Araiostegia pulchra O. Kuntze 114 F - - + + (D.Don) Copel. Clinopodium umbrosum 144 H + + - - Dryopteridaceae L. Coleus forskohlii 115 Dryopteris lepidopoda F - - + + 145 H + + - - (Willd.) Briq. Fabaceae 146 Lamium alba L. H - - + - Astragalus himalayanus 116 H + - - - Klotzsch 147 Lavandula angustifolia H - - - + Crotalaria retusa 148 Origanum vulgare L. H + + + + 117 S - + + + Edgew. Phlomis bracteosa 149 H + + - - Desmodium elegans Royle ex Benth. 118 S + + - - DC. 150 Prunella vulgaris L. H + + + +

Volume 30 • Issue 3 • 1000292 • Page 5 of 9 • Citation: Masoodi HUR, Singh VRR, Thapliyal M (2017) Plant Species Diversity in Abies pindrow (Royle) Spach. Forest in Garhwal Himalayas, India. Vegetos 30:3.

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Rosmarinus officinalis Ponerorchis chusua (D. 151 H - - - + 185 H - - - + L. Don) Soo 152 Salvia glutinosa L. H - - + + Satyrium nepalense 186 H + - + - 153 Salvia leucantha Cav. H + + - - D. Don Stachys melissifolia Osmundaceae 154 H - + - - Benth. Osmunda claytoniana 187 F + + - - 155 Stachys sericea Cav. H - - + - L. Teucrium quadrifarium 188 Osmunda regalis L. F - + - - 156 H + + + + Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don Oxalidaceae Lilaceae 189 Oxalis acetosella L. H - - - + Smilacina purpurea 157 H - + - - 190 Oxalis cacetosella H + - - + Wall. 191 Oxalis corniculata L. H + + + - Gagea lutea (L.) Ker. 158 H - - + - Gawl. Paeoniaceae Lloydia longiscapa 192 Paeonia emodi Royle H + + + + 159 H - + - - Hook. 193 Papaveraceae Notholirion Meconopsis paniculata 194 H + - - - 160 macrophyllum (D. Don) H + + - - (D. Don) Prain Boiss. Pinaceae Ophiopogon 161 H + + - + Abies pindrow (Royle intermedius 195 T + + + + ex D.Don) Royle Malvaceae Cedrus deodara 196 T + + + + 162 Malva neglecta H - - + (Roxb.) G.Don 163 Malva verticillata L. H + + + + Picea smithiana (Wall.) 197 T + + + + Morinaceae Boiss. Morina longifolia Wall. Pinus wallichiana A. B. 164 H + + - - 198 T - + + - ex DC. Jacks. 165 Myrsinaceae Plantaginaceae Maesa indica (Roxb.) Wulfenia amherstiana 166 S + + + + 199 H + + + - A. DC Benth. 167 Myrsine Africana L. S + + + + Poaceae 200 Agrostis stolonifera L. G - - - + 168 Jasminum humile L. S + + + + 201 Agrostis canina L. G + + + + 169 Jasminum officinale L. S + + + + Agrostis munroona 202 G + + - + emodi Wall. ex Aitch. & Hemsl. 170 S - - + + Royle Arundinaria falcata 203 G + + - + Onagraceae Nees Oenothera rosea Arundinaria 171 H + + + + 204 G + + + + L’Herit.ex Ait. jaunsarensis Gamble Arundinaria spathiflora Orchidaceae 205 G + + + + Trin. Aorchis spathulata 172 H - - - + Chrysopogon fulvus (Lindl.) Verm. 206 G + + + + (Spreng.) Chiov. Aphyllorchis parviflora 173 H - - - + Cynodon dactylon (L.) King & Pantl. 207 G - + - - Pers. Calanthe tricarinata 174 H + + + + Lindl. Danthonia 208 cachemyriana Jaub. & G - - + + Cypripedium elegans 175 H - - - + Spach Reichb.f. Festuca gigantea (L.) Dactylorhiza hatagirea 209 G - - - + 176 H - - - + Vill. Rolphe 210 Festuca rubra L. G - - + + Goodyera fusca (Lindl.) 177 H - + - + Festuca valesiaca Hook.f. 211 G - - - + Schleich. ex Gaudin Goodyera repens (L.) 178 H + + - + R. Br. Helictotrichon 212 junghuhnii (Buse) G - - - + Gymnadenia orchidis 179 H - - - + Henrard Lindl. Heteropogon contortus Herminium lanceum 180 H - - + + 213 (L.) P.Beauv.ex Roem. G + + + + (Thunb. ex Sw.) Vuijk & Schult. 181 Malaxis acuminata H - - + + Imperata cylindrical (L.) Oreorchis indica (Lindl.) 214 G - - + + 182 H - + - + Raeusch. Hook.f. 215 Phalaris minor Retz. G - + - - Platanthera latilabris 183 H - + - + 216 Poa alpina L. G - - - + Lindl. Platanthera leptocaulon 217 Poa annua L. G + + + + 184 H - - - + Hooker f. 218 Poa setulosa G - - + +

Volume 30 • Issue 3 • 1000292 • Page 6 of 9 • Citation: Masoodi HUR, Singh VRR, Thapliyal M (2017) Plant Species Diversity in Abies pindrow (Royle) Spach. Forest in Garhwal Himalayas, India. Vegetos 30:3.

doi: 10.5958/2229-4473.2016.00121.X

Pogonatherum Aquilegia vulgaris L.var 219 G + + - + 249 H + + - - paniceum (Lam.) Hack. pubiflora Podophyllaceae 250 Caltha palustris L. H - - + + Podophyllum 251 Clematis connate DC. C + + + - 220 H + - - + hexandrum Royle Clematis gouriana 252 C + + - + Polygonaceae Roxb. ex DC. Bistorta emodi (Meisn.) Delphinium denudatum 221 H - + - - 253 H + + + + H. Hara Wall ex Hook.f. Bistorta vaccinifolia Ranunculus diffuses 222 H + + + + 254 H - + - + Wall. ex Meisn. DC. Bistorta amplexicaulis Ranunculus hirtellus 223 H - - + + 255 H - - - + (D. Don) Greene Royle 224 Persicaria hydropiper L. H + + + + Ranunculus 256 H + + + + Persicaria nepalensis hyperboreus Rottb. 225 H - + - - (Meisn.) Miyabe Thalictrum foliolosum 257 H + + + + Polygonum filicaule DC. 226 H - + - - Wall. ex Meisn. 258 Thalictrum minus L. H - + - - Polygonum Rosaceae 227 vaccinifolium Wall. ex H + + + + Agrimonia pilosa 259 H + + + + Meisn. Ledeb. 228 Rheum austral D. Don H - - - + Cotoneaster acuminate 260 S + + - + Rumex nepalensis lindl. 229 H + + + + Spreng. Cotoneaster bacillaris 261 S - + + + Polypodiaceae Wall. ex Lindl. 230 Drynaria mollis Bedd. F + + - - Cotoneaster Lepisorus pseudonudus 262 microphella Wall. ex S + + + + 231 F + + - - Ching Lindl. Lepisorus sesquipedalis Cotoneaster rosea 232 F + + + + 263 S + + - + (J. Sm.) Fraser-Jenkins Edgew. Duchesnea indica Phymatopteris 264 H + + + + 233 ebenipes (Hook.) Pic. F - - + + (Andrews) Th.Wolf Serm. Fragaria daltoniana 265 H - - + + Phymatopteris oxyloba J. Gay 234 (Wall. ex Kunze) Pic. F - - + + Fragaria nubicola Serm. 266 (Hook. f.) Lindl. ex H + + + + Phymatopteris Lacaita 235 F - - + + quasidivericata Geum elatum Wall ex 267 H - - + - Polypodiastrum G. Don 236 argutum (Wall. ex F + + - - Potentilla argyrophylla 268 H + + + + Hook.) Ching Wall. ex Lehm. Polypodiodes Potentilla 237 lachnopus (Wall. ex F - - + + 269 atrosanguinea Lodd. ex H + + + + Hooker) Ching Lehm. Polypodiodes 238 F + + - - 270 Prinsepia utilis Royle S + + + + microrhizome Pyracantha crenulata 271 S + + + - Polypodiodes D.Don 239 subamoena (CB F + + - - 272 Rosa brunonii lindl. S + + + - Clarke) Ching 273 Rosa macrophylla Lindl. S + + + + Primulaceae Androsace umbellate 274 Rosa sericea lindl. S + + + + 240 H + + + + (Lour.) Merr. 275 Rubus laciniatus Willd. S + + - + Lysimachia japonica Rubus macilentus 241 H + - + - 276 S + + + + Thunb. Camb. 242 Primula denticulate Sm. H - - - + 277 Rubus niveus Thunb. S + + + + 243 Primula reidii Duthie H - - - + Rubus pedunculosus 278 S - - + + Pteridaceae D. Don Pteris aspericaulis Wall. Sorbaria tomentosa 244 F - - + + 279 S + + + + ex Ag. (Lindl.) 245 Pteris cretica L. F + + + + 280 Spiraea bella Sims. S - - + + Spiraea canescens Ranunculaceae 281 S - - + + D. Don Aconitum 246 heterophyllum Wall. ex H - - - + Rubiaceae Royle 282 Galium aparine L. H + + + + Anemone rivularis Galium elegans Wall. 247 H + + - + 283 H + + + + Buch. –Ham. ex Roxb. 248 Anemone serenade H + + + + 284 Galium mollugo L. H + - - -

Volume 30 • Issue 3 • 1000292 • Page 7 of 9 • Citation: Masoodi HUR, Singh VRR, Thapliyal M (2017) Plant Species Diversity in Abies pindrow (Royle) Spach. Forest in Garhwal Himalayas, India. Vegetos 30:3.

doi: 10.5958/2229-4473.2016.00121.X

Rutaceae Zingiberaceae Skimmia anquitilia N. P. 315 Roscoea alpine Royle H - - - + 285 S - - + + Tayler & Airy Shaw * “+” sign indicates presence of species while “–” sign indicate Skimmia laureola 286 S + + - + absence of species Skimmia laureola Abbreviations: H= Herb, S=Shrub, T=Tree, C=Climber, F=Fern, Salicaceae Se=Sedge, G=Grass Salix denticulate 287 S - - + + Andersson Saxifragaceae Families, Bergenia ciliatac (Haw.) 73 288 H + - + + Sternb. Genra, 289 Ribes gracile Michx. S + + + + 204 Ribes himalense Royle 290 S - - + + ex Decne. Species, Saxifraga diversifolia 291 H - - - + 315 Wall. ex Ser. Schisandraceae Schisandra grandiflora 292 S - - + + Hook. f. & Thomson Figure 3: Total number of families, genera and species. Scrophulariaceae Lindernia crustacean 293 H - - + - (L.)F. Muell. information regarding the status and extend of biotic and abiotic Mazus surculosus D. 294 H - - + + interferences in that particular region and therefore the natural Don course of plant cover development in any area is manifestation of 295 Picrorhiza kurroa H - - - + ecological and anthropogenic factors prevailing there. The present 296 Verbascum Thapsus L. H + + + + study conducted in four sites located viz. Mundali (2300-2600 297 Veronica cana H - - - + m), Deoban (2500-2900 m) Bhukki (2200-2500 m) and Dharali Sinopteridaceae (2800-3300 m) having elevation classes in between temperate to Cheilanthes anceps 298 F - - + + alpine regions of Uttarakhand, revealed that the generic spectrum Blanf. belonging to 73 families, comprised of 204 genera with 315 species Cheilanthes grisea 299 F + + - - Blanf. of trees, shrubs and herbs (Figure 3). Maximum number of species 300 Cheilanthes subvilliosa F + + - - belonged to family Asteraceae (29 species), followed by Poaceae (23 species), Rosaceae (21 species), Lamiaceae (17 species), Orchidaceae Smilacaceae (15 species), Ranunculaceae (13 species), Apiaceae (12 species), 301 Smilax elegans Wall. C + + - + Caprifoliaceae (11 species) and Polygonaceae (10 species) whereas Taxaceae other families had less than 10 species. Most of the forests in the 302 Taxus baccata L. T + - + + present study were pure Abies pindrow forests. Tree species primarily Thelypteridaceae belonged to family Pinaceae, shrubs to Rosaceae, Berberidaceae Cyclogramma 303 auriculata (J. Sm.) F - - + + and Caprifoliaceae whereas; herbaceous flora primarily belonged to Ching Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae, Ranunculaceae, Polypodiaceae, Thymelaeaceae Aspleniaceae, Poaceae and Cyperacae. Daphne papyracea 304 S + + + + Wall. ex Steud. On comparing floristic composition of Abies pindrow forests at Wikstroemia canescens four different sites, it was observed that total number of plant species 305 S + + + + Meissn. at Deoban, Mundali, Bhukki and Dharali were 198, 186, 186 and 236 Urticaceae respectively. Species diversity in temperate forests varies greatly with Boehmeria macrophylla physiography and microclimate. Several studies have described the 306 H - - + + Hornem. structure of plant communities of temperate Himalayan forests [14- 307 Girardinia heterophylla H + + + + 21]. It is well known that in the sub-alpine zone microclimate has a 308 Urtica dioica L. H - - + greater role in the distribution of the species than the climate of the Valerianaceae region. Similar observations have been reported from other temperate Nardostachys jatamansi 309 H - - + + forests of the Western Himalayas [22] and mountain humid forests of (D. Don) DC. Meghalaya, Northeast India [23,24]. The findings in the present forest Violaceae sites are similar to findings of [25] for Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary 310 Viola biflora L. H + + + + and for Jaunsar-Bawar areas of Uttarakhand. Families success as 311 Viola canescens Wall. H + + + + determined in terms of number of species per family follows a power 312 Viola pilosa Blume, H + + + + function with high ‘Rank Correlation Coefficient’ (r=-0.9434, p ≤ Vitaceae 0.001, n=73) (Figure 4). The lower species replacement rate based on Parthenocissus β-diversity explained that the different sites had unique habitat and 313 semicordata (Wall.) C + - - + environmental conditions, and supported unique species (Figure 5). Planch. Ampelocissus 314 divaricata (Wall. ex H + + + + Conclusion Lawson) Planch. The study sites exhibit diverse and very rich floristic diversity

Volume 30 • Issue 3 • 1000292 • Page 8 of 9 • Citation: Masoodi HUR, Singh VRR, Thapliyal M (2017) Plant Species Diversity in Abies pindrow (Royle) Spach. Forest in Garhwal Himalayas, India. Vegetos 30:3.

doi: 10.5958/2229-4473.2016.00121.X

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p 15 relationships in a central Himalayan oak forest, Nepal. Plant Ecol 134: 67-76. S 10 19. Baduni NP, Sharma CM (1999) Community structure and growing stock variation in Quercus floribunda forest on different aspects of Garhwal 5 Himalaya. Bang J For Sci 28: 82-93. 0 20. Klimes L (2003) Life-forms and clonality of vascular plants along an altitudinal -20 0 20 40 60 80 gradient in E Ladakh (NW Himalayas). Basic Appl Ecol 4: 317-328. Family 21. Kharakwal G, Mehrortra P, Rawat YS, Pangtey YPS (2005) Phytodiversity Figure 5: Distribution of unique species. and growth form in relation to altitudinal gradient in the Central Himalayan (Kumaun) region of India. Curr Sci 89: 873-878. due to its geography and remoteness. The area is experiencing 22. Singh JS, Singh SP (1992) Forests of Himalaya: Structure, Functioning and biotic pressure because of the local people exploiting the various Impact of Man, Gyanodaya Prakashan, Nainital, India. 295. resources non-judiciously which needs conservation and awareness 23. Jamir SA, Upadhaya K, Pandey HN (2006) Life form composition and programmes. stratification of montane humid forests in Meghalaya, northeast India. Tropical Ecology 47: 183-190. Acknowledgements 24. Mishra BP, Tripathi OP, Laloo RC (2005) Community characteristics of The authors are thankful to the forest department of Uttarakhand for subtropical forests of Meghalaya and population structure of ten important providing facilities to reach and conduct such studies in these remote areas. The tree species. Biodiversity and Conservation 46: 241-251. authors are also thankful to the local people living in the villages of these areas for providing adequate information. 25. Rai ID, Adhikari BS, Rawat GS (2012) Floral diversity along sub-alpine ecosystems in Tungnath area of Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, Uttarakhand. References 138: 927-940. 1. Salick J, Zhendong F, Byg A (2009) Eastern Himalayan alpine plant ecology, Tibetan ethnobotany, and climate change. Global Environmental Change 19: 147-155. 2. Rau MA (1975) High Altitude Flowering Plants of West Himalaya. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta, India. 3. Heywood VH (2000) Global Biodiversity Assessment. Cambridge University Top Press, Cambridge. Author Affiliations 1Silvicultural Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India 4. Chapin SF, Erika S, Zavaleta V, Eviner NT, Rosamond LV, et al. (2000) 2Director, Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Panthaghati, Shimla, India Consequences of changing biodiversity. Nature 405: 234-242. 5. Samant SS, Dhar U, Palni LMS (1998) Medicinal Plants of Indian Himalaya: Diversity Distribution Potential Values. Gyanodaya Prakashan, Nainital. Submit your next manuscript and get advantages of SciTechnol 6. Zobel BD, Singh SP (1997) Himalayan Forests and Ecological Generalizations. Bio Science 47: 735-745. submissions ™™ 50 Journals 7. Samant SS, Dhar U (1997) Diversity, endemism and economic potential of ™™ 21 Day rapid review process wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya. International Journal of Sustainable ™™ 1000 Editorial team Development and World Ecology 4: 179-191. ™™ 2 Million readers ™™ Publication immediately after acceptance 8. Samant SS, Dhar U, Rawal RS (1998) Biodiversity status of a protected ™™ Quality and quick editorial, review processing area of west Himalaya. 1- Askot Wildlife Sanctuary. International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology 5: 194-199. Submit your next manuscript at ● www.scitechnol.com/submission 9. Peer T, Gruber JP, Millingard A, Hussain F (2007) Phytosociology, structure and diversity of the steppes vegetation in the mountains of Northern . Phytocoenologia 37: 1-65.

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