Distribution pattern and associated flora of Jurinea dolomiaea in the western Himalayan highlands of Kashmir: An indicator endemic plant of alpine phytodiversity

Abstract

Jurinea dolomiaea is a prime indicator plant of the alpine regions endemic to the Himalayas which performs important ecosystem services critical to the existence of the associated endemic plants and habitat stability. Current study was designed with the specific objectives to investigate the distribution pattern and community structure of Jurinea dolomiaea and associated flora and analyze the species-environment relationship in the Western Himalayas region of Kashmir, Pakistan. It is hypothesized that distribution pattern of J. dolomiaea and associated community structure is strongly influenced by environment prevalent variables. The present study revealed a total of 60 plant species belonging to 50 genera and 25 families recorded in association with J. dolomiaea with Asteraceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae as the dominant plant families. J. dolomiaea was recorded with highest average IVI value of 31.01 accompanied by Co-dominant taxa including Sibbaldia cunneata, Carex nubigena, Poa alpina and Poa pratensis. Jurinea dolomiaea exhibited a distinct distribution pattern in open sunny slopes confined to the south facing aspect receiving maximum solar insolation enabling the plant to survive in extremely cold alpine habitat. The average values of Simpson’s and Shannon’s diversity for the recorded plant communities were 0.90 and 2.67 respectively, whereas Species evenness averaged as 0.68. Vegetation exhibited relatively higher (>50) value of maturity averaging as 62.57. Analysis of the endemism in the local flora revealed a total of 27 species endemic to the Western Himalayas in an altitude range of 3200–4400 m, making 45.00% of the total recorded species. J. dolomiaea was found to be an important part of plant based local ethnomedicinal healthcare system in the mountain communities. Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis identified the dominant taxa specific species assemblages in the local flora correlated with environmental variables. About 19 species having low (>2) IVI values associated were classified as rare. Current study validated the role of Jurinea dolomiaea as a strong ecological indicator of alpine habitats critically important for the associated valuable endemic alpine flora. An integrated approach is recommended for conservation management of Jurinea dolomiaea communities in the Western Himalayan alpines.