Abstract
The present paper is based on the finding of floristic diversity inventory research work conducted in Lower Kanchenjungha Singhalila Ridge, in Nepal side of Eastern Himalaya. Knowledge on floristic diversity of an area can reflect the total resources, their use patterns and conservation status which have a key role for making conservation strategies and policies. Analysis of vegetation helps to develop detailed picture of plant communities of that region. A total of 299 plant species belonging to 184 genera and 86 families were found in the Lower Kanchenjungha Singhalila Ridge. Dicotyledonous flora includes 69 families, 150 genera and 229 species whereas Monocotyledonous flora includes 15 families, 32 genera and 39 species. On the basis of floristic analysis Rosaceae was found to be the largest family with 23 species followed by Ericaceae 17, and Lauraceae 9 species. Current study furnishes three new addition to the flora of Nepal viz. Begonia flaviflora H. Hara (Begoniaceae), Carex cruciate Wahlenberg var. argocarpa C. B. Clarke (Cyperaceae), and Strobilanthes helicta Anderson (Acanthaceae). Of this total, 30 woody tree species with 551 individuals and 23 genera were recorded from the altitudinal range of 2100 - 3000 m of study area. The highest relative frequency was recorded by Lithocarpus pachyphylla (18.48%), Symplocos ramosissima (16.30%), Rhododendron falconeri (13.95%), Symplocos dryophylla (10.20%). Eurya acuminate and Symplocos species were found to be dominant in lower elevation whereas Lithocarpus pachyphylla and Rhododendron species were found to be dominant in upper elevation.
Highlights
Flora refers to the brief taxonomic treatment of all plants occurring in a geographical location which generates a comprehensive account
Floristic analysis showed that Rosaceae as the largest family having 23 (8.24%) species and followed by Ericaceae 17 (6.09%), Lauraceae 9 (2.90%), Urticaceae, Labiateae, Scrophulariaceae, Asteraceae 8 (2.87%) of species
Study on floristic composition of any region gives the clear picture of floristic content, which in turn can be useful for developing strategy for conservation and management of biodiversity
Summary
Flora refers to the brief taxonomic treatment of all plants occurring in a geographical location which generates a comprehensive account. The Eastern Himalaya is recognized as a global center of species diversity [2] [3]. The high floristic diversity of this area is due to the presence of diverse ecological habitats as well as climatic variations. It is interesting phytogeographically because of Sino-Japanese and Sino-Himalayan elements. Species richness and endemism are very high in Eastern Himalaya due to the presence two biological niches viz. Indomalayan and Palaeartic realms [4]. Out of 6500 species of higher plants in Nepal flora, about two-third of the species are expected to occur in this area and the number of species are generally decreased from Central to Western Nepal [5]
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