Juniperus chinensis L. (Cupressaceae): A New Taxa Record for Himalaya and Extension of Geographic Distribution in South Asia

Abstract

The present communication reports an extended distribution of Juniperus chinensis L. in the Indian Himalaya where it has been collected from Gurez valley of Jammu and Kashmir state. This record extends the known geographic distribution from Central and Southeast Asia to South Asia. Current finding strongly supports a relationship between northern Himalayan range of India and southern hill ranges of China. A detailed revised description, photographs, cone phenology, associated species and threat status as per IUCN have been provided for easy identification.