Observations on the Varanasi wall flora

Abstract

This study deals with the ecology of a man-made habitat, i.e., old walls and buildings of Varanasi, India. The wall flora of Varanasi includes 135 species of angiosperms, 1 species of pteridophyte, 4 species of bryophytes and one lichen. Abundant wall plants likeArthraxon lancifolius, Lindenbergia polyantha, Aristida funiculata and lichens are never seen off the walls. The vegetation of the three types of walls, viz., brick mortar, brick mud and mud walls, classified according to the materials of construction, show sharp differences, despite many common features. Analysis of the wall flora, according to Raunkiaer's life-form system, revealed a marked contrast from the adjoining ground flora in having a very high percentage of therophytes.