Abstract
The phytogeography of Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR), Odisha, India, reveals very interesting information on distribution of tree species. Phytogeographical affinities of tree species of SBR has been analysed by obtaining the information about the species distribution at local and global scale. A total of 240 tree species were recorded and their phytogeographical affinities were compiled with different countries of the globe. An analysis of the affinities revealed that SBR has strong affinity with Sri-Lanka (46.66%) and Myanmar (45.83%) followed by China, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and Africa. SBR has also affinity with Himalayan vegetation possessing several trees and orchids find distribution in both the areas. The phytogeographical affinity of SBR supports the migration, establishment and naturalization of flora from/to SBR. This hypothesis needs further study for biogeographical mapping of Indian sub-continent.
Highlights
In recent time, remarkable changes have been observed in the environment due to both man-made and natural factors resulting destruction and degradation of natural habitats
Tropical forests harbour ca 50% of total species in the world occupying only 7% land area which is getting disappeared at a rate of 0.8 to 2% per year (Sagar et al, 2003)
The present study focuses on phytogeographical affinity of tree species of Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR) and its significance
Summary
Remarkable changes have been observed in the environment due to both man-made and natural factors resulting destruction and degradation of natural habitats. India is a mega biodiversity country where the floral distribution and diversity is highly influenced by its varied climatic, topographic and edaphic conditions. Starting from the north Himalayas to the south Nilgiri hills and Western Ghats a wide range of diversity in flora and their habitat is observed. According to great British botanist Sir JD Hooker (1904), “the Indian flora is more varied than any of the country of equal area in the eastern hemisphere, if not in the globe”. The state of Odisha in Eastern India is rich in diversity and inhabited mixture of north and south Indian flora. The floristic elements of India share the predominant affinities with the Indo-Malayan elements. Rana et al (2001) studied the phytogeographical affinity of Tons valley, Uttaranchal; Suresh and Sukumar (1999) on Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Pragason (2014) on Eastern Ghats, Sukumar et al Many workers have contributed moderately on phytogeographical study of Indian sub-continent. Rana et al (2001) studied the phytogeographical affinity of Tons valley, Uttaranchal; Suresh and Sukumar (1999) on Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Pragason (2014) on Eastern Ghats, Sukumar et al
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