Floristic diversity and altitudinal variation of tree species in lower Kanchenjungha Singhalila Ridge, Eastern Nepal
Date
2009
Authors
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Publisher
Department of Botany
Abstract
The present paper is based on the findings of floristic diversity inventory research work
conducted in Lower Kanchenjungha Singhalila Ridge, in Nepal sides of Eastern Himalaya.
Knowledge on floristic diversity of particular area can reflect the total resources, their use and
conservation status which is very helpful for making necessary conservation strategies and
policies. Eastern Himalaya is one of the globally important sites representing the important
biodiversity hotspots of the South Asia. Analysis of vegetation helps to develop detailed
picture of plant communities of particular geographical location.
Plants specimens were collected by two field visits viz. pre-monsoon and post-monsoon during
the period of June-October, 2007. Total 50 square quadrats of 10mx10m sized were laid down
following stratified-random sampling method for sampling trees. In each 10m×10m quadrats,
the number of individual trees was counted and dbh [diameter at breast height-1.37m, dbh ≥ 10
cm] of each tree was measured. After preservation, identification and management of collected
plants, herbarium specimens were prepared and deposited in National Herbarium and Plant
Laboratories, Godavari, Lalitpur (KATH) and Tribhuvan University Central Herbarium,
Kirtipur (TUCH).
Present study recorded 299 species among them seven species were identified only family
level, 22 species only generic level rest of them to species level falling under 184 genera and
86 families. Dicots belong to 69 families, 150 genera and 229 species whereas Monocots
include 15 families 32 genera and 39 species. Similarly, Gymnosperms represented two
families, two genera and two species. Floristic analysis showed that Rosaceae was the largest
family with 23 species followed by Ericaceae 17, and Lauraceae 9 species. The study furnished
three new addition to the flora of Nepal viz. Begonia flaviflora H. Hara (Begoniaceae), Carex
cruciata Wahlenberg var. argocarpa C. B. Clarke (Cyperaceae), and Strobilanthes helicta
Anderson (Acanthaceae). This study also mentioned 11 threatened species of different
categories and one endemic species Heracleum lallii (Umbelliferae). 30 tree species were
recorded from the altitudinal range of 2100-3000m. Eurya acuminata and Symplocos species
were dominant in lower elevation whereas Lithocarpus pachyphylla and Rhododendron species
were dominant in upper elevation range. The diversity of tree species showed hump shape
relation with elevation gradient.
Description
Keywords
Floristic diversity, Natural resources