Exploring botanical varieties in alpine landscape of Himalayas: A study of vegetation and species composition in Madhmaheshwar Valley, Western Himalaya, India
Alpine meadows emerged as the hallmark vegetation type, embodying the essence of botanical richness. In this research endeavor, the focus was on exploring the intricate tapestry of alpine flora nestled within the Madhmaheshwar Valley, spanning elevations ranging from 3200 to 4950 meters above sea le...
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Elsevier
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Trees, Forests and People |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324001791 |
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| author | Sunit Singh J.P. Mehta Bikarma Singh |
| author_facet | Sunit Singh J.P. Mehta Bikarma Singh |
| author_sort | Sunit Singh |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Alpine meadows emerged as the hallmark vegetation type, embodying the essence of botanical richness. In this research endeavor, the focus was on exploring the intricate tapestry of alpine flora nestled within the Madhmaheshwar Valley, spanning elevations ranging from 3200 to 4950 meters above sea level. This comprehensive study yielded a trove of botanical insights, documenting an impressive assemblage of 462 distinct plant species. These species were carefully cataloged across 237 genera, encompassing a rich diversity represented by 61 distinct families. In the study area, the family Asteraceae was the dominant family with 58 species and 30 genera followed by Rosaceae with 33 species and 16 genera, and Ranunculaceae with 27 species across 15 genera. Among the genera Carex L., with 10 species, was the dominant, followed by Saxifraga Tourn. ex L., Gentiana Tourn. ex L., Pedicularis L., and Primula L. followed closely behind with nine species each. Additionally, Rhodiola L., Bistorta (L.) Scop., and Epilobium Dill. ex L. displayed their vitality with seven species each. The study used meticulous research methodology to categorize forest types based on floral diversity and altitude distribution. Rigorous verification processes ensured the reliability of findings, with specimens identified using up-to-date references and cross-referenced with authentic herbarium samples. Fieldwork occurred between early May and late October, aligning with seasonal accessibility due to heavy snowfall the rest of the year. Alpine meadows and scrubs dominated the study area, highlighting their resilience. Alpine plants showcased various adaptive morphologies, such as cushion-forming and mat-forming structures, with thick cuticles defending against desiccation. Despite harsh conditions, these plants displayed modified structures enabling growth and blossoming. Many were highly specialized, emphasizing unique adaptations to their habitats. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6c7d149ac4fb4b81a2681787402c77dd |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2666-7193 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
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| series | Trees, Forests and People |
| spelling | doaj-art-6c7d149ac4fb4b81a2681787402c77dd2024-12-01T05:08:25ZengElsevierTrees, Forests and People2666-71932024-12-0118100672Exploring botanical varieties in alpine landscape of Himalayas: A study of vegetation and species composition in Madhmaheshwar Valley, Western Himalaya, IndiaSunit Singh0J.P. Mehta1Bikarma Singh2Department of Botany and Microbiology, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal) 246174, Uttarakhand, IndiaDepartment of Botany and Microbiology, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal) 246174, Uttarakhand, IndiaBotanic Garden, Plant Conservation and Agrotechnology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; Corresponding author.Alpine meadows emerged as the hallmark vegetation type, embodying the essence of botanical richness. In this research endeavor, the focus was on exploring the intricate tapestry of alpine flora nestled within the Madhmaheshwar Valley, spanning elevations ranging from 3200 to 4950 meters above sea level. This comprehensive study yielded a trove of botanical insights, documenting an impressive assemblage of 462 distinct plant species. These species were carefully cataloged across 237 genera, encompassing a rich diversity represented by 61 distinct families. In the study area, the family Asteraceae was the dominant family with 58 species and 30 genera followed by Rosaceae with 33 species and 16 genera, and Ranunculaceae with 27 species across 15 genera. Among the genera Carex L., with 10 species, was the dominant, followed by Saxifraga Tourn. ex L., Gentiana Tourn. ex L., Pedicularis L., and Primula L. followed closely behind with nine species each. Additionally, Rhodiola L., Bistorta (L.) Scop., and Epilobium Dill. ex L. displayed their vitality with seven species each. The study used meticulous research methodology to categorize forest types based on floral diversity and altitude distribution. Rigorous verification processes ensured the reliability of findings, with specimens identified using up-to-date references and cross-referenced with authentic herbarium samples. Fieldwork occurred between early May and late October, aligning with seasonal accessibility due to heavy snowfall the rest of the year. Alpine meadows and scrubs dominated the study area, highlighting their resilience. Alpine plants showcased various adaptive morphologies, such as cushion-forming and mat-forming structures, with thick cuticles defending against desiccation. Despite harsh conditions, these plants displayed modified structures enabling growth and blossoming. Many were highly specialized, emphasizing unique adaptations to their habitats.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324001791FloristicsAlpine floraWestern HimalayaVascular plantsDiversity |
| spellingShingle | Sunit Singh J.P. Mehta Bikarma Singh Exploring botanical varieties in alpine landscape of Himalayas: A study of vegetation and species composition in Madhmaheshwar Valley, Western Himalaya, India Trees, Forests and People Floristics Alpine flora Western Himalaya Vascular plants Diversity |
| title | Exploring botanical varieties in alpine landscape of Himalayas: A study of vegetation and species composition in Madhmaheshwar Valley, Western Himalaya, India |
| title_full | Exploring botanical varieties in alpine landscape of Himalayas: A study of vegetation and species composition in Madhmaheshwar Valley, Western Himalaya, India |
| title_fullStr | Exploring botanical varieties in alpine landscape of Himalayas: A study of vegetation and species composition in Madhmaheshwar Valley, Western Himalaya, India |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring botanical varieties in alpine landscape of Himalayas: A study of vegetation and species composition in Madhmaheshwar Valley, Western Himalaya, India |
| title_short | Exploring botanical varieties in alpine landscape of Himalayas: A study of vegetation and species composition in Madhmaheshwar Valley, Western Himalaya, India |
| title_sort | exploring botanical varieties in alpine landscape of himalayas a study of vegetation and species composition in madhmaheshwar valley western himalaya india |
| topic | Floristics Alpine flora Western Himalaya Vascular plants Diversity |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324001791 |
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