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In the Indian sub-continent Lantana has invaded vast tracts of dry-moist forests and other culturable wastelands, and has potentially altered biodiversity, landscape ecology and ecosystem services. It has invaded most Indian pasture lands (13.2 million ha) besides forest and fallow areas, and the cost of its control is estimated at US$ 70 per ha. This invasive weed stands out because of its rapid spread, intensity of infestation, allelopathy, opportunistic growth behaviour, reproductive biology traits and tenacious resistance to cutting and burning. This paper reviews the current knowledge on L. camara with particular focus on its ecological attributes such as biomass productivity, reproductive biology, invasiveness, allelopathy, eradication measures and economic uses reported from India. Based on the literature review it can be pointed out that the positive impacts and economic uses of Lantana outweigh its negative impacts and require further studies on cost-benefit considerations for decision making for its eradication and management.

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A general decrease in abundance of wild plant species used as sources of fuel suggests that more detailed information is urgently needed on species-level trends and their conservation. Such studies have not been carried out so far in India and elsewhere; we therefore quantified the species-wise extraction of fuel from a site (Gori Ganga Valley) in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kumaun Himalaya. In all, 31 species (26 trees and 5 shrubs) were used as fuel, of which 14 were native to the Himalaya. Utilization patterns, distributions, probabilities of use (PU), resource use indices (RUI), preferences and availabilities in forest communities of these species were determined. Use pattern did not vary much amongst low altitude villages (Similarity: 52–74%), whereas along the vertical (elevational) gradient it varied considerably (Similarity: 15–31%). Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz, Pinus roxburghii Sarg., Quercus leucotrichophora A.Camus, Macaranga pustulata King ex Hk. f., Quercus lanuginosa Don, Engelhardtia spicata Bl. and Mallotus philippensis (Lamk.) Muell. contributed most to collections, while Pyracantha crenulata (Don) Roem., Syzygium cuminii (L.) Skeels, Alnus nepalensis Don and Bauhinia vahlii Wt. & Arn. were in lesser demand. W. fruticosa, P. roxburghii, M. pustulata, Casearia elliptica Willd., E. spicata, M. philippensis, Q. leucotrichophora and Phoebe lanceolata (Nees) Nees showed high values of PU and RUI, indicating high pressure. High density of P. roxburghii, Rhododendron arboreum Sm., Q. lanuginosa, Q. leucotrichophora, Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude, C. elliptica and M. pustulata amongst trees and Maesa indica A.DC., P. crenulata and W. fruticosa amongst shrubs exhibited high density but the remaining species showed low density indicating their possible depletion. Intensive management of natural habitats of species highly-preferred for fuel, diversification of choice of species from natives to non-natives, large scale propagation of highly preferred taxa and plantation of seedlings in the degraded, uncultivated and marginal lands through peoples’ participation should promote conservation and management of fuel resources.

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In spite of the high economic value of the Saussurea species in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), the potential of most of the species is yet to be investigated. Therefore, an attempt has been made to study the diversity, distribution, habitat preference, nativity, endemism, status and indigenous uses of Saussurea species in the IHR. A total of 62 species were recorded from the IHR; of these, 37 species were native to the Himalayan region, 8 were endemic and 21 were near endemic to the IHR. Twenty-seven of the 28 species that were known to have indigenous uses also had medicinal value and are used for the treatment of various diseases/ailments. Many species, e.g., S. affinis (Ganga Mula*), S. auriculata (Pachak Kut), S. bracteata (Prerak Mul), S. costus (Kuth), S. gossypiphora (Kasturi Kamal) and S. obvallata (Brahm Kamal), have multiple uses. The genus showed high habitat specificity in that 16 species were recorded to be restricted to one or two habitats only. As many as 44 species were identified as rare in the study region. Considering the high industrial demand for raw materials and the endangered status of S. costus, S. gossypiphora, S. obvallata and S. simpsoniana (Fen Kamal), these species should be prioritized for conservation (in situ and ex situ) throughout the IHR. Population assessment of the rare-endangered, native, endemic and economically important species using standard ecological methods has been suggested for the quantification of the existing stock of these species in their natural habitats. Further, phyto-chemical investigations for the identification of active ingredients are suggested. Propagation and cultivation techniques are lacking for most of the species of Saussurea except for S. costus, S. obvallata and S. medusa (Snow Lotus). Furthermore, the native communities need to be sensitized to the sustainable use and conservation value of the species in this genus. *Local names given in parentheses throughout are in the Pahari language, spoken by native communities in the Himalayan region

The Cold Desert of India is known for specific topography, severe climate and unique vegetation. The Lahaul valley in Himachal Pradesh, part of a proposed Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, is rich in medicinal plants, and local people practice the Tibetan System of Medicine. A few studies are available on medicinal plants there are no integrated studies. A total of 354 medicinal plants, belonging to 208 genera and 76 families were recorded. The area ranges in altitude between 2801-3800 m, and shady moist and forested habitats were identified as having the most medicinal plant species. The occurrence of near endemic, endemic, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and near threatened species indicates high anthropogenic pressure and that the area has high conservation value. Most of these species are commercially viable. An assessment of populations of threatened species using standard ecological methods, and notification of key areas as medicinal plants conservation areas is suggested. Also, mass reproduction for ex situ conservation and to ensure availability of quality planting material for cultivation, together with education and awareness programmes for large-scale cultivation are suggested.

In the Indian Himalayan Region, the studies focused on diversity of the plants used for treating liver diseases/ailments have not been carried out so far. Therefore, the present attempt has been made to study the diversity, distribution pattern and conservation status of the plant species used for treating liver diseases/ailments in that region. A total of 138 species (35 species of trees, 22 shrubs and 81 herbs) belonging to 98 genera in 60 families have been recorded. Amongst the families, Euphorbiaceae (9 species), and altitudinal zone <1,800 m, (i.e., 115 species) are rich in species. Traditionally, various plant parts, such as roots/rhizomes/tubers (46 species), leaves (31), whole plants (30), barks (15), fruits (13), seeds and unspecified parts (8 each), and inflorescence (1) are used for the treatment of liver diseases/ailments. 34 species are native, 3 are endemic and 15 near endemic. 7 species are categorized as Critically Endangered (Betula utilis), Endangered (Podophyllum hexandrum, Ephedra gerardiana, and Nardostachys grandiflora) and Vulnerable (Bergenia ligulata, B. stracheyi, and Hedychium spicatum) using new IUCN criteria. Available chemical composition of plant parts used for the treatment of liver diseases/ailments have been given. Assessment of the populations of threatened species, development of an appropriate strategy, action plan for the conservation and sustainable utilization of such components of plant diversity are suggested.