Assessment of floral diversity in Salix fragilis L. plantation in cold desert of Spiti valley of North-West Himalayas

Abstract

Studies to assess the floral diversity in Salix fragilis L. plantation in cold desert of Spiti valley of North-West Himalayas was carried during August 2005. The plantation and control sites were surveyed for floristic composition, distribution pattern, species diversity and dominance. Maximum plant diversity was recorded in plantation site and minimum in control site. Majority of the plant species were contiguously distributed in both sites. In biological spectra hemicryptophytes dominate the plantation site whereas therophytes dominate the control site. The findings of the present investigation indicate that Salix fragilis plantation definitely improve the micro-habitat conditions under their canopy and accordingly enhance the floral diversity in plantation site. So afforestation of cold desert areas through site-specific tree species will help in enhancing the floral diversity of the area.