FLORA

------------------------------------------------------------

photo by dev jaspa

There is a striking diversity in distribution of vegetation caused varying altitude of natural conditions like a variety of temperature, rainfall combination and patterns of climate. The change in the vegetation from South to North within the mountain world of the Himalaya also depends on the force of moisture carring winds. In this connection it depends on altitude. The arrangement of the ranges and the direction of valleys whether they provide easy access to these winds. We can divide the vegetation according to the altitude into three zones. First, extending from 2,590 m to 3,350 m containing the maximum of vegetation, consists of all the trees that exist in Lahoul like junipers, blue pine, birch, willow, populars, spruce, pyrus and walnut. Second from 3,350 m to 4,875 m with moderate vegetation and absence of trees. Juniper, birch and rhododendron are found in shrub from upto the height of 4,270 m. In the third zone above 4,875 m the most characteristic plant is Rheum moorcroftianum, which does not survive below this height. The most important medicinal herbs are Artemisia, Enhedra, Aconitum Podophyllum etc. Kail, the most valuable tree of Lahoul, is found at intervals along the left bank of the river Chandra from a point between Khoksar and Sissn, up to Tandi, along the Chenab, and little beyond Naingar in the Thirot nullah. Deodar is chiefly found in the Pattan valley and Bhaga valley. Birch occurs on the northern slopes, on the left banks, mainly in the Chandra and Pattan valleys. A willow, locally called 'beli' is largely cultivated near villages where irrigation is available.

photo by dev jaspa photo by dev jaspa

<< Next Page >>

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------