Nelumbo - The Bulletin of the Botanical Survey of India

Abhijit Acharyya ¹, A. P. Das ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, North Bengal University, Siliguri, W.B., IN

Abstract

Seven new hosts of Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers. were recorded from the district of Malda, West Bengal, namely Cicer arietinum (cultivated),Fumaria indica, Argemone mexicana, Leucas indica, Leunaea aspleniifolia, Vernonia cinerea and Digitaria ciliaris (all weeds). From the comparison of ten major morphological characters Launaea asplenigolia is appeared as most preferred host followed by Cicer arietinum, whereas Argemone mexicana is the weakest host.

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A. P. Das ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, North Bengal University, Darjeeling, West Bengal, IN

Abstract

The geographical continuity of Darjeeling Hills with Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim has resulted into the mosaic of floristic elements from these territories in the flora of the Darjeeling Hills, which is rich, both informs of luxuriance and species diversity, owing to a very congenial phyto-climatic conditions. The flora comprise 2137 species belonging to 898 genera and 193 families, of which ca 1900 species in 772 genera and 159 families belong to Dicots and the rest to the Monocots. While in 479 species (404 Dicots, 75 Monocots) are endemics, 114 species are exotics which have become permanent denizens in the flora of Darjeeling Hills. The flora is also rich in medicinal and other economically important species, including NTFPs. While a number of species could not be relocated in the region, ca 222 species have been considered endangered, of which 104 species occur within the protected areas, thus covered under in situ conservation. The paper epitomises the results of floristic studies carried out in the area by the author and his associates during the past 22 years and highlights both, the gaps as well as the future prospects.

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Chandra Ghosh ¹, Bidya D. Sharma ¹, A. P. Das ¹

Affiliations
1 Taxonomy & Environmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, North Bengal University, West Bengal, IN

Abstract

Tea is under cultivation in Darjeeling hills since 1835 and in Terai it was introduced in 1862. Any cultivated field in this region is liable to be affected by weed infestation as the local flora is extremely rich. The crop loss in tea gardens of this area is quite considerable and the planters practice a good variety of deweeding techniques. Four tea gardens of Terai, namely (1) Hansqua, (2) Kamalpur, (3) Satvaya and (4) Gulma and morhorgong Tea Estates were surveyed for flora and phytosociological information. While the existence of a rich and diverse flora has been exposed, the similarity of the weed flora of these gardens is quite high and four weedy species have been recognised which are affecting all these gardens almost uniformly.

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P. C. Rai ¹, A. P. Das ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, North Bengal University, Darjeeling, West Bengal, IN

Abstract

Recent floristic survey of Neora Valley National Park in Kalimpong sub-division of Darjeeling district of West Bengal revealed that the park is a rich repository of the ethnobotanically important plant resources that includes species of food, medicine, ornamental, poisonous and other assorted ethnic values. Based on available literature and direct interaction with forest dwellers living in the periphery of the park, altogether 83 medicinal, 59 edible, 18 ornamental, 21 poisonous (irritants and lethal) and 11 plants having fascinating assorted ethnic uses have been recognized. The forest dwellers have their own dictionary of local names for the identification of these valuable plant resources by which they are maintaining their own ancient ethnoscience. Many of these medicinal plant species were assessed to be the valuable resources for the treatment of a range of human ailments for which there are no complete answers in the modern medical science (?).

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