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P. K. Pandlt , Chandra Ghosh , A. P. Das

Abstract

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary has been surveyed for the availability of type and amount of Non-Timber Forest Produces. A total of 132 species has been recognised as NTFP producers which include plants of different habit groups, occupying different strata and types of vegetation. While the existence of an established market for only 22 of these articles are there a list of another 27 articles have been provided for which proper markets need to be developed immediately. Prices for at least 33 articles could not be ascertained. Stress has provided for the proper survey of NTFPs in North Bengal vegetations and to develop strategies for their proper sustainable extraction and utilisation.

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Sauris Panda , A. P. Das , A. K. Lahiri

Abstract

Assuming the importance of Papilionaceous plants in improving the habitat conditions in the highly degraded vegetations attempt has been made to record such plants growing naturally ill semiarid and chiefly red-lateritic soils of Sambalpur District of Orissa. As much as 62 such species has been recored growing naturally in this tract. The phenology of the plants along with its nodulation has also been collected. Introduction of these plants in the plantation of tree species will improve the habitat conditions gradually and thus the valuable germplasm of the important taxa will be conserved.

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A. P. Das , A. X. Lahiri

Abstract

A large part of Tiger Hill forest (Darjeeling, West Bengal) was clearfelled in the first decade of this century and a part of it was planted with Cryptomeria japonica (L.f.) D. Don in 1921. Now there exists three types of vegetation side by side: (i) Natural Forest, (ii) Plantation Forest and (iii) Grassland. Phytosociological studies were made to understand the differences in the ground covering vegetation within these vegetational types and to understand tbe Relative Density, Relative Frequency and Importance Value of its elements. Altogether 85 species and 3,672 individuals were recorded from just 15 one-square meter quadrats. While 33.33% species were same between Natural Forest and Plantation Forest, it is only 7.25% between Natural Forest and Grassland and 13.84% between Plantation Forest and Grassland. Theropbytes (40%) appeared to be a most successful lifeform, but Chamaephytes (24.7%) were also well represented along witb 14.12% Cryptophytes, 12.94% Hemicryptophytes and 8.23% Phanerophytes. Most of the 31 species of angiosperm recorded from the Plantation Forest were sparsely distributed, feeble and produced only few or no flowers. A more spaced plantation of Cryptomeria japonica mixed with selected broad-leaved non-resinous trees has heen suggested here to improve the picture. However, all species recorded from Natural Forest (37 spp.) and Grassland (43 spp.) were normal in their development and reproduction though were much affected with grazing.

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A. P. Das , A. K. Lahir

Abstract

Betbuadahari reserve is a 121 hectare man-made deer sanctuary. A recent floristic survey in this forest recorded 193 species of angiosperms covering 51 dicotyledonous and 11 monocotyledonous families of which 49.2% are herbs. 11.9% climbers, 124% shrubs and 26.4% are trees, 23 species of plants were found to grow only within the grazing free fenced area. Out of 52 species of trees atleast 24 are basically introduced. Polyalthia suherosa Benth is the dominant shrub in the under-storey and in open areas Vitex negundo L, Lantana camara L. Chromolaena odorata (L) King et Robia and Glycomis arborea L.) DC. are common. The poor representation of Chamaephytes, Hemicryptophytes and Cryptophytes are due to the excessive pressure of grazing. Altogether 90 species were seen to be eaten by deer of which 35 species are of very good fodder value. Necessary measures to improve the structure of its vegetation, fodder content and beauty has been suggested.

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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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