Impact on Density of Paeonia emodi along Altitudinal Gradient in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Prem Prakash^1, , Praveen Joshi¹ and Vijay Kant Purohit²

¹Department of Botany, M.B. Govt. P.G. College, Haldwani, Kumaun University Nainital, Uttarakhand, India, 263139

²High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, H N B Garhwal Central University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India, 246174

Cite this paper:
Prem Prakash, Praveen Joshi and Vijay Kant Purohit. Impact on Density of Paeonia emodi along Altitudinal Gradient in Garhwal Himalaya, India. Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences. 2020; 8(5):319-323. doi: 10.12691/aees-8-5-20

Abstract

In the present study we have described the impact of altitudinal gradient on the density of Paeonia emodi in the Garhwal Himalayan region. The study site was divided into three altitudinal gradient viz., between 1800 to 2000, 2200 to 2400 and 2600 to 2800 m asl. The maximum density (3.80 individual/m²) and frequency (80 percentage) was found in lower altitude (1800-2200 m asl), medium density (2.76 individual/m²) and 76 frequency percentage) at mid-altitude (2200-2400 m asl) and minimum density 2.08 individual/m² and 60 frequency percentage at the maximum altitude between 2600 and 2800 m asl. Low population density of P. emodi along with increasing elevation is due to the unfavorable climatic conditions and lack of association with tree species like Oak and Rhododendron. This association provides the canopy cover and moist land as well as suitable habitat to many herbaceous species. The present investigation regarding species availability of target species can be used in understanding the distribution pattern and the relationship with altitudinal gradient of density would help in designing appropriate conservation and management policy to this important medicinal plant in terms of ethnobotanical view.

Keywords:
altitudinal gradient Garhwal Himalayan Region High altitude Paeonia emodi population density

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