Diversity and distribution pattern of associated plant species among different forest types of Gorakhpur Division, India

Abstract

The three different forests of Gorakhpur Division viz. mixed forest, sal forest and teak forest were observed for the distributional pattern, density and diversity of medicinal plants. A total of 168 plant species representing 136 genera and 63 families were recorded. The study envisaged that higher concentration of socioeconomic plant species was noticed in mixed forest followed by sal forest. In Teak forest the concentration of associated plants was least. In mixed forest, the trees like Mallotus philippensis, Schleichera oleosa, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Bridelia retusa and Terminalia tomentosa showed quite abundant population. On the other hand, trees like Casearia tomentosa, Antidesma ghaesembilla Flacourtia indica, Carissa spinarum, and Cassia fistula were quite frequent as sprouts in mixed forests as compared to sal forests. The most abundant family in all forest type was Papilionaceae. In sal perennial herbs are most dominated and uniformly distributed. The common sal associates, which are generally used by local people includes Clerodendron infortunatum, Desmodium spp., Curculigo orchioides, Elephantopus scaber, Dioscorea bulbifera and Holarrhaena antidysenterica. While the species diversity and evenness index were almost similar for mixed forest (H'=3.16 ± 0.14, J = 0.89) and sal forest (H' =3.14 ± 0.17, J= 0.81), teak (H'= 3.20 ± 0.26, J = 0.76) was less diverse. Study on floristic composition and diversity status of regional forest may provide some clues to make the proper management practice and also in efforts for conservation of medicinal plants of the region.