Seasonal Fluctuation in the Floristic Diversity of Prashar Alpine Pasture, District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Abstract Seasonal fluctuation in the plant diversity provide basis for devising suitable strategies for management and conservation of the plant resources. Accordingly, a study was conducted to understand the plant diversity of Prashar alpine pasture, District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh during the year 2017 between 2550–2750 m elevation ranges. The study was carried out on seasonal basis. The study was carried out in summer season in May, rainy season in August and winter season in November. A total of 44 plant species belonging to 24 families and 35 genera were recorded in summer season, a total of 72 plant species belonging to 28 families and 58 genera were recorded in rainy season and a total of 13 plant species belonging to 6 families and 10 genera were recorded in winter season from the study area. Dominant families were Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Poaceae and Polygonaceae. A total of 56 medicinal plant species recorded from the pasture, out of which two species viz; Roscoea alpina and Selinum vaginatum fall in the category of threatened plants.