Table of Contents
India's diverse climate and topography support a variety of natural vegetation types.
Vegetation Region of India
1. Tropical Evergreen Forests:
- Location: Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Northeastern states.
- Characteristics: Dense, multi-layered forests with a wide variety of tree species; high rainfall; no distinct dry season.
- Flora: Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood, Rubber tree, and Bamboo.
2. Tropical Deciduous Forests:
- Location: Central India, Eastern Ghats, and the foothills of the Himalayas.
- Characteristics: Shed leaves during dry season; two subtypes – moist and dry deciduous forests.
- Flora: Teak, Sal, Sandalwood, Mahua, and Bamboo.
3. Tropical Thorn Forests:
- Location: Northwestern India, parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana.
- Characteristics: Scattered trees and shrubs adapted to arid conditions; sparse vegetation.
- Flora: Acacias, Palms, Cacti, Babul, and Date palm.
4. Montane Forests:
- Location: Himalayan region.
- Characteristics: Diverse with altitude; lower regions have tropical forests, middle zones have temperate forests, and higher elevations have alpine vegetation.
- Flora: Oaks, Chestnuts, Pine, Deodar, Fir, Spruce, and Rhododendrons.
5. Mangrove Forests:
- Location: Coastal areas, particularly the Sunderbans in West Bengal.
- Characteristics: Adapted to saline, tidal conditions; dense network of roots.
- Flora: Sundari tree, Mangrove date palm, and Nipa palm.
6. Littoral and Swamp Forests:
- Location: Coastal and delta regions.
- Characteristics: Adapted to waterlogged conditions; salt-tolerant species.
- Flora: Casuarina, Mangroves, and Pandanus.
7. Semi-Arid and Desert Vegetation:
- Location: Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat and Punjab.
- Characteristics: Sparse vegetation; adapted to extreme arid conditions.
- Flora: Cacti, Thorny bushes, Xerophytes.
8. Temperate Forests:
- Location: Higher elevations of the Himalayas.
- Characteristics: Cold, moist conditions; mainly coniferous.
- Flora: Spruce, Pine, Fir, and Juniper.
Each of these vegetation regions reflects India's climatic and geographical diversity, contributing to the country's rich biodiversity and ecological wealth.
