botany final natural vegetation
Post on 12-May-2017
257 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
1
w
Phytogeography: Definition, types, vegetation types of India; vegetation
types of Goa.
2
Sr no. Name of the students Roll no
1. SHETKAR ROHINI ROHIDAS 110706560
2. QUADROS SWIZEL 110706601
3. MORAIS NEIL DOMINIC ROHAN 110706708
4. FERNANDES JOEL IGNATIUS 110708559
5. D'COSTA LISHA 110714707
3
ABSTRACT
The main aim of our assignment is to study about phytogeography, types of vegetation found
in India and in Goa. Phytogeography is the study of distribution of plant species on earth’s
surface. It is also concerned with all aspects of plant distribution, from the controls on the
distribution of individual species rangesto the factors that govern the composition of entire
communities and floras. vegetation in India include the Tropical Rain Forest, the Tropical
Deciduous Forests, the Temperate Forests and Grasslands, the Alpine and Tundra Vegetation
etc. The vegetation in Goa is tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen trees.The tropical
seasonal or semi-evergreen forests due to be found in the areas having classic monsoon
climate.
4
INTRODUCTION
Phytogeography is the branch of biogeography that is concerned with the geographic
distribution of plantspecies and their influence on the earth's surface. It is also concerned with
all the aspects of the plant distribution. Natural vegetation in India include the Tropical Rain
Forest, the Tropical Deciduous Forests, the Temperate Forests and Grasslands, the Alpine
and Tundra Vegetation etc. Apart from these, there are also some other varieties of natural
vegetation in India like Himalayan Vegetation, Rain Forests of Southern India, the Desert
Region, etc. Estuarine vegetation, Strand and creek vegetation, Plateau vegetation and Semi-
evergreen and evergreen vegetation is found in Goa
5
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
In a research article titled Phytogeography of the Andaman--Nicobar Islands : It notes that
biological organisms of the islands are continental in origin and have evolved into the present
status from a totally balanced continental biosystem through evolution of over million years.
It cites that H. fenzlii (Kurz) K. Schum is the honey bee repellent plant species used by the
Shompen tribes for honey collection.
6
CONTENTS
Sr no Title Pg no
1 Title 1
2 Group members 2
3 Abstract 3
4 Introduction 4
5 Review of literature 5
6 Phytogeography 7
7 Vegetation types of India 8
8 Vegetation types of Goa 13
9 Conclusion 27
10 Bibliography 28
7
PHYTOGEOGRAPHY
Definition
This is defined as the origin, special relationship and distribution of plants both in time and
space.
This branch is related to geography in one hand and ecology on the other. The distribution of
plants in past geographical regions with its evolution and exploitation of its distribution in
terms of environment and other ecological aspect from this wide branch of science.
Types of phytogeography: phytogeography can be studied in two headings:
a) Descriptive phytogeography: It is related to the distribution of plant communities in
the different parts of the world. This is also termed as static phytogeography.
b) Interpretive phytogeography: It is related to explain the causes of plant distribution.
This is also termed as dynamic phytogeography.
Descriptive phytogeography.
This branch of phytogeography deals with the distribution of different vegetational zones of
the world. The vegetational floras are described in systematic way and various floristic zones
are formed by their descriptions.
a) Types of distribution. The geological factors are responsible for the distribution of
plants. The factors are divided into two broad categories; inherent and geographic.
The former are concerned mainly with the evolution of an individual as well as the
question of its relative immobility. On the other hand, the latter are again subdivided
into two main groups, the climatic factors and the barrier factors. The barriers are
characteristic areas, which according to Prof.Good “cannot be crossed by spreading
8
species in the ordinary processes of its dispersal “. These factors areof greater
significance to the distribution of plants over the world than the climatic factors.
Further the various biotic factors may also influence such distributions. These are the
aspects that the plant geographers were to bear in mind while considering the question
of plants in different regions of the world.
In nature, plants are distributed in three ways, continuous, discontinuous and edemic.
Continuos distribution: This type of distribution is observed when plants are distributed
throughout in one climate without any temperature without any interruption. Poa, Phragmites,
Chenopodium are the examples of continuos distribution.
Disontinuos distribution: this type of distribution is observed when plants are distributed in
more than one area separated by wide gaps and the plants have no capacity to disperse from
one place to another. The process of discontinuos distribution is sustantiated by theories of
land bridge and theories of continental drift. In the first theory it is believed that in Malaya
and Australia as there are common plant species in Paleozoic era, there are land bridges
which got submerged into sea water. In this way, the common plants are distributed in two
places with large gap in between. In the second case, there are uniformity of plant distribution
in a single super continent in the Paleozoic era. This super continent (Pangaea) broke into
northern Laurasia and southern Gondwanaland. The two continents give rise to Eurasia.
Greenland and North America and the Gondwanaland formed India. South America
Australia, Antartica etc. The land masses are separated and their plants show uniformity of
structures. These are plants like Nothofagus, Adansonia etc. Which occur in South America
and South Africa. These are the examples of discontinuos distribution.
9
Endemic distribution: This type of distribution shows the presence of a type of a plant in a
small region only. Examples are Gingko biloba, Metasequoia, Sequoia etc.
Interpretive Phytogeography
The branch deals with causes of the distribution pattern in plant vegetation. There are some
principles of interpretive phytogeography. According to Law (1951) there are 13 principles
which are grouped into (a) environment (b) plant responses (c) migration and (d)
perpetuation.
Principles of phytogeography
a) Principles concerning the environment, according to which the climate has primary
control, and the edaphic control is secondary, and the biotic factor are also important.
It is also assumed that the climate, as well as the relations of land and sea, has
changed in the past.
b) Principles concerning plant responses, according to which ranges of plant are limited
by tolerances of different plant functions towards climatic, edaphic and biotic factors,
and that different ontogenic phases, have different tolerances.
c) Principles concerning the migration of floras and climaxes, which state that great
migrations have taken place in the past and are still taking place, and that migrations
result from transport and establishment of migrules.
d) Principles concerning the perpetuation and evolution of floras and climaxes ,
according to which perpetuation depends upon migration and liability to transmit
favourable variation to the offspring , and evolution and natural selection ,
10
NATURAL VEGETATION IN INDIA
Natural vegetation in India is influenced by a few factors like topography, soil, amount of
rainfall and temperature. Natural vegetation in India can be classified in different ways,
according to their position, atmosphere, weather condition etc.
Types of Natural Vegetation in India
Some of the common characteristics of various types of natural vegetation in India include
the Tropical Rain Forest, the Tropical Deciduous Forests, the Temperate Forests and
Grasslands, the Alpine and Tundra Vegetation etc. Apart from these, there are also some
other varieties of natural vegetation in India like Himalayan Vegetation, Rain Forests of
Southern India, the Desert Region, etc.
Tropical Rain Forests
The tropical rain forests play an important role in natural vegetation in India. These types of
forests include the tropical evergreen forests and tropical semi-evergreen forests and they are
mostly found in places where there is plenty of rainfall and sunshine throughout the year.
Growth of the trees is usually at its best where rainfall is in surplus of
200 cm, with a short dry season. Therefore, these forests are called as
Archetypal Rain-Forests. Such regions are limited within rainy slopes of
the Western Ghats, plains of West Bengal and Orissa and North-eastern
India.
Trees grow very briskly in these forests and attain sublime heights of
11
about 60 m and above. The number of species in these forests, like ebony, mahogany and is
rosewood,vast and assorted to utilise them commercially.
Tropical Deciduous Forests
Another variety of natural vegetation in India can be found in the tropical deciduous forests.
They are called as deciduous as they cast leaves for about 6 to 8 weeks in summer. They are
also called the monsoon forests with all their grandeur and beauty. This is so because they
form a natural cover approximately all over India, especially within regions having 200 and
75 cm of annual rainfall.
Most of the tropical deciduous forests are found in the state of Kerala in India. Apart from
Kerala, these forests can be found in the eastern slopes of Western Ghats and also in the
north-eastern parts of the peninsular plateau and in the valleys of the Himalaya mountains.
The tropical deciduous forests are pretty substantial, cost-effective and they demand a lot of
maintenance, as they are less resistant to fire. These forests can be divided into moist and dry
deciduous forests.
Moist Deciduous Forests
The moist deciduous forests are most commonly found on the eastern slopes of the Western
Ghats. They are also found in the north-eastern part of the peninsula that is in the region of
Chota Nagpur plateau, covering east Madhya Pradesh, south Bihar and west Orissa. They are
also widespread along the Shiwaliks in the northern India. Some of the important trees found
in these forests include Indian teak tree, Sal, and sandalwood.
12
Thorn Forests and Shrubs
The Thorn Forests and Shrubs offer another kind of
natural vegetation in India. These forests are mainly
found in dry places where the annual rainfall is less
than 70 cm. They are stretched over the north-western part of India, from Saurashtra in the
south to Punjab plains in the north.
In the east, the thorn forests and shrubs extend towards northern Madhya Pradesh (primarily
Malwa Plateau) and south-west Uttar Pradesh, covering Bundelkhand plateau. Dispersed
trees with long roots, broadened in a radial pattern are the most familiar features of the trees
in these forests. These forests slowly die away into scrubs and thorny bushes comprising the
classic desert vegetation. Some of the most valuable plant species found in these forests
include Babul, Kikar and coarse Grasses.
Tidal or Mangrove Forests
The tidal forests provide another variety of natural vegetation in India. They can be found
along the coasts and rivers and they are enshrouded by mangrove trees that can live in both
13
fresh and salt water.
Sundari is a renowned mangrove tree, mainly found in the tidal forests and it is after this tree
that the name Sundarban has been entitled to the forested parts of the Ganga-Brahmaputra
delta.
Temperate Forests and Grasslands
Natural vegetation in India can be found in the temperate forests and grasslands, as well.
Various types of plants are found in the Himalayas in relation to the varying altitudes. The
broad-leaved evergreen trees usually grow between altitudes of 1 km and 2 km. The trees like
oak, chestnut and maple belong to this category.
On the other hand, the coniferous trees like pine, deodar, silver fir and spruce are grown
between altitudes 1.5 km and 3 km. They are mainly found in the southern slopes of the
Himalayas. The temperate grasslands are also commonly seen at higher altitudes in these
regions.
Alpine and Tundra Vegetation
Alpine and Tundra Vegetation is another kind of natural vegetation in India. Vegetation
growing at altitudes above 3.6 km MSL is usually known as Alpine Vegetation and it can be
noticed that with the increment of the altitude, the plants show stunted growth. The trees like
Silver Fir, Pine, Juniper and Birch belong to this category. The Alpine Grasslands are mainly
found at higher altitudes in this region. The people belonging to the tribal groups like Gujjar
and Bakarwal make extensive use of this region. The vegetations like Lichen and Mosses are
also found in high altitudinal regions.
14
Himalayan Vegetation
The Himalayan vegetation is one of the major kinds of natural vegetation in India. The thick
tropical forests in the eastern region of India have a sharp distinction with the pine and
coniferous woodlands of the western Himalayas. The evergreen forests, with mainly high
alpine meadows nearer the snowline, usually have more of temperate forests in the lower
elevations. The plant named Chir Pine grows throughout the northwest Himalayas, with the
exception of Kashmir. The other plants like Chilgoza, Oak, Maple, Ash etc. also grow
abundantly in the Inner Himalayas. The rain-soaked foothills of the Himalayas are covered
with deciduous trees, shrubs, fern and grass and the Brahmaputra Valley also have patches of
tea plantations and fluorescent-green rice fields.
Rain Forests of Southern India
The rain forests of Southern India are contributing hugely to the natural vegetation in India.
The most luxuriant rain forests lie on the south-western coast, in the state of Kerala. Here the
lagoons are canopied by coconut trees and lead to the longest uninterrupted stretch of rain
forests in the country. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the state of Arunachal Pradesh
are some of the other regions with well preserved rain forests in India. Apart from that, dense
Sandal, Teak and Sisoo forests also flourish on the Karnataka plateau. On the other hand, the
dry Telengana plateau in Andhra Pradesh offers only thorny scrub and wild Indian Wild Date
Palm
Desert Region
Natural vegetation in India can be found in the desert region of India also. The Thar Desert in
India presents a wonderful picture of natural vegetation in India. The trees in this desert are
short and stout, and stunted by the scorching sun. Some of the most common trees in this
15
region include Cacti, Reunjha, Khejra, Kanju, Ak etc.
All these varieties of forests and areas significantly contribute to the natural vegetation in
India. But there are several problems like deforestation, over-grazing, Jhum cultivations,
which needs to be addressed in order to protect and conserve the natural vegetation in India.
The Government of India is taking several steps such as the Van Mahatsov programme,
planting new tress every year etc. Moreover, the Government has also taken various steps to
spread awareness about the need for conservation and has educated the general civilians
about the several measures that need to be adopted in order to protect the natural vegetation
in India.
VEGETATION IN GOA
Although Goa is the smallest state in India, it is rich in flora and fauna. Goa flora and fauna
are diverse in nature. The smallest state of India is situated on the western shores of the
country in the Konkan territory. The Western Ghats have the greatest divert of plant life,
including areas of jungle (which can be seen around Dudhsagar Falls and BhagwanMahavir
Wildlife Sanctuary), The vegetation here is, for the most part, tropical evergreen, although
there evergreen although there are large areas of cane & bamboo and semi-evergreen trees.
On the lower slopes of the Ghats, thinner, dry soil supports
lateritic semi-evergreen forests. In many places (for example,
Cotigao wildlife Sanctuary) the arid nature of the leads to
savanna like vegetation. In the less dry patches of the lower
slopes, imbers such as teak are grown.
16
The principal foodgrain cultivated in the state is rice. Ragi, pulses, and other food grains are
cultivated as well. The major cash crops in Goa are Cashewnuts ,Coconuts ,Sugarcane,
Arecanuts ,Fruits such as mangos, pineapples, and bananas .The state of Goa is home to
abundant woodlands, encompassing more than 1,424 km2.The major forest products in the
state of Goa are Maratha barks ,Bamboo sticks ,Bhirand and Chillar barks . In this state,
coconut trees are seen everywhere other than the places with higher altitude. A big variety of
broad-leafed plants such as sal, teak, mango trees, and cashew is seen. Popular fruits found in
this area are ,Mangos ,Jackfruits ,Black-berry, also known as podkoam in Konkani language
and Pineapples The jungles of the state are full of herbs and medicinal trees. The state tree of
Goa is the Asan.
Goa's wet evergreen forests generally occupy about 250 sq. km. which are found in different
areas in deep ravines and steep hills. These forests are mainly on the eastern border of Goa,
close to the steep, rocky slopes of the Western Ghats. With these regions receiving heavy
rainfall, the soils are shallow since they tend to be easily eroded. During the pre Liberation
period, the Portuguese kept these forests as 'A' class classified ones for purposes of soil
conservation and regulation of water flows. Also, these areas being somewhat inaccessible
and coupled with high elevation and rocky territory, the wet evergreen forests had low value
timber content. Among these Goan wet evergreens, only two really could be termed as
'gregarious species' viz. Syzgiumcumini and Mimusops elegi.
In their virgin state, Goa's moist deciduous forests
include leaf-shedding species, teak and bamboos, the
latter being an excellent source of long-fibre material
for pulp. Essentially, these forests can be classified
17
into four categories viz. (1) High value (2) Medium value (3) Average value and (4) Low
value timber. During the time of the Portuguese rule, 400 forest out of a total of nearly 800
sq.km. Of moist deciduous forest had been classified as teak-bearing areas and treated as
being available for commercial timber sales. However, despite the absence of user-rights,
considerable illegal, unsupervised over-cutting took place resulting in considerable damage to
these forests, leaving behind stumps and malformed trees. Added to this, were the dumping
of mining waste which contributed to the degradation of these forests.
The rugged Western Ghats make it an ideal haven for many species of birds and animals and
also provide a corridor for migration. The Western Ghats called the Sahyadris in Goa extend
for a total of 600 kms in Goa of their total length of 3702 kms. The widest belt of forests
along the Western Ghats is in Goa and neighbouring Karnataka state. The coastal areas
provide the tropical backdrop.
On the lower slopes of the Ghats, thinner, dry soil supports lateritic semi-evergreen forests. In
many places (for example, Cotigao wildlife Sanctuary) the arid natures of the leads to
savanna like vegetation. In the less dry patches of the lower slopes, timbers such as teak are
grown.
In the midland region the lateritic rock is extremely close to the surface and the soil is too
thin in many places to support much more grass and scrub. Where possible, cashew trees
significant cash crops which withstand the hot dry conditions, have been laid out in large
plantations.
Beneath the canopy of the coconut palms and mango trees, the tall, slender areca nut palms
(which provide betel nuts for paan – a mixture chewed for its mildly intoxicating effect and
as a digestive) are grown. These shelter an incredible variety of fruits trees and spice plants,
18
ranging from pineapples to bananas, and pepper to cinnamon. Although many of these plants
are indigenous to Goa, other was introduced by the Portuguese, including rubber trees,
Pineapples and chillies. The coastal region has a similarly wide range of flora. The saline
conditions support a substantial area of mangroves (estimated at a total area of 20 sq km).
Along the coast, coconut palms, perhaps the most useful of all trees grown in Goa,
predominate. Another distinctive feature in the area is the large banyan trees that often
provide a shady meeting spot in each village.
Medical Plants:
Goa is a region which is rich in medicinal plants. The Gazetteer of India relating to the then
Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu (1979 edition) lists no less than 57 different
medicinal plants that grow in Goa. The following table gives an illustrative list of the
medicinal plants of Goa and the wide variety of diseases for which they are useful when
medical treatment is to be given. Goa has other types of plant life which could broadly be
categorized thus:
Estuarine vegetation of mangrove along swampy river banks, strand and Greek vegetation
along the coastal belt, Plateau vegetation along undulating terrain and foothills, open scrub
jungle, moist deciduous forests which are found around Tudal, But-pal, Molem, Codal,
Valpoi and/Anmodeghat, semi-evergreen and evergreen vegetation along the upper ghats,
evergreen forests, hydrophites, the free floating as well as marshy plants, grasslands in the
plains of Goa, economic and medicinal plants which include timber and the medicinal plants
which were briefly described earlier. The grasslands of Goa harbour have economic fodder
grasses while the medicinal plants also include Rauvolfia serpentina, Rubia cordifolia,
Gloriosasu-perba and many other such medicinal plants.
19
Name Useful for treatment of
Alstoniascholaris Ulcers, dyspepsia, skin diseases, liver problems.
Cassia fistulaParalysis, rheumatism, skin diseases, diabetes, "Black water"
fever.
Ficusreligiasa scabies, cracked /inflammed soles of feet.
Magniferaindica Bleeding piles, diptheria, skin disease.
Mimosa pudicaKidney disorders, piles, fistular sores, urinary diseases,
abscesses.
Piper nigrumDyspepsia, vertigo, coma, sore throat parapytic affection,
alopacia and urticaria.
Tectonagrandis Dyspepsia, heartburn, headache, diuresis skin itch.
TerminaliachebulaMild laxative, enlarged spleen, urinary disorders, intestinal
worms.
TinosporacordifoliaRheumatism, biliousness, spermatorrhoea, jaundice, bone
fractures.
ZizyphusjujubaBoils, abscesses, inflammation of gums, mild laxative,
expectorant.
VitexnegundoCatarrhal fever, rheumatism, enlarged spleen, sprains,
inflammatory swellings of joints, cholera an haemorrhages.
AccaciaarabicaTreatment of gonorrhoea, vaginal diseases, dysentry, bleeding
from bites of leeches; and also as an expectorant.
Strychnosnux
vomica
Debility, worms, hysteria, mental emotions, insomnia,
spasmodic diseases, sexual impotence and bronchitis.
20
ErythrinaindicaRound worms, tape worms, thread worms, toothache, rheumatic
pains, eye diseases.
Structure of the plant community at pale and sirigao villages:
The type of forest in Western Ghats has been categorised broadly as the monsoon forest. The
point must be made clear that there are wide variations in monsoon climatic regime and also
wide variations in vegetation response, the vegetation ranges from luxuriant forest in wetter
areas with short relatively dry season, to open woodland, where the rainy season is short, total
annual rainfall is on low side, where the rainfall trends to be variable in both its amount and
incidence.
The tropical seasonal or semi-evergreen forests due to be found in the areas having classic
monsoon climate. It shows potentially evergreen type of physiognomy, with more or less
uniform floral composition. The climax vegetation in this region called evergreen biome
forest. Evergreen plant species easily noticed are: Alistonia scholaris, Garcinia indica,
tamarindus indica, syzgium cumini and mangifera indica as trees.
Some of the families of cultivated plant species only found at pale and sirigao
1) Family: Ophioglossaceae
Ophioglossumcostatum R. Br. Rao (1986) Fl. G. Dam.Diu, Dadra &Nagarhav.
2:521. Ophioglossumfibrosumschum.
Small fern less than 20cm in height, erect found an open loamy gravel soils. Rhizome large,
round, tuberous with numerous fibrous roots.Stipe or stalk very short with sterile segment
close to base.Fronds thick and fleshy.Venetation indistinct except when dry, reticulate with
21
forked vein lets. The midrib is prominent consisting of single main vein or 2-3 strong central
veins which run parallel. Location: chowgule’s mines slopes-pale.
2) Family: Marsileaceae (Marseleaminuta L.)
A well differentiated herb like fern, semi aquatic with a slender creeping rhizome. The
rhizome (stoloniferous in habit) is indefinite in growth. Fronds are borne at nodes,
compound; the lamina is divided into four small usually equal pinne. The fronds are circinate
in bud condition often covered with numerous unbranched multicellular hairs, with smooth
margin, toothed. Sporocarp have both megasporangia& microsporangia, bean shaped in
outlook. Location: Tiska-Pale on small marshy area. Fr: April-may.
Flowering plants:
1. Family: mimosaceae
Mimosa pudica L. Gamble (1919) Fl. Madras 1:298
Diffused or decumbent, Prickly herb. Leaves highly sensitive to touch, bipinnate, Leaflets 12-
14 pairs.Flowers polygamous, calyx minute, corolla pink, four lobed.Stamen 4, pink.
Location: Chinchinum, Velge forest edges along the roadside-Pale. Fr: September-January.
2. Family: Apocynaceae
Alistonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. Cooke (1906) Fl. Bombay 2:194. EchitesScholaris L.
Large tree leaves whorled, 4-7 per nodes, oblong-elliptic to oblanceolate, Cymes terminal &
lateral, calyx glandular, and stamens inserted near mouth. Ovaries separate, fruit thin.
22
Location: on slopes of chowgules mines and at ambegal plains. Sirigao on slopes of
chowgules mines.
Types of Forests found in Goa:
As per Champion and Seth (1968) Classification of Forest types of India, the forests of Goa
fall in the following types:-
(A) Estuarine vegetation consisting of mangrove species along narrow muddy banks of
rivers.
(B) Strand vegetation along the coastal belts.
(C) Plateau vegetation confined especially to the low altitude
a. Open scrub jungle.
b. Moist mixed deciduous forests.
c. Secondary moist mixed deciduous forests.
d. Sub-tropical Hill forests.
(D) Semi-evergreen and evergreen forest limited to patches along the high altitude
a. Semi-evergreen forests.
b. Lateritic Semi-evergreen forests.
c. Evergreen forests.
(A) Estuarine vegetation of mangroves along swampy river banks: - This type occurs in
isolated small patches along the banks of Mandovi and Zuari rivers and other salt water
streams. Botanically this zone is characterized by peculiar root formations (stilt roots of
Rhizophora, pneumatophores in Avicennia, knee root in Bruguieraetc). The mangroves are
23
found in the division mainly at Durbhat, Panaji, Agassaim and Cortalim. The above
categories of vegetation occur from sea level to 100m.
(B) Strand and creek vegetation along the coastal belt: - Most of the coastal regions of Goa
is rocky with projecting ridges. The strand vegetation is limited to a few patches of narrow
strip bordering the Arabian Sea. The vegetation along the south bank of the river Mandovi
near Panaji belongs to this category. Tree species mainly found are Pongamiapinnata, and
Pandanustectorius. Many herbaceous species such as Neanotisrheedei, lphigeniaindica,
Begonia crenata, Mitreolaoldenlandioides, Habenariagrandifloriformis,
Tricholepisglaberrima, Trichidesma sp. are found along rocky creeks and projecting ridges
facing the coast.
(C) Plateau vegetation along undulating terrain and hills: A major portion of the vegetation
in Goa belongs to this category, which is further divided into two types’ viz. (a) Open Scurb
jungle and (b) Moist deciduous forests.
(a) Open scrub jungle: This type of vegetation occurs from Panaji to Cortalim and from
Bicholim to Sanquelim. Anacardiumoccidentale is found on an extensive scale. The
vegetation is mainly composed of dry deciduous elements such as Carissa congesta,
Hollarrhenapubescens, Lantana camara, Calycopteris floribunda, Vitexnegundo and species
of Calotropis, Ziziphus, Cassia, Ixora, Acacia, Terminalia and Crotalaria.
(b) Moist mixed deciduous forests: - This is the main forest type, found in Goa, covering
more than half of the forest areas. In North Goa Division, this type occurs around Tudal.
Butpal, Molem, Codal, AbicheGol near Valpoi, and Anmodeghat. Predominant species are
Terminaliacrenulata, T. belerica, T. paniculata, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Adina cordifolia, A.
24
procera, Dilleniapentagyna, Semicarpusanacardium, Mallotusphilippensis and
Stereospermumcolais.
(c) Secondary moist mixed deciduous forests:-Trees found in this type are knotty and of
coppice origin. A few trees of primary origin are found scattered. Such type is found mainly
in areas of Cumeri cultivation and in other areas affected by biotic interferences. The main
species found are Terminaliacrenulata, T. chebula, Adina cordifolia, Alstoniascholaris,
Lanneacoromandelica, Bombaxceiba, Careyaarborea and Dilleniapentagyna.
(d) Sub-tropical Hill forests: - These forests have formed due to “Kumeri” cultivation in the
past. Syzygium cuminii and Cinnamomum verum are of common occurrence. Caryota urens
is the most common palm in this type of forest. In the second storey, Carvia callosa
(Strobilanthescallosus), are found.
(D) Semi-evergreen and evergreen vegetation along upper ghats:
(a) Semi-evergreen forests: - This type occurs intermingling between tropical evergreen and
moist deciduous forest mostly above 500 m.s.l. and is found at Molem, Butpal and Nadquem.
Species composition is of Artocarpus hirsutus, A. gomezianus, Calophyllum spp., Garcinia
indica, and Diospyros Montana and Macranga peltata.
(b) Lateritic Semi-evergreen forests: - This type of Forests is found on shallow dry lateritic
soils. Xylia xylocarpa is the prominent tree species with other associates like, Pterocarpus
marsupium, Grewia tiliifolia, Terminalia paniculata, Careya arborea.
(c) Evergreen forests: - This type occurs in deep gorges and depressions and also along the
nallahs and streams in the Ponda-Amboli-Rambhat belt. The main species are Calophyllum
calaba, Garciniagummi-gutta, Diospyrus ebenum, Mangifera indica, Persea Macrantha,
25
Mimusops elengi, Syzygium cumini, Litsea coriacea, Ficusspp.etc. Osmunda regilis, the royal
fern, which is rare in the peninsular India, is also found in this type of forest.
Some of the well known plantations in Goa are as follows:
Mangal Plantation
Cradled in the foothills of the Western Ghats that run through Goa is Mangal Plantation near
Quepem, in area rich in archaeological sites, ancient groves and fabulous bio-diversity.
Pascoal Farms
Set in the hills of the Mandovi River is the Pascoal Spice Farm at Khandepar, rich in the
abundance and diversity of its plants.
Rustic Plantation
This is a magnificient countryside sanctuary of nearly 100 acres of rural farmland nestled in
the valley beneath the foothills of Western Ghats, situated in the north east part of Goa.
Savoi Plantation
Located near the village of SavoiVerem, 10 km north of Ponda, Savoi Plantation is one of the
oldest and largest tropical spice plantations in Goa situated right on the banks of the Mandovi
River and is a treat to visit.
Abyss
Also located near SavoiVerem, Abyss is set amidst sky-kissing mountains with picturesque
beautiful surroundings with hundreds of medicinal herbs on the property and is developed on
organic farming basis.
26
The use of exotic tree species such as Australian acacia in such afforestation programmes is
anathema, as they may not serve as good hosts to indigenous Journalinsect species and in turn
not meet the requirements of insectivorous and frugivorous birds changing the microclimates
of specialized flora and fauna as reported earlier (Watve 2003).
Types of Forests found in Goa
The forests of Goa are typical of the Western Ghats (Southern Maharashtra and Karnataka). There is
diversity in the forests due to the variation in altitude, aspect, soil characters, slope etc. As per
Champion and Seth (1968) Classification of Forest types of India, the forests of Goa fall in the
following types:-
(1) Estuarine vegetation consisting of mangrove species along narrow muddy banks of rivers
(2) Strand vegetation along the coastal belts
(3) Plateau vegetation confined especially to the low altitude
(4) Semi-evergreen and evergreen forest limited to patches along the high altitude
(1)Estuarine vegetationof mangroves along swampy river banks:
This type occurs in isolated small patches along the banks of Mandovi and Zuari rivers and
other salt water streams. Botanically this zone is characterized by peculiar root formations
(stilt roots of Rhizophora, pneumatophores in Avicennia, knee root in Bruguieraetc). The
mangroves are found in the division mainly at Durbhat, Panaji, Agassaim and Cortalim. The
above categories of vegetation occur from sea level to 100m.
27
(2)Strand and creek vegetation along the coastal belt:
Most of the coastal regions of Goa is rocky with projecting ridges. The strand vegetation is
limited to a few patches of narrow strip bordering the Arabian Sea. The vegetation along the
south bank of the river Mandovi near Panaji belongs to this category. Tree species mainly
found are Pongamiapinnata, Thespesia pupulnea, Calophyllum inophyllum, Cerberamanghas
and Pandanustectorius. Many herbaceous species such as Neanotisrheedei, lphigenia indica,
Begoniacrenata,Mitreolaoldenlandioides, Habenariagrandifloriformis, Tricholepisglaberrima,
Trichidesma sp. are found along rocky creeks and projecting ridges facing the coast.
(3)Plateau vegetation along undulating terrain and hills:
A major portion of the vegetation in Goa belongs to this category, which is further divided
into two types viz. (a) Open Scurb jungle and (b) Moist deciduous forests.
(a) Open scrub jungle :
This type of vegetation occurs from Panaji to Cortalim and from Bicholim to Sanquelim.
Anacardiumoccidentale is found on an extensive scale. The vegetation is mainly composed of
dry deciduous elements such as Carissa congesta, Hollarrhena pubescens, Lantana camara,
Calycopteris floribunda, Woodfordia fruticosa, Grewia abutilifolia, Vitex negundo and
species of Calotropis, Ziziphus, Cassia, Ixora, Acacia, Albizia, Terminalia and Crotalaria.
(b) Moist mixed deciduous forests :
This is the main forest type, found in Goa, covering more than half of the forest areas. In
North Goa Division, this type occurs around Tudal. Ordofind, Butpal, Molem, Codal,
AbicheGol near Valpoi, and Anmodeghat. Predominant species are Terminalia crenulata, T.
belerica, T. paniculata, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Adina cordifolia, Albizialebbeck, A.
28
procera, Mitragyna parvifolia, Holopteliain tegrifolia, Trewianu diflora, Dillenia pentagyna,
Semicarpusana cardium, Mallotus philippensis and Stereospermum colais.
(4)Semi-evergreen and evergreen vegetation along upper ghats:
(a) Semi-evergreen forests :- This type occurs intermingling between tropical evergreen and
moist deciduous forest mostly above 500 m.s.l. and is found at Ambochegol, Molem, Butpal
and Nadquem. Species composition is of Artocarpushirsutus, A. gomezianus, Calophyllum
spp.,Sterculiaguttata, Kydiacalycina, Lagerstroemia microcarpa, Pterospermumdiversifolium,
Garciniaindica, Diospyros Montana and Macrangapeltata.
(b) Lateritic Semi-evergreen forests : - This type of Forests is found on shallow dry lateritic
soils. Xyliaxylocarpa is the prominent tree species with other associates like,
Pterocarpusmarsupium,Grewiatiliifolia,Terminaliapaniculata,Schleicheraoleosa,Careyaarbore
a ,Brideliaretusa and Strychnosnux-vomica.
(c) Evergreen forests:- This type occurs in deep gorges and depressions and also along the
nallahs and streams in the Ponda-Amboli-Rambhat belt. The main species are
Calophyllumcalaba, Garciniagummi-gutta, Canariumstrictum, Lophopetalumwightianum,
Myristicaspp.,Knemaattenuata, Chroisophyllumacuminata, Palaquiumellipticum,
Artocarpusgomezians, Diospyrusebenum, Mangiferaindica, PerseaMacrantha,
Mimusopselengi, Hopeaponga, Oleadioica, Hydnocarpuspentendra, Syzygiumcumini,
Holigarnaarnotiana, Litseacoriacea, Carallia, brachiata, Mallotusphilipprnsis, Ficusspp.etc.
Osmundaregilis, the royal fern, which is rare in the peninsular India, is also found in this type
of forest.
29
CONCLUSION
The current trend in the region to encroach on plateau after plateau for mega projects doesn’t
augur well for the conservation of biodiversity. Before it is too late, there is a need for
identifying a reasonable number of plateaus in the region as protected sites and systematic
studies on their flora and fauna carried out, such that the original lateritic mosaic with
grassland patches and indigenous trees are left intact.
Open areas with herbaceous vegetation and grasses, many of them being endemic are
characteristic features of the lateritic plateaux. These open areas are of utmost importance for
the bird population as they provide better visibility for vigilance from their predators and free
movement towards food procurement. Therefore, the extensive afforestation programmes in
these open grassland areas are to be discouraged as they might do away with native and
endemic herbaceous vegetation because of their canopy cover. Even if afforestation with tree
species is felt necessary it should be done in isolated patches/islands without interfering with
the open areas on a large scale.
30
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Book reference
∑ S.G. Torne & H.N. Nyabuto,.“Vegetation studies of Goa’’ Printed by
GajendrasinghGahlot at shiva offset press, Dehra Dun, India.(2-280)
∑ Gurcharan singh “plant systematics” printed by oxford & IBH Publishing Co. Pvt
. Ltd , New Delhi , India (464-465)
Net reference
∑ Retrieved on 28/11/12
http://www.goaindiatourism.com/goa/flora-in-goa.html
∑ Retrieved on 28/11/12 http://www.goa-holidays.info/Goa_Wildlife.htm
∑ Retrieved on 1/12/12
http://savegoa.com/you_should_know/forests/types_of_forests_found_in_goa.php
∑ Retrieved on 1/12/12 http://www.goa.gov.in/knowgoa/aboutgoa.html
∑ Retrieved on 1/12/12
http://www.navhindtimes.in/panorama/wonderful-coastal-cliffs-goa
∑ Retrieved on 9/12/12 <http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/goa/information-goa/flora-fauna.html>
∑ Retrieved on 9/12/12
<http://savegoa.com/you_should_know/forests/types_of_forests_found_in_goa.php>
∑ Retrieved on 10/12/12
Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | March 2012 | 4(3): 2444–2453
top related