Section : Research Article

Published Date : Jan 09,2013

Lede

Species richness and floral diversity around ‘Teesta Barrage Project’ in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India with emphasis on invasive plants and indigenous uses

Abstract

An investigation was carried out in Gajoldoba beels, Saraswatipur forest, tea gardens and village areas around ‘Teesta Barrage Project’ (TBP) to document floral diversity and their uses by local people during 2011-2012. Around 81 plant species distributed in 75 genera, along with 4 fern species, all under 45 families (dicot - 33, monocot - 08, fern - 04) have been documented. Family Fabaceae dominated with highest number (12 taxa) of plant species, and was followed by monocot family Poaceae with 7 taxa. Plant species showed marked variations in frequency, density and abundance in 200 randomly laid quadrat studies. Among the flowering plants, Lantana camara, Mikania indica, Parthenium hysterophorus, Ageratum conyzoides, and Cynodon dactylon exhibited aggressive invasions. About 36 (44.44%) plant species were used by local people for diverse medicinal purposes. The study revealed presence of rich biodiversity, local traditional knowledge on herbal medicine and resource utilization in TBP area which need urgent conservation.