Flora of Kashmir – Overview
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Kashmir Valley lies in the Western Himalayas.
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Altitude ranges from 1,500 m to 5,800 m, supporting alpine, temperate, and sub-tropical vegetation zones.
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Home to many endemic, rare, and medicinal plants.
🌲 Main Types of Forests in Kashmir
| Forest Type | Dominant Species |
|---|---|
| Subtropical Pine Forest | Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) |
| Temperate Broadleaf | Oak (Quercus), Maple, Horse Chestnut |
| Temperate Coniferous | Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Fir, Spruce |
| Alpine Forests | Juniper, Rhododendron |
| Scrub and Pasture | Wild herbs and shrubs in high altitude |
🌸 Important Flora Species of Kashmir
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Notes/Use |
|---|---|---|
| Chinar | Platanus orientalis | State tree; ornamental & shade |
| Deodar | Cedrus deodara | Timber; sacred in Hinduism |
| Kail Pine | Pinus wallichiana | Used in construction |
| Fir | Abies pindrow | Found in higher altitudes |
| Spruce | Picea smithiana | Grows in moist valleys |
| Silver Birch (Bhojpatra) | Betula utilis | Bark used in ancient scriptures |
| Walnut Tree | Juglans regia | Famous for wood carving and fruits |
| Apple Tree | Malus domestica | Economically vital; horticulture |
| Apricot | Prunus armeniaca | Common in Ladakh, used for oils |
| Saffron (Kesar) | Crocus sativus | Pampore; world's costliest spice |
| Lavender | Lavandula angustifolia | Aromatic; grown under Aroma Mission |
| Wild Rose | Rosa webbiana | Ornamental & medicinal use |
| Rhododendron | Rhododendron anthopogon | Medicinal; found in alpine zones |
🌱 Endemic & Medicinal Plants in Kashmir
| Plant Name | Use |
|---|---|
| Saussurea costus (Kuth) | Ayurvedic medicine; endangered |
| Podophyllum hexandrum | Used in cancer treatment |
| Aconitum heterophyllum | Fever & pain relief |
| Arnebia benthamii | Skin disorders |
| Colchicum luteum | Rheumatism |
🧪 Threatened & Endangered Flora (as per IUCN)
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Saussurea costus – Critically Endangered
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Meconopsis aculeata – Vulnerable
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Dactylorhiza hatagirea – Endangered (Orchid species)
🏞️ Protected Areas Rich in Flora
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Dachigam National Park
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Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
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Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
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Hemis National Park (Ladakh – cold desert flora)
📝 Important Points for Exams
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Chinar is the State Tree of Jammu & Kashmir.
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Kashmir is famous for temperate fruit cultivation (apple, walnut, almond).
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Saffron cultivation is done in Pampore region.
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Many medicinal plants are used in Unani and Ayurvedic medicine.
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Deforestation and climate change are threats to Kashmir’s unique flora.
✅ MCQ Practice (Example)
Q. Chinar tree, the symbol of Kashmir, is botanically known as:
A) Cedrus deodara
B) Juglans regia
C) Platanus orientalis
D) Quercus incana
👉 Answer: C) Platanus orientalis