Floristic Studies in Darjeeling Hills

The geographical continuity of Darjeeling Hills with Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim has resulted into the mosaic of floristic elements from these territories in the flora of the Darjeeling Hills, which is rich, both informs of luxuriance and species diversity, owing to a very congenial phyto-climatic conditions. The flora comprise 2137 species belonging to 898 genera and 193 families, of which ca 1900 species in 772 genera and 159 families belong to Dicots and the rest to the Monocots. While in 479 species (404 Dicots, 75 Monocots) are endemics, 114 species are exotics which have become permanent denizens in the flora of Darjeeling Hills. The flora is also rich in medicinal and other economically important species, including NTFPs. While a number of species could not be relocated in the region, ca 222 species have been considered endangered, of which 104 species occur within the protected areas, thus covered under in situ conservation. The paper epitomises the results of floristic studies carried out in the area by the author and his associates during the past 22 years and highlights both, the gaps as well as the future prospects.