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Heat and pressure have an influence on nature, as well as the growth of plants. Both precipitation and soil play a role in determining the number of plants available. As a result, India has a diverse range of vegetation patterns. The vegetation of a region is also affected by photoperiod. Variations in daylight duration are caused by differences in latitude, altitude, season, and day length at various places. As a result, different plants develop in other areas depending on the photoperiod.
Natural Vegetation meaning
Natural vegetation is a plant population that has formed organically even without the assistance of humans. They have also been unharmed by humanity for a long time. The term “virgin vegetation” refers to this type of vegetation. Vegetation includes cultivated crops such as fruits and orchards, but not natural vegetation.
Types of Natural Vegetation
The following are the principal types of natural vegetation found in our region:
Tropical rain forests
The high-rainfall zones of the Western Ghats and the island groups of Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar, upper Assam, and the Tamil Nadu coast are home to these woodlands. They thrive in less than 200 cm of annual rainfall and then a short dry season. The trees could grow to be 60 metres tall or perhaps higher. Ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona are among the most often cultivated trees in the forest.
Tropical deciduous forests
It is India’s largest vast forest. They’re monsoon woods found throughout the region and receive rainfall ranging from 200 to 70 cm. Even during the dry season, the trees of this forest type lose their leaves for about six to eight weeks.
As a result, these forests are most often found in the nation’s eastern portion, mainly in the northeastern provinces and the Himalayan foothills, Jharkhand, West Orissa, Chhattisgarh, and even on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Teak is the most common tree in this forest. Bamboos, Khair, Shisham, Kusum, Arjun, Sal, Sandalwood, and Mulberry, are all commercially valuable species.
Thorn Forests and Scrubs
India’s natural vegetation comprises thorny trees and bushes in less than 70 cm of rainfall. The variety of crops can be seen in semi-arid portions of Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana in the northwestern part of the country. Plants such as acacias, palms, euphorbias, and cacti are most prevalent. Tree roots penetrate deep into the soil in need of moisture, and you can find trees across the place.
Montane Forests
The decrease in temperature by increasing altitude causes a shift in India’s native vegetation in mountainous locations. Forests of the wet temperate kind can also be found at 1000 to 2000 metres altitudes. Oaks plus chestnuts have been the most common evergreen broad-leaf trees. You can find temperate woodlands with coniferous trees like pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce, or cedar between 1500 to 3000 metres.
Mangrove Forests
Along most tide-affected beaches, tidal mangrove forests can be found. On such beaches, mud and silt gather. The most prevalent variety of mangroves appears to be dense mangroves, which have their roots buried underwater. The Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri’s deltas all have these mangroves.
Medicinal Plants in India
Since ancient times, India has been known for its herbs and spices. On the Red List of the IUCN, 352 medicinal plants were listed; 52 of those are severely endangered, and 49 of which have been threatened. In India, the following plants are commonly used:
- Sarpagandha: It’s a natural way to lower blood pressure. It’s only available in India.
- Jamun: The juice of ripe fruit assists in the preparation of vinegar, which would be carminative, diuretic, and digestive. The seed powder helps in the management of diabetes.
- Arjun: Drinking the leaves’ juices may help relieve an earache. It also helps to keep blood pressure in check.
- Babool: The leaves are used to treat eye infections. This plant’s gum is used as a tonic.
- Neem: It contains a lot of antibacterial and antibiotic qualities.
- Tulsi Plant: It benefits in the treatment of coughs and colds.
- Kachnar: This herb helps in the treatment of asthma but also ulcers. The buds and roots of this plant can help with stomach problems.
Conclusion
Natural vegetation refers to plants that humans have not developed. It doesn’t need human help and gets what it needs from its natural environment. The height of the land and the type of vegetation are intricately related. As we move to higher altitudes, the climate changes, as does the natural vegetation. Temperature and moisture play a role in the development of plants. Factors like slope and soil thickness also influence it. The three main classifications are forest, grassland, and shrubs.
