Floristic diversity of Kashmir Himalayan grasslands in relation to their functioning

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Fruit morphology of the genus Potamogeton L. in Kashmir Himalaya and its utility in taxonomic delimitation

The fruit morphology of eight species of the genus Potamogeton L. in Kashmir Himalaya was examined, using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, in order to determine their utility in taxonomic delimitation. During the study, both macro- and micromorphological characters, including the fruit shape, size, color, and nature of the fruit beak, were investigated. The results reveal that the broad- and linear-leaved species have keeled fruits, whereas in filiform-leaved species the dorsal and lateral keels are either absent or obscure. The present study clearly shows the potential utility of fruit features as delimiting characters in order to distinguish different species of the genus Potamogeton in this Himalayan region

Symphyotrichum subulatum (Michx.) G.L.Nesom (Asteraceae): a new distribution record of an alien plant species in Kashmir Himalaya, India

Symphyotrichum subulatum (Michx.) G.L.Nesom (Asteraceae) is reported as a new alien plant record for Kashmir Himalaya. The taxonomic identification of species is confirmed on the basis of shape of involucre, floral and seed characters. Detailed description, distribution map, and comments on distribution and ecology are also provided along with photographic illustration to facilitate easy identification of this species

Phalaris canariensis L. (Poaceae): A new alien plant record for Kashmir Himalaya, India

AbstractThe correct taxonomic identification assumes first and foremost priority in the scientific documentation of biodiversity. The Kashmir Himalaya, located in the north-western side of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, is well-known for its diverse flora which merits immediate scientific documentation. In this context, the present study reports Phalaris canariensis L. (Poaceae) as a new alien plant record to the flora of Kashmir Himalaya, India. In this paper, a detailed description, photographs, and comparison of diagnostic characters with allied species are provided to scientifically validate this alien plant record for this Himalayan region

Correct taxonomic delimitation of Nasturtium microphyllum Rchb. from Nasturtium officinale R. Br. (Brassicaceae) in Kashmir Himalaya, India

The correct taxonomic delimitation of Nasturtium microphyllum Rchb., previously misidentified as Nasturtium officinale R. Br., in the Kashmir Himalaya, India, is reported. This species differs from its closely allied N. officinale in the shape, size, and arrangement of seeds in the fruit. A detailed taxonomic account, including complete description and photoplates of diagnostic characters are provided to resolve the misidentification of the taxa in the Kashmir Himalaya

Assessing diversity and ecosystem services of trees in educational institutions: A case study of a university campus from the Global South

The university campuses in the Global South (low- and middle-income countries of the world) harbour a significant proportion of the trees outside forests which furnish precious ecosystem services. In this study, we conducted field surveys to document the tree flora in the campus of Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak (Haryana), India. We documented 35,184 trees belonging to 66 species in 29 families from the campus. Eucalyptus globulus was the most dominant tree species with 13,932 individuals and Fabaceae was the most speciose family. Nearly 60% of tree species in the campus were native. The mean height (m) and circumference at breast height (cm) for the tree flora were 6.51 ± 0.21 and 50.93 ± 1.11, respectively. The overall tree density on the campus was around 140 trees/ha, mean density 2.11 ± 0.87, and the average basal area 0.021 ± 0.0009 m2/tree. The values for Simpson’s, Shannon, Margalef’s and Pielou’s evenness indices were 0.18, 2.51, 6.21 and 0.6 respectively. The campus trees provide valuable ecosystem services with food and medicinal uses, ornamental and shade values being the dominant. Our findings will guide policy on urban environmental sustainability in the educational campuses in India – the second most populous country in the Global South.</p