Spectrum of the Flora of Proposed Alsindi Cement Plant

Abstract

The ecosystem of Himalayan region have immense mineral wealth. Limestone found in Himachal Pradesh. is an important industrial mineral. Therefore, the present work was undertaken to study the floristic composition at Alsindi Cement mining area in Mandi district of H.P. where Lafarage Cement [Ltd] Company is establishing a Cement factory and further to understand the life form spectrum of different plant species. A total of 76 species [22 trees, 18 shrubs, 4 climbers, 6 herbs, 4 grasses and 3 legumes] were found in this area. It was found that most of the species occurred at the HB [Hill base]. The life form spectrum recorded that 53% were phenerophytes, 18% therophytes and 29% hemigeophytes. When the present spectrum is compared with normal spectrum, it was found that phenerophytes, therophytes and hemigeophytes were more then normal spectrum, whereas geophytes and Chamaephytes were completely absent. A number of studies conducted earlier in different regions also show that it is not only the climate but biotic interference, also changes the life form and floristic composition of the area. Therefore, the primary strategy of the plants is survival by evolving wide range of life form patterns and occupy varied ecological niches in different area.