Flora of Tons Valley Garhwal Himalaya: Uttaranchal

The present Flora is an outcome of intensive botanical exploration in Tons Valley one of the floristically rich Himalayan valley, which may be considered as the gate-way of spectacular Har-ki-Dun glacier in Garhwal Himalaya. Glaring natural beauty, mountainous surroundings, snowy peaks, murmuring perennial rivers with salubrious climate make the valley more spectacular. In spite of these features the area did not receive worthwhile attention of botanists and hence remained unexplored or under-explored. Moreover the area is a homeland of some primitive communities dominated by Jaunsaris, which are authentic and intimate repository of wisdom on plant wealth of the area. The present flora is the first serious attempt to intensify botanical activities in the area. The flora deals with 761 species belonging to 480 genera distributed over 132 families of higher plants. Dichotomous keys to the families, genera and species and a brief description of each species is provided to facilitate identification of the species. Nomenclature has been made up-to-date in light of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. Basionyms and important synonyms., if any, have also been cited In addition to systematic account of the species, a brief resume of geographical features of the area, previous explorations, vegetational pattern, economic potential and status of rare and endangered species have also been provided. Several coloured photographs of vegetation and landscape have further added the beauty of the flora. Authors have spared no stone unturned in making the flora as complete as possible. It will be useful not only to the botanists, but also to the naturalists, foresters, agriculturists, horticulturists, conservationists, herbalists, environmental biologists and other concerned with plants in one way or other.