An exploration on the phenology of different growth forms of an alpine expanse of North-West Himalaya, India

Abstract

Phenological behavior of different growth forms was observed in an alpine pasture of North - West Himalaya (Tungnath), India. Total 103 species were identified which were categorized in 10 different growth forms. In the majority of the growth forms, growth initiation was recorded in May whereas senescence in October. Flowering occurred in July- August in most of the growth forms. In different growth forms, stoloniferous forbs exhibited maximum percent contribution in comparison to tussock graminoids and stoloniferous graminoids. On the basis of growth cycle pattern, long growth cycle plant species contributed maximum percentage in comparison to short growth cycle plant species. Phenological characters viz., initiation, flowering, fruiting etc. depends on the climate of the particular regions. Currently, most of the species initiate after snow melt in alpine regions (April - May) and in near future because of predicted global climate changes, phenology of many plant species may get altered which in turn will be the factor responsible for their acclimatization in changed environment. The present study deals with the phenological characters of different growth forms of an alpine expanse which will be fruitful in this respect. (New York Science Journal. 2009; 2(6):29-42). (ISSN: 1554-0200).