CHANGING PATTERN OF THE FLORA VIS-À-VIS TEA CULTIVATION IN UTTARAKHAND HILLS

Abstract

This communication outlines the influence of tea cultivation on the change in vegetation through summer, winter and rainy season in tea gardens and adjoining non-tea areas in Uttarakhand hills. A total of 184 genera (57 families) grow in summer, 263 genera (73 families) in rainy season and 211 genera (57 families) in winter. Weed species such as Ageratum conyzoides, Chrysanthellum americanum, Crassocephalum crepidioides and others grow abundantly in tea gardens, which are otherwise uncommon in the native flora adjoining the tea gardens. These species may invade the adjacent areas and change the composition of native flora that could lead to ecological consequences such as alteration of natural habitat, elimination of native species and a change in pollinators populations. Some of the habitats ideal for medicinal herbs have been brought under tea cultivation. The adverse impact on insect pollination and soil fauna is emphasized due to the use of pesticides in tea gardens.