Q. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?

  1. Oak
  2. Rhododendron
  3. Sandal wood

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • 1 and 2 only
  • 3 only
  • 1 and 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Notes:

  • Oak and Rhododendron are characteristic plants of the Temperate forest.
    • Temperate forests are mainly found in the middle altitudes of the Himalayas. 
  • Oak
    • Oak is a hardwood that is heavy, long-lasting, and expensive. Oak is also known for its strength and durability, as well as its high moisture and humidity resistance.
  • Rhododendron
    • Rhododendron is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 1,000 species, primarily native to the temperate regions of Asia, North America, and Europe, as well as to the tropical regions of southeast Asia and northern Australia.
    • They are known for their showy clusters of large, brightly coloured flowers, and many species are popular ornamental plants in gardens and parks.
    • Rhododendrons are evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, with woody stems and broad, leathery leaves.
    • In India, Pink Rhododendron is the state flower of Himachal Pradesh, while Rhododendron arboreum is the state flower of Nagaland and the official State Tree of Uttarakhand.
Sandalwoods
  • Sandalwoods are found in tropical deciduous forestsor monsoon forests which are found in western ghats, Deccan plateau, northern plains, and along the foothills of theHimalayas but the presence is ‘negligible’ and/or confined only to Northeastern states.
    • This small tropical tree grows to 20m high with red wood and a variety of dark colors of bark (dark brown, reddish and dark grey).
    • The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and, unlike many other aromatic woods, they retain their fragrance for decades. 
    • Sandalwood oil is extracted from the woods for use. Sandalwood is often cited as one of the most expensive woods in the world.
    • Sandalwood has been long associated with the Indian heritage & culture, as the country contributed 85% of the world’ sandalwood trade erstwhile. However, lately this has been declining at a fast rate.
    • IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
    • Uses:
      • In India, it is also called “Chandan” and “Srigandha”. Sandalwood has a special place in Indian tradition where it is being used from cradle to cremation.
      • Sandalwood heartwood, which is close-grained, is used for fine furniture and carving. The heartwood and roots also contain ‘sandal oil’ which is valued for use in perfumes, incense, cosmetics, soaps, and medicines. The bark contains tannin, which is used for dye.
      • Sandalwood essential oil has antiseptic, anti inflammatory, antispasmodic and astringent properties.
        • It is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress, hypertension and heals wounds and treats skin blemishes.
    • Major Growing Areas: In India, sandalwood is mostly grown in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
Moist Deciduous Forests
  • Region: These forests are found in the north-eastern states along the foothills of Himalayas, eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and Odisha.
  • Rainfall: Found in the regions which record rainfall between 100-200 cm.
  • Trees: Tall trees with broad, branched trunks.
    • Some of the taller trees shed their leaves in the dry season.
    • Teak, sal, shisham, hurra, mahua, amla, semul, kusum, and sandalwood etc. are the main species of these forests.
Himalayan Forests
  • Himalayan Moist Forests:
    • Region: Found in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and northern hilly parts of Bengal.
    • Elevation: Found in the belt where altitude varies between 1000-2000 m.
    • Trees: Oak, chestnut, chir, sal, shrubs and nutritious grasses.
  • Himalayan Dry Temperate:
    • Region: J&K, Chamba, Lahaul & Kinnaur districts (Himachal Pradesh) and Sikkim.
    • Trees: Mainly coniferous; deodar, oak, chilgoza, maple, olive, mulberry and willow.
Himalayas
  • The three parallel ranges of the Himalayas longitudinal extent are:
    • Himadri (Great or Inner Himalayas):
      • The northernmost range is called the Himadri and extends for about 2400 km.
      • Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga are a part of these ranges.
    • Himachal (Lesser Himalayas):
      • It lies to the south of Himadri. 
      • Some famous ranges are the Pir Panjal range, Dhaula Dhar, and Mahabharat ranges. 
      • It has some famous valleys like Kullu, Kangra, and Kashmir. 
    • Shivalik (Outer Himalayas):
      • This is the outermost range of the Himalayas. 
      • Shivaliks are known by different names in different areas such as Dafla, Miri, Abor, and Mishmi Hills in Arunachal Pradesh.