Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 February 2026 | 18(2): 28263–28274

 

ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print) 

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10030.18.2.28263-28274

#10030 | Received 01 July 2025 | Final received 12 December 2025 | Finally accepted 28 January 2026

 

 

Floristic composition and conservation significance of vascular plants in Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India

 

Sumit 1  , Gulshan Kumar 2  , Sumit Singh 3  , Kanwaljeet Singh 4  , Taslima Sheikh 5  ,

P. Vishal Ahuja 6   & Arvind Kumar 7

 

1 Department of Botany, Govt. College Chamba, Himachal Pradesh 176314, India.

2 Department of Botany, Career Point University, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh 176041, India.

3 CSIR–Northeast Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, Assam 785006, India.

4 Department of Education in Science and Mathematics, Regional Institute of Education, NCERT, Mysuru, Karnataka 570006, India.

5 Citizen Science Expert, Inspire Foundation Trust, Baraura Hussain, Bari Balaganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003, India.

6 Zoo Outreach Organisation, 3A2 Varadarajulu Nagar, FCI Road, Ganapathy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641006, India.

7 Department of Botany, G.G.M Science College, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India.

1 suminirankari@gmail.com, 2 sharmagulshan1980@gmail.com, 3 ssumitthakur14@gmail.com (corresponding author), 4 botanistkanwal64@gmail.com, 5 sheikhtass@gmail.com (corresponding author), 6 vishal@zooreach.org, 7 arvindkumarbotany@gmail.com

 

 

Editor: Afroz Alam, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India.          Date of publication: 26 February 2026 (online & print)

 

Citation: Sumit, G. Kumar, S. Singh, K. Singh, T. Sheikh, P.V. Ahuja & A. Kumar (2026). Floristic composition and conservation significance of vascular plants in Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 18(2): 28263–28274. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10030.18.2.28263-28274

  

Copyright: © Sumit et al. 2026. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and distribution of this article in any medium by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publication.

 

Funding: This research received no external funding.

 

Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

 

Author details: Ms. Sumit serves as an assistant professor of botany at Government College Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. She holds an M.Phil. and a master’s degree in Botany and brings over 26 years of rich teaching experience at the undergraduate level. A committed educator and emerging researcher, she is currently pursuing her PhD in Botany, with a research focus on floristic diversity and ethnobotany, particularly within the Himalayan region. She has actively contributed to the academic community through participation in numerous national and international conferences. Dr. Gulshan Kumar is an accomplished academician associate professor of botany at Career Point University, distinguished for his expertise in ethnobotany, agro-biodiversity, and climate-resilient agriculture. Born on 23 October 1980, he has extensive academic, research, and extension experience, advancing sustainable agro-technologies and indigenous knowledge systems for Himalayan ecosystems and rural development initiatives across regions today. Dr. Sumit Singh is a renowned plant taxonomist currently working as scientist C at CSIR-NEIST, Assam. He has done his PhD from CSIR-IIIM, Jammu in the Year 2022 with expertise in alpine Himalayan flora. During his research tenure, Dr. Singh has published more than 20 research articles in different international Journals. Dr. Singh is also the Fellow of renowned scientific societies like Linnean Society of London, Royal Asiatic Society, Royal Geographic Society, etc. Dr. Taslima Sheikh is a biodiversity researcher specializing in species diversity and field based ecological documentation. Her work focuses on systematic assessments, distribution patterns, and conservation-oriented studies across India. During her research tenure, she has published more than 15 research articles and served as reviewer for various peer reviewed Journals. Dr. Kanwaljeet Singh is currently working as assistant professor (botany) in the department of Education in Science and Mathematics, Regional Institute of Education Mysuru (NCERT). He holds the PhD degree in the field of plant taxonomy and ethnobotany. Dr Singh has published more than 20 research articles in renowned international journals. Mr. P. Vishal Ahuja is a dedicated conservation biologist and academic researcher from Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, India. He holds a master’s degree in botany reflecting both his scientific expertise and commitment to environmental awareness and education. Since joining the Zoo Outreach Organisation in 2012, he has been actively engaged in biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration initiatives. He currently serves as the principal investigator of a Native Forest Restoration Project in Chamba District, spearheaded by the Zoo Outreach Organisation. Mr. Arvind Kumar is a renowned botanist currently serving as assistant professor (botany) in department of higher education, Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Kumar is an accomplished teacher and author with teaching experience of more than 10 years. He has published various research articles in the field of plant diversity and ethnobotany.

 

Author contributions: Sumit Singh conceptualized and designed the study. Sumit and P. Vishal Ahuja conducted the field study, collected the specimens and wrote the manuscript. Sumit Singh and Taslima Sheikh were involved in supervision, data analysis, and critical review. Gulshan Kumar provided supervision, materials and assisted in data collection. Kanwaljeet Singh contributed to data interpretation. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.

 

Acknowledgements: The authors express their sincere gratitude to the head, Department of Botany, Career Point University, and the vice chancellor for providing the necessary facilities. We are also thankful to the forest officials of Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary for their support and cooperation during the fieldwork.

 

 

Abstract: Kalatop–Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary represents one of the ecologically significant forested landscapes of the northwestern Himalaya; however, updated and systematic documentation of its vascular flora has remained limited. In view of increasing anthropogenic pressures and climate variability, a comprehensive floristic survey was undertaken during 2023–2025 to assess the plant diversity and conservation status of the sanctuary. A total of 141 plant species representing 112 genera and 53 families were recorded. Out of these, 136 species belonged to angiosperms and five species to gymnosperms. Among dicotyledons, Asteraceae was the most dominant family, with 24 species. Among the monocotyledons, Orchidaceae was the most dominant family, with five species. The study area is dominated by native species, and only 9.93% of species were alien. The sanctuary hosts ten endangered plant species, including Taxus contorta and Lilium polyphyllum. The findings highlight the sanctuary as a reservoir of native and threatened plant diversity in the western Himalaya. The recorded baseline data serve as critical resources for biodiversity assessment, habitat management, and conservation strategy development. It is imperative to reinforce protective measures and support long-term ecological monitoring to safeguard this fragile ecosystem against emerging environmental challenges.

 

Keywords: Altitude gradient, angiosperms, conservation, endangered, endemism, flora, Himalayan plants, native, protected areas, threatened.

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A thorough knowledge of the floristic composition of a plant community is essential for understanding the overall structure and function of an ecosystem (Gairola et al. 2010). Even in the present day, floristic research holds significant value, especially in geographic regions with limited knowledge of their flora, within protected areas, and in biodiversity hotspots (Wagensommer 2023). Such studies also help us in understanding the changes that take place in forest plant communities (Lalithalakshmi et al. 2024). Moreover, such data are essential for formulating effective conservation strategies (Wani et al. 2023; Sherafu et al. 2024).

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is one of the most ecologically significant and biologically rich areas in the world. It is globally recognized as a major biodiversity hotspot due to its extraordinary range of climatic conditions and diverse altitude gradients that span from subtropical foothills to alpine and glacial zones (Palni & Rawal 2010; Haq et al. 2023). Covering roughly 18% of India, the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) stretches over 2,800 km and varies in width from 220–300 km, with its altitudes ranging 200–8,000 m, harbours nearly 8,000 species of flowering plants, about 40% of which are endemic (Samant 2021).

Himachal Pradesh holds a prominent position among the Indian states comprising the IHR, due to its expansive forest cover, rich flora, and diverse habitats. Notably, the Chamba District, which lies in the northwestern part of Himachal Pradesh, is characterized by its rugged terrain, high mountains, and deep valleys. The Chamba District is home to five designated Wildlife Sanctuaries: Gamgul Siyabehi, Kalatop-Khajjiar, Kugti, Sech Tuan Nala, and Tundah (Kumar et al. 2018). Despite their ecological significance, these protected areas remain largely underexplored or, in some cases, completely unexplored in terms of their biodiversity and ecological potential. The Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary (KKWS) is the smallest sanctuary in the district and is an ecologically sensitive zone known for its scenic beauty and rich plant biodiversity. Khajjiar, ‘Mini Switzerland’ is a popular tourist destination that welcomes thousands of tourists annually (Verma & Kapoor 2011). This influx of vehicles on a daily basis leads to environmental pollution, posing a growing threat to the sanctuary’s diverse flora due to both ecological and human-induced factors. Besides, a variety of abiotic and biotic factors, including pollution, deforestation, over-exploitation of forest resources, habitat destruction or fragmentation, and invasive species, significantly influence the ongoing transformation of ecosystems (Haq et al. 2023). Consequently, it is essential to periodically update the floristic inventory to achieve a thorough understanding of species interactions within their environment and among themselves. Furthermore, these serve as important indicators of shifts in floristic composition, recent invasions, and the current status of endemic and threatened taxa in a given phytogeographical area (Ravi et al. 2016). Keeping this in view, the current study was conducted to investigate the floral diversity of KKWS. Information pertaining to the floristic diversity of KKWS is scanty. Verma & Kapoor (2011) studied the floristic composition of the Sanctuary. In continuation, the present communication describes and analyses the floristic composition and life forms of KKWS.

 

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 

Study area

The KKWS was founded in 1958. It currently spreads over an area of 17.17 km2 (Kumar et al. 2014). The altitude ranges 1,850–2,750 m (Kumar et al. 2018). The sanctuary is divided into two blocks – Khajjiar and Lakkarmandi, and six beats – Khajjiar, Khajroth, Talai, Lakkarmandi, Kalatop, and Dainkund (Kumar 2020). The area can be categorized into three ecosystems: dense forests of mixed fir, spruce and deodar with oak and rhododendron, a lake meadow- Khajjiar, surrounded on all sides by deodar trees, and a small portion of alpine pasture at the Dainkund area. Precipitation is in the form of rain and snow. The temperature ranges from sub-zero in winters to 32 oC in summers. The sanctuary represents the flora of sub temperate to alpine climate (Verma & Kapoor 2011).

 

Data collection

Extensive field surveys were conducted from 2023–2025 across various growing seasons to collect plant samples and to record data from various geographic locations of the study area. For each species, GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude, and altitude), as well as field data on plant habit, floral morphology, and phenology, along with other data such as date, location, voucher number, information about the flower colour and other features that are lost during pressing, were recorded in the field book. Plants that are uncommon or threatened were thoroughly examined, and data were documented. Digital photos of the collected vouchers were taken to record the presence of specific species in the specified regions. Voucher specimens were processed according to the methodologies outlined by Jain & Rao (1977) in their Herbarium Techniques, which involve pressing, drying, applying 1% mercuric chloride solution for preservation, mounting on standard-sized herbarium sheets of 28 x 42 cm, and subsequently stitching and labelling them. The identification of plant species was carried out using local and regional floras, including authoritative references such as Collett (1902); Chowdhery & Wadhwa (1984); Polunin & Stainton (1984); Stainton (1988); Aswal & Mehrotra (1994); Dhaliwal & Sharma (1999); Singh & Sharma (2006), scientific articles and herbarium of Career Point University Hamirpur. The collected plant specimens were deposited at the Herbarium of Career Point University, Hamirpur. Voucher specimens marked with an asterisk (*) were previously collected and deposited as a part of an earlier ethnomedicinal study in the same area (Sumit et al. 2025). These voucher specimens were included in the current research, and additional information for these species was collected during this investigation. Plant species identified for the first time in the present study were collected, processed, authenticated and assigned new accession numbers.

 

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

 

In the present study, a total of 141 plant species representing 112 genera and 53 families were documented (Table 1 & 3). This constitutes approximately 14.02% of the total flora of the Chamba District and about 4.33% of the overall flora of Himachal Pradesh. Native species dominated (90.07%); only 9.93% of species were found to be alien. Out of these, 136 species were angiosperms (115 species of dicotyledons and 21 species of monocotyledons), and five species were gymnosperms. Among the dicotyledons, Asteraceae was the most dominant family (24 species) followed by Lamiaceae (9 species), Rosaceae (8 species), Caryophyllaceae (6 species), Fabaceae (5 species), Polygonaceae (5 species), Apiaceae (4 species), Balsaminaceae (4 species), Berberidaceae (3 species), Primulaceae (3 species), Onagraceae (3 species), Acanthaceae (3 species). Amaranthaceae, Brassicaceae, Crassulaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Geraniaceae, Hydrangiaceae, Mazaceae, Urticaceae and Adoxaceae were represented by two species each. Rest of the dicot families, Apocynaceae, Aquifoliaceae, Campanulaceae, Cornaceae, Ericaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fagaceae, Haloragaceae, Moraceae, Orobanchaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Plantaginaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rubiaceae, Sapindaceae, Saxifragaceae, Ulmaceae, and Vitaceae were represented by one species each. Among the monocotyledons, Orchidaceae was the most dominant family (5 species), followed by Zingiberaceae (3 species), Poaceae (2 species), Juncaceae (2 species), Asparagaceae (2 species), and Smilacaceae (2 species). Families Acoraceae, Araceae, Commelinaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Liliaceae, were represented by one species only. Pinaceae was found to be the most represented family with four species and Taxaceae was represented by one species only.

The overall diversity includes 101 herbs, 17 shrubs, two climbing shrubs, 12 trees, four climbers, and five orchids (Figure 2). Chaerophyllum reflexum, Selinum vaginatum, Polygonatum verticillatum (Image 2I), Artemisia absinthium, Berberis lycium (Image 2J), Podophyllum hexandrum (Image 1D), Valeriana jatamansi, Dioscorea deltoidea (Image 1C), Rhododendron arboreum, Malaxis muscifera (Image 1A), Pyrus pashia, Rosa macrophylla (Image 2H), Ulmus wallichiana, Urtica dioica, Cautleya spicata (Image 2K), Hedychium spicatum (Image 2L), Roscoea alpina (Image 1G), Cedrus deodara and Taxus contorta (Image 1 F). Some exotic medicinal plants include Acorus calamus, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria and Digitalis purpurea (Image 1B). Some species were edible: leaves of Stellaria media, Rumex nepalensis, Nasturtium officinale, Pilea scripta, and Urtica dioica are cooked as vegetables, flowers of Rhododendron arboretum and Berberis napaulensis (Image 2M) are used to make chutney, Ripe fruits of Berberis lycium, Berberis napaulensis, Pyrus pashia, and Rubus macilentus are edible. Leaves of Quercus leucotrichophora, Ficus hederacea, Polygonum plebeium, Rumex nepalensis, and Cornus macrophylla are used as fodder.

 

 

CONSERVATION STATUS

 

One-hundred-and-three of 114 species recorded from the study area are not assessed and 31 species as ‘Least Concern’ (LC) according to the IUCN Red List. Ten species from the study area were found to be threatened based on different assessment authorities. At the global level, as per IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Podophyllum hexandrum and Taxus contorta are categorized as ‘Endangered’ (EN), while Malaxis muscifera and Ulmus wallichiana are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ (VU). Lilium polyphyllum is categorized as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) under the IUCN Red List.

At the national and regional level, assessments by the Conservation Assessment and Management Plan, 2010 for Himachal Pradesh categorize Dioscorea deltoidea and Polygonatum verticillatum as Endangered (EN) within the state (CAMP 2010). Additionally, Selinum vaginatum and Roscoea alpina are listed as Vulnerable (VU) in Himachal Pradesh under CAMP assessments.

Regarding legal protection and trade regulation, Dioscorea deltoidea is included in Appendix II of CITES (2025) (Appendices 2025), indicating that although it is not necessarily threatened with extinction globally, its trade must be regulated to avoid utilization incompatible with its survival. Furthermore, Valeriana jatamansi has been categorized as Critically Endangered (CR) by FRLHT (Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions) under national medicinal plant conservation assessments (ENVIS Centre on Medicinal Plants 2024).

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

The present study offers valuable insights into the floristic diversity and conservation status of the flora of KKWS, contributing to our understanding of its rich botanical heritage. The sanctuary, distinguished by its diverse ecosystems, serves as a vital habitat for a range of rare and threatened plant species. Despite its protected status, the sanctuary is not immune to anthropogenic disturbances, including tourism pressure, habitat fragmentation, resource extraction, and the growing impacts of climate variability. The outcomes of this investigation establish a significant baseline database that can support efforts in biodiversity management, restoration planning, and policy creation. Continuous floristic assessments, paired with habitat protection strategies and community-based conservation initiatives, are necessary to maintain the Sanctuary’s ecological integrity. Strengthening awareness, regulating tourism, and implementing science-based management strategies will be crucial for the sustainable conservation of this ecologically sensitive and biologically rich Himalayan region.

 

 

Table 1. Number of families, genera, and species reported from the study area.

Groups

Families

total (% of the total)

Genera

total (% of the total)

Species

total (% of the total)

Angiosperms

(i) Dicotyledons

40 (75.47)

89 (79.46)

115 (81.56)

(ii) Monocotyledons

11 (20.76)

18 (16.07)

21 (14.89)

Gymnosperms

02 (3.77)

05 (4.47)

05 (3.55)

Total

53 (100)

112 (100)

141 (100)

 

 

Table 2. List of vascular flora of Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Family

Taxa

Voucher no.

Life form

Habitat

Flowering/fruiting

Altitude (m)

Latitude N

Longitude E

IUCN Red List status

Nativity

Acoraceae

Acorus calamus L.

CPUH14232*

Herb

Marshy area

June–September

1961

32.546°

76.058°

Alien

Acanthaceae

 

Dicliptera bupleuroides Nees

CPUH14215

Herb

Road side

November–June

1993

32.549°

76.059°

LC

Native

Strobilanthes attenuata (Wall. ex Nees) Jacq. ex Nees

CPUH14135

Shrub

Forest margin, Road side

June–October

2374

32.549°

76.018°

NA

Native

Strobilanthes penstemonoides (Nees) T.Anderson

CPUH14171

Shrub

Forest trail

July–October

2029

32.539°

76.053°

NA

Native

Adoxaceae

 

Viburnum grandiflorum Wall. ex DC.

CPUH14045

Shrub

Road side

March–June

2442

32.529°

76.033°

NA

Native

 

Viburnum mullaha Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don

CPUH14100

Shrub

Forest area

May–October

2283

32.534°

76.044°

LC

Native

 

Amaranthaceae

 

Cyathula capitata Moq.

CPUH14133

Herb

Forest trail

July–October

2425

32.547°

76.019°

NA

Native

Cyathula tomentosa (Schult.) Moq.

CPUH14177*

Herb

Forest margin

August–October

2198

32.535°

76.048°

NA

Native

Apiaceae

 

Bupleurum longicaule Wall. ex DC.

CPUH14137

Herb

Alpine slopes

June–September

2690

32.525°

76.026°

NA

Native

 

Chaerophyllum reflexum Lindl.

CPUH14097*

Herb

Forest margin

May–September

2104

32.534°

76.054°

NA

Native

Sanicula elata Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don

CPUH14075

Herb

Forest trail

June–October

2023

32.539°

76.054°

NA

Native

Selinum vaginatum (Edgew.) C.B.Clarke

CPUH14200

Herb

Alpine slopes

July–October

2662

32.525°

76.025°

VU (CAMP 2010)

Native

Apocynaceae

 

Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Medik.

CPUH14118*

Herb

Open meadow

April–August

2452

32.534°

76.044°

Alien

Aquifoliaceae

 

Ilex dipyrena Wall.

CPUH14223

Tree

Forest area

April–September

2080

32.534°

76.051°

LC

Native

Araceae

 

Arisaema propinquum Schott

CPUH14068

Herb

Forest margin

June–September

2372

32.529°

76.042°

NA

Native

Asparagaceae

 

Polygonatum govanianum Royle

CPUH14040

Herb

Road side

May–August

2057

32.538°

76.054°

NA

Native

 

Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All.

CPUH14041*

Herb

Forest margin

May–August

2029

32.539°

76.053°

EN (CAMP 2010)

Native

Asteraceae

 

Anaphalis triplinervis (Sims) C.B.Clarke

CPUH14178*

Herb

Forest margin

July–October

2365

32.529°

76.033°

NA

Native

 

Anaphalis busua  (Buch.-Ham.) DC.

CPUH14207

Herb

Mountain slopes

August–October

2730

32.522°

76.030°

NA

Native

 

Anaphalis  nepalensis (Spreng.) Hand.-Mazz.

CPUH14210

Herb

Mountain slopes

July–September

2690

32.524°

76.027°

NA

Native

 

Artemisia absinthium L.

CPUH14099*

Herb

Road side

July–September

2265

32.534°

76.046°

LC

Native

 

Bidens pilosa L.

CPUH14191*

Herb

Road side

July–October

1950

32.538°

76.052°

Alien

 

Bidens tripartita L.

CPUH14198

Herb

Marshy area

August–October

1935

32.545°

76.059°

LC

Native

 

Carpesium abrotanoides L.

CPUH14091

Herb

Road side

August–October

2034

32.534°

76.051°

NA

Native

 

Carpesium cernuum L.

CPUH14078

Herb

Road side

August–October

2053

32.534°

76.053°

NA

Native

 

Carpesium trachelifolium Less.

CPUH14230

Herb

Mountain slopes

August–October

2707

32.524°

76.028°

NA

Native

 

Cordiofontis flexuosa (Royle ex Lindl.) G.L.Nesom

CPUH14197

Herb

Mountain slopes

July–September

2690

32.524°

76.027°

NA

Native

 

Erigeron acris var. multicaulis (Wall. ex DC.) C.B.Clarke

CPUH14067

Herb

Forest trail

May–October

2323

32.531°

76.044°

NA

Native

 

Erigeron canadensis L.

CPUH14186

Herb

Road side

June–October

2370

32.530°

76.039°

NA

Alien

 

Gamochaeta pensylvanica (Willd.) Cabrera

CPUH14047

Herb

Road side

March–October

1979

32.539°

76.065°

NA

Alien

 

Hypochaeris radicata L.

CPUH14055

Herb

Open grassland

July–October

2206

32.536°

76.046°

NA

Alien

 

Jacobaea analoga (DC.) Veldkamp

CPUH14132

Herb

Forest margin

July–October

2285

32.532°

76.035°

NA

Native

 

Leucanthemum vulgare Lam.

CPUH14049

Herb

Mountain slopes

April–October

1993

32.538°

76.065°

Alien

 

Melanoseris brunoniana (Wall. ex DC.) N.Kilian & Ze H.Wang

CPUH14173

Herb

Forest margin

July–October

2167

32.533°

76.048°

NA

Native

 

Myriactis wallichii Less.

CPUH14131

Herb

Road side

June–October

2009

32.544°

76.054°

NA

Native

 

Oreoseris gossypina (Royle) X.D.Xu &V.A.Funk

CPUH14053*

Herb

Rocky surface

April–June

2201

32.534°

76.047°

NA

Native

 

Pseudognaphalium affine (D.Don)

CPUH14106

Herb

Forest margin

May–October

2298

32.534°

76.046°

NA

Native

 

Sigesbeckia orientalis L.

CPUH14182

Herb

Forest margin

August–October

2370

32.532°

76.036°

NA

Native

 

Synotis rufinervis (DC.) C.Jeffrey&Y.L.Chen

CPUH14179

Herb

Forest margin

August–October

2365

32.531°

76.035°

NA

Native

 

Taraxacum parvulum DC.

CPUH14023

Herb

Grassy open space

March–November

2029

32.539°

76.053°

NA

Native

 

Youngia japonica (L.) DC.

CPUH14046

Herb

Shady places

March–August

2198

32.530°

76.039°

NA

Native

Balsaminaceae

 

Impatiens amphorata Edgew.

CPUH14170

Herb

Mountain slopes

July–September

1984

32.542°

76.061°

NA

Native

 

Impatiens brachycentra Kar. & Kir.

CPUH14008

Herb

Road side

May–October

2019

32.540°

76.052°

NA

Native

 

Impatiens edgeworthii Hook.f.

CPUH14082

Herb

Mountain slopes

July–September

2365

32.528°

76.041°

NA

Native

 

Impatiens sulcata Wall.

CPUH14196*

Herb

Mountain slopes

June–September

2381

32.528°

76.041°

NA

Native

Berberidaceae

 

Berberis lycium Royle

CPUH14058*

Shrub

Mountain slopes

April–June

2206

32.536°

76.046°

LC

Native

 

Berberis napaulensis(DC.) Spreng.

CPUH14005*

Shrub

Road side

January–April

2029

32.539°

76.053°

NA

Native

 

Podophyllum hexandrum Royle

CPUH14025*

Herb

Forest trail

April–August

2057

32.538°

76.054°

EN

Native

Brassicaceae

 

Nasturtium officinale W.T.Aiton

CPUH14050*

Herb

Near water

April–September

1993

32.538°

76.065°

LC

Native

 

Noccaea montana (L.) F.K.Mey

CPUH14015

Herb

Forest trail

April–July

2198

32.529°

76.034°

Alien

Campanulaceae

 

Campanula pallida Wall.

CPUH14152

Herb

Road side

May–October

2249

32.534°

76.054°

NA

Native

Caprifoliaceae

 

Leycesteria formosa Wall.

CPUH14064

Shrub

Forest trail

June–October

2208

32.536°

76.044°

NA

Native

 

Valeriana jatamansi Jones ex Roxb.

CPUH14021*

Herb

Forest trail

March–August

2009

32.544°

76.054°

CR (FRLHT)

Native

Caryophyllaceae

 

Schizotechium monospermum (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Pusalkar&S.K.Srivast.

CPUH14174

Herb

Mountain slopes

August–October

2167

32.533°

76.048°

NA

Native

 

Silene baccifera (L.) Durande

CPUH14107

Herb

Road side

June–August

2172

76.044°

76.044°

NA

Native

 

Silene edgeworthii Bocquet

CPUH14166

Herb

Road side

June–July

2330

76.054°

76.054°

NA

Native

 

Spergularia rubra (L.) J.Presl&C.Presl

CPUH14208

Herb

Alpine slopes

May–September

2730

76.048°

76.048°

Alien

 

Stellaria aquatica (L.) Scop.

CPUH14044

Herb

Shady places

May–September

2029

76.044°

76.044°

NA

Native

 

Stellaria media (L.) Vill.

CPUH14003

Herb

Shady places

March–October

1972

76.054°

76.054°

NA

Native

Commelinaceae

 

Cyanotis vaga (Lour.) Schult. &Schult.f.

CPUH14154

Herb

Alpine slopes

July–October

2726

32.520°

76.034°

NA

Native

Coranaceae

 

Cornus macrophylla Wall.

CPUH14228

Tree

Road side

April–June

2076

32.534°

76.054°

LC

Native

Crassulaceae

Rosularia rosulata (Edgew.) H.Ohba

CPUH14042*

Herb

Rocky surface

April–July

2029

32.535°

76.541°

NA

Native

 

Sedum multicaule Wall. ex Lindl.

CPUH14122

Herb

Shady places

July–September

1990

32.544°

76.054°

NA

Native

Dioscoreaceae

 

Dioscorea deltoidea Wall. ex Griseb.

CPUH14059*

Climber

Mixed forest margin

May–September

2206

32.536°

76.046°

EN (CITES)

Native

Ericaceae

 

Rhododendron arboreum Sm.

CPUH14235*

Tree

Ban oak forest

March–June

1983

32.540°

76.071°

LC

Native

Euphorbiaceae

 

Euphorbia cornigera Boiss.

CPUH14066

Herb

Road side

May–September

2316

32.529°

76.042°

NA

Native

Fabaceae

 

Campylotropis speciosa (Royle ex Schindl.) Schindl.

CPUH14190

Shrub

Road side

August–October

2030

32.538°

76.052°

NA

Native

 

Hylodesmumpodocarpum (DC.) H.Ohashi&R.R.Mill

CPUH14089

Herb

Road side

July–September

1901

32.541°

76.067°

NA

Native

 

Indigofera atropurpurea Buch.-Ham. ex Hornem.

CPUH14048

Shrub

Road side

May–July

1979

32.539°

76.065°

LC

Native

 

Trifolium dubium Sibth.

CPUH14051

Herb

Grassy meadow

April–May

1993

32.539°

76.065°

Alien

 

Trifolium resupinatum L.

CPUH14229

Herb

Grassy meadow

May–October

2713

32.523°

76.029°

LC

Native

Fagaceae

 

Quercus leucotrichophora A.Camus

CPUH14220*

Tree

Forest area

April–June

2198

32.535°

76.048°

NA

Native

Geraniaceae

 

Geranium rectum Trautv.

CPUH14095

 

Herb

Forest margin

June–July

2365

32.528°

76.041°

NA

Native

 

Geranium ocellatum Jacquem. ex Cambess.

CPUH14004

Herb

Road side

March–June

1975

32.540°

76.064°

NA

Native

Haloragaceae

 

Myriophyllum verticillatum L.

CPUH14090

Herb

Lake side

July–September

1935

32.545°

76.059°

LC

Native

Hydrangeaceae

 

Deutzia staminea R.Br. ex Wall.

CPUH14037

Shrub

Road side

April–September

2029

32.535°

76.054°

NA

Native

 

Hydrangea anomala D.Don

CPUH14225

Climbing shrub

Mixed coniferous forest

April–August

2000

32.539°

76.052°

NA

Native

Juncaceae

 

Juncus articulatus L.

 

CPUH14070

Herb

Lake side

May–October

1935

32.544°

76.058°

LC

Native

Juncus concinnus D.Don

CPUH14140

Herb

Mountain slopes

July–October

2703

32.524°

76.028°

LC

Native

Lamiaceae

 

Elsholtzia fruticosa (D.Don) Rehder

CPUH14180

Herb

Road side

July–November

2365

32.529°

76.033°

NA

Native

 

Elsholtzia strobilifera (Benth.) Benth.

CPUH14199

Herb

Alpine slopes

June–October

2662

32.525°

76.026°

NA

Native

 

Isodon coetsa (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Kudô

CPUH14172*

Herb

Road side

September–November

2158

32.535°

76.048°

NA

Native

 

Lamium album L.

CPUH14030

Herb

Road side

April–October

2052

32.541°

76.054°

LC

Native

 

Leonurus cardiaca L.

CPUH14116

Herb

Forest trail

July–September

2426

32.534°

76.015°

Alien

 

Melissa axillaris (Benth.) Bakh.f.

CPUH14130

Herb

Road side

June–December

1997

32.541°

76.560°

NA

Native

 

Nepeta govaniana (Wall. ex Benth.) Benth.

CPUH14147

Herb

Forest area

August–October

2696

32.524°

76.027°

NA

Native

 

Nepeta podostachys Benth.

CPUH14202

Herb

Alpine slopes

July–September

2690

32.525°

76.262°

NA

Native

 

Stachys splendens Wall. ex Benth.

CPUH14109

Herb

Road  side

September–November

2363

32.529°

76.040°

NA

Native

Liliaceae

 

Lilium polyphyllum D.Don

CPUH14086*

Herb

Forest area

June–August

2206

32.537°

76.462°

CR

Native

Mazaceae

 

Mazus pumilus (Burm.f.) Steenis

CPUH14088

Herb

Mixed forest slopes

April–October

1950

32.539°

76.066°

NA

Native

 

Mazus surculosus D.Don

CPUH14072

Herb

Mixed forest slopes

May–October

1969

32.546°

76.056°

NA

Native

Moraceae

 

Ficus hederacea Roxb.

CPUH14098

Climber

Forest area

May–July

2127

32.534°

76.051°

NA

Native

Onagraceae

 

Epilobium amurense subsp. amurense

CPUH14087

Herb

Road side

May–October

2053

32.532°

76.049°

NA

Native

 

Epilobium laxum Royle

CPUH14104

Herb

Road side

July–September

2285

32.534°

76.045°

NA

Native

 

Oenothera rosea L'Hér. ex Aiton

CPUH14092

Herb

Road side

May–October

2034

32.534°

76.051°

Alien

Orchidaceae

 

Calanthe plantaginea Lindl.

CPUH14024

Orchid

Forest area

April–May

2053

32.539°

76.054°

NA

Native

 

Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz

CPUH14102*

Orchid

Forest area

July–September

2285

32.534°

76.045°

LC

Native

 

Goodyera repens (L.) R.Br.

CPUH14158

Orchid

Forest area

July–September

2726

32.520°

76.035°

LC

Native

 

Malaxis muscifera (Lindl.) Kuntze

CPUH14157*

Orchid

Forest area

July–September

2730

32.523°

76.029°

VU

Native

 

Spiranthes sinensis (Pers.) Ames

CPUH14156

Orchid

Alpine slopes

March–September

2662

32.525°

76.026°

Alien

Orobanchaceae

 

Euphrasia himalayica Wettst.

CPUH14139

Herb

Alpine slopes

May– August

2690

32.524°

76.026°

NA

Native

Phyllanthaceae

 

Leptopus cordifolius Decne.

CPUH14162

Shrub

Forest trail

May–October

2001

32.532°

76.447°

NA

Native

Plantaginaceae

 

Digitalis purpurea L.

CPUH14110

Herb

Road side

May–October

2363

32.531°

76.032°

Alien

Poaceae

 

Drepanostachyum falcatum (Nees) Keng f.

CPUH14236

Bamboo

Road side

2033

32.545°

76.054°

NA

Native

 

Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) P.Beauv.

CPUH14129

Herb

Shady places

August–October

1993

32.538°

76.065°

NA

Native

Polygonaceae

 

Persicaria pubescens (Blume) H.Hara

CPUH14161

Herb

Moist  places

July–October

2285

32.534°

76.045°

LC

Native

 

Persicaria minor (Huds.) Opiz

CPUH14167

Herb

Road side

July–October

1901

32.540°

76.066°

NA

Native

 

Polygonum aviculare L.

CPUH14145

Herb

Grassy meadow

July–October

2726

32.521°

76.032°

NA

Native

 

Polygonum plebeium R.Br.

CPUH14203

Herb

Grassy meadow

October–April

2730

32.523°

76.029°

LC

Native

 

Rumex nepalensis Spreng.

CPUH14043*

Herb

Road side

April–July

2029

32.539°

76.053°

NA

Native

Primulaceae

 

Androsace rotundifolia Hardw.

CPUH14032

Herb

Rocky surface

April–June

2057

32.540°

76.053°

NA

Native

 

Androsace sarmentosa Wall.

CPUH14148

Herb

Alpine slopes

May–August

2726

32.520°

76.035°

NA

Native

 

Lysimachia debilis Wall.

CPUH14073

Herb

Road side

June–July

1950

32.539°

76.066°

NA

Native

Ranunculaceae

 

Clematis connata DC.

CPUH14187

Climber

Forest area

August–October

1942

32.532°

76.049

NA 

Native

Rosaceae

 

Geum roylei Wall.

CPUH14027

Herb

Road side

May–September

1942

32.542°

76.062°

NA

Native

 

Potentilla indica (Andrews) Th.Wolf

CPUH14007*

Herb

Road side

March–August

2031

32.548°

76.055°

NA

Native

 

Potentilla nepalensis Hook.

CPUH14117

Herb

Grassy meadow

June–October

2452

32.530°

76.024°

NA

Native

 

Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don

CPUH14213

Tree

Road side

February–March

1960

32.540°

76.065°

LC

Native

 

Rosa macrophylla Lindl.

CPUH14060*

Shrub

Road side

April–September

2206

32.536°

76.046°

NA

Native

 

Rubus macilentus Cambess.

CPUH14031

Shrub

Road side

April–October

1984

32.542°

76.061°

NA

Native

 

Rubus pedunculosus D.Don

CPUH14113

Shrub

Road side

June–August

2410

32.531°

76.032°

NA

Native

 

Sorbaria tomentosa (Lindl.) Rehder

CPUH14063

Shrub

Road side

May–October

2208

32.536°

76.044°

NA

Native

Rubiaceae

 

Galium elegans Wall.

CPUH14074

Herb

Moist  places

May–November

2009

32.544°

76.054°

NA

Native

Sapindaceae

 

Acer cappadocicum Gled.

CPUH14218

Tree

Roads ide

April–September

2080

32.534°

76.051°

LC

Native

Saxifragaceae

 

Saxifraga moorcroftiana (Ser.) Wall. ex Sternb.

CPUH14146

Herb

Alpine slopes

August–September

2726

32.520°

76.033°

NA

Native

Scrophulariaceae

 

Buddleja crispa Benth.

CPUH14219

Shrub

Road side

March–May

2167

32.534°

76.047°

NA

Native

 

Scrophulariahimalensis Royle ex Benth.

CPUH14183

Herb

Road side

July–September

2370

32.531°

76.039°

NA

Native

Smilacaceae

 

Smilax elegans Wall. ex Kunth

CPUH14009

Climber

Road side

May–October

2019

32.539°

76.052°

NA

Native

 

Smilax vaginata Decne.

CPUH14226

Shrub

Road side

May–June

2204

32.536°

76.044°

NA

Native

Ulmaceae

 

Ulmus wallichiana Planch.

CPUH14227*

Tree

Road side

March–April

2198

32.536°

76.046°

VU

Native

Urticaceae

 

Pilea scripta (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Wedd.

CPUH14076

Herb

Moist places

June–October

2029

32.534°

76.054°

NA

Native

 

Urtica dioica L.

CPUH14115*

Herb

Forest area

June–August

2057

32.532°

76.044°

LC

Native

Vitaceae

 

Parthenocissus semicordata var. semicordata

CPUH14175*

Climbing shrub

Forest area

May–August

2193

32.537°

76.046°

NA

Native

Zingiberaceae

 

Cautleya spicata (Sm.) Baker

CPUH14108*

Herb

Road side

August–September

2302

32.529°

76.042°

LC

Native

 

Hedychium spicatum Sm.

CPUH14149*

Herb

Road side

August–September

2208

32.537°

76.045°

LC

Native

 

Roscoea alpina Royle

CPUH14010*

Herb

Forest area

July–August

2398

32.529°

76.047°

VU (CAMP 2010)

Native

Pinaceae

 

Abies pindrow (Royle ex D.Don) Royle

CPUH14111*

Tree

Forest area

September–October

2397

32.538°

76.018°

LC

Native

 

Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don

CPUH14221*

Tree

Forest area

October–November

2198

32.535°

76.048°

LC

Native

 

Picea smithiana (Wall.) Boiss.

CPUH14205

Tree

Forest area

September–October

2730

32.524°

76.026°

LC

Native

 

Pinus wallichiana A.B.Jacks.

CPUH14231*

Tree

Forest area

September–October

2422

32.530°

76.024°

LC

Native

Taxaceae

 

Taxus contorta Griff.

CPUH14114*

Tree

Forest area

October–November

2703

32.534°

76.020°

EN

Native

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* denotes accession numbers used for ethnobotanical studies.

 

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REFERENCES

 

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Sumit, Singh, S., Kumar, G. & K. Singh (2025). Revitalizing traditional wisdom: Exploring medicinal, plant-based healthcare practices in Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India. Ethnobotany Research and Applications 31. https://doi10.32859/era.31.26.1-30

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Verma,  R.K. &  K.S. Kapoor  (2011). Kalatop- Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary Chamba Himachal Pradesh–An Appraisal to its Plant Diversity. Shimla, HFRI, 121 pp

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