Language: English
This book describes the forest trees of the Western and Eastern Ghats including the Deccan Plateau found growing in the states of Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states like Maharashtra. The Western Ghats are considered among one of the eighteen biodiversity ‘hotspots’ of the world, wherein 1600 endemic plants are located. The Eastern Ghats and the Deccan plateau also harbour many rare and endangered plants. The book covers description of 988 species of trees (including 2 tree-ferns) belonging to 87 families found in Southern Peninsular India. Out of this tree-wealth, Karnataka alone has over 600 tree species.
This book is mostly a compilation from the rich source of information available in the major floras authored by celebrated past and present botanists. lt is also supplemented with the author's personal observations and information from his field notes of the last 60 years. The object of this book is entirely practical. It is intended for foresters, field biologists, naturalists, biodiversity investigators, and even trekkers who wish to make themselves acquainted with the immense varieties of wild trees growing in the Western and Eastern Ghats, including the Deccan Plateau of South India. It also contains valuable information for taking up in-situ studies on the distribution and status inventory of forest trees.