Main Article Content

Abstract

The present communication deals with the distribution, diversity and phytosociology of an important medicinal shrub Berberis lycium along Neeru stream, a major left bank tributary of river Chenab with an elevational gradient of 848 m to 2200 m. Berberis lycium, during our phytosociological surveys has emerged as the most dominant species amongst its understorey associates. The highest values of IVI (180.2 & 160.6) in the riparian zone (Zone-I) were recorded for site 7 (left bank, Dranga) and site 8 (right bank upslope, Zone-II, Amiranagar), respectively. The diversity parameters revealed the highest value (H’ 2.60) at Zone-II along the left bank.  The soil parameters (pH, moisture content, Nitrogen, Phosphorous & Potassium) too had a profound effect on the distribution of the plant species, which has been discussed in the paper.

Keywords

Berberis lycium diversity Neeru stream Phytosociological surveys Riparian zone Understory associates

Article Details

How to Cite
Sharma , A. ., Singh , D. ., & Sharma, N. . (2017). Distribution, diversity and phytosociology of Berberis lycium- a medicinally important and economically valuable plant species along a riparian gradient in Jammu and Kashmir. Environment Conservation Journal, 18(1&2), 247–253. https://doi.org/10.36953/ECJ.2017.181233

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