India is renowned for its rich and diverse flora, encompassing thousands of plant species that are endemic to the country. The vast landscape of India, characterized by its varied climate and topography, supports a wide range of plant species, from the towering trees of the Himalayas to the tiny flowering plants of the Western Ghats. This diverse flora plays a crucial role in the country's ecosystem, offering various ecological services such as carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, soil formation, and water regulation. Furthermore, India's flora holds significant economic and cultural value, with numerous plant species utilized for medicinal and agricultural purposes.

India has a long tradition of Ayurvedic medicine, which relies on natural plant products for treating various illnesses. Additionally, many plant species serve as sources of food, fuel, and timber, providing livelihoods for numerous people in rural areas.

Data and Statistics

1.Total Number of Plant Species: India is home to over 47,000 plant species, including over 15,000 flowering plant species.

2.Threatened Species: According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 450 plant species in India are classified as threatened, including 45 critically endangered, 115 endangered, and 291 vulnerable species.

3.Protected Areas: India has established over 700 protected areas, covering around 5% of the country's land area. These protected areas support the conservation of several plant species, including iconic fauna such as the tiger and Indian rhinoceros.

4.Endemic Species: India is home to many endemic plant species that are found nowhere else in the world. For instance, the Western Ghats, a mountain range in southern India, is a biodiversity hotspot that houses over 5,000 plant species, including over 1,700 endemic species.

5.Economic Value: Plants in India provide a range of economic benefits, such as food, medicine, fuel, and timber. According to a report by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), the annual economic value of non-timber forest products in India is estimated to be over US$1 billion.