NATURAL VEGETATION
Natural vegetation refers to the community of plants that grow spontaneously without any direct influence, care, or control by humans. This is a vegetation that has adapted to local conditions such as soil, climate, and wildlife over a period of time. Given the climatic, altitudinal, and latitudinal diversity of India, the country hosts an incredibly wide array of natural vegetation.
The Himalayas offer a unique gradient of altitude, resulting in a variety of vegetation. The lower regions consist mostly of deciduous forests, which make way for coniferous forests as the altitude increases. At even higher altitudes, you find alpine meadows and tundra-like vegetation. Common species include oak, rhododendron, pine, and fir.
These regions are known for their lush, evergreen tropical rainforests. These forests are one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. You can find unique species of orchids, ferns, and even carnivorous plants. Trees with hardwood like teak and mahogany are also present.
These regions, like the Sunderbans in West Bengal, feature mangrove forests that are uniquely adapted to saline water conditions. Mangroves have a complex root system that allows them to thrive in waterlogged and saline conditions, and they serve as nurseries for various fish species.