On the evolution of Angiosperms in the Himalayan region: A summary

Abstract

The paper summarises the evolution of angiosperms in different zones of Himalaya. The Himalayan Cenozoic flora has been divided age-wise as Palaeogene and Neogene flora. The Himalayan Palaeogene flora is largely a continuation of tropical peninsular flora of India. The early Miocene flora of Lesser Himalaya is also moist tropical. However, temperate plants started appearing during Miocene in the Higher Himalaya and their occurrence in Plio-Pleistocene flora of Kashmir reflect uplift of the Himalaya. The sub-Himalayan flora indicates existence of warm humid conditions in this belt which became drier by the end of Pliocene. The northern floral elements appeared to have invaded India all along the Himalayan belt. Since its birth the Himalaya has played a significant role in the immigration of plants from the adjoining regions, i.e. east, west and north, thereby enriching the Indian flora. The development of the Cenozoic flora of the Himalayan region is an expression of changing patterns of geography, topography and climate.