The total number of naturally occurring flowering plants in India is about 18,004 species, and Sikkim is home to 4,912 species, says a new publication by the Botanical Survey of India.
- It means Sikkim, the smallest State with less than 1% of India’s landmass, is home to 27% of all flowering plants found in the country.
- Sikkim is a part of the Kanchenjunga biosphere landscape, has different altitudinal ecosystems, which provide opportunity for herbs and trees to grow and thrive.
- From subalpine vegetation to the temperate to the tropical, Sikkim has different kinds of vegetation, and that is the reason for such a diversity of flora.
- The elevation also varies between 300 metres and 8,598 metres above mean sea level, the apex being the top of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 metres).
(Source: The Hindu)
