Valmiki National Park - Plant Diversity

Plant Diversity

As per champion and seth classification there are seven forest types found in VTR which makes VTR a special destination for nature lovers.

■Bhabar – Dun Sal Forest ■Dry Siwalik Sal Forest ■West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest ■Khair – Sissoo Forest ■Cane Brakes ■Eastern Wet Alluvial Grassland ■Barringtonia Swamp Forest

Due to diverse topographical and edaphic factors the Reserve harbors varied vegetation types. The Botanical Survey of India has categorized seven vegetation types within the limits of the sanctuary and the national park:

■Moist mixed deciduous ■Open – land vegetation ■Sub-mountainous semi-evergreen formation ■Freshwater swamps ■Riparian fringes ■Alluvial grasslands and high hill savannah ■Wetlands

The important tree species found in valley area of VTR are Sal (Shorea robusta), Karam (Adina cardifolia), Asan (Terminalia tomentosa), Bahera (Terminalia balerica), Asidh (Lagestromia parviflora), Simal (Salmelia malaberica), Satsal (Dalbergia latifolia), etc.

In hilly regions apart from Sal, Piyar (Buchanania lanzon), Mandar (Dillenia aurea), Banjan (Anogeissus latifolia), Bhelwa (Semicarpus anacadium), Harra (Terminalia chebula), Bodera (Eugenia operculata), etc. tree species are found.

There is a special attraction of cane breaks which is mainly found in Madanpur Forest block and it is good habitat for Tiger. Cane occurs in damp areas along all most all the nalas of Madanpur Range. In Hindi cane is known as BETTH and the name Bettiah (District Head quarter of West Champaran District) is derived from this BETTH.

There is a small isolated patch of Chirpine forest locally known as DHUP found in Raghia Forest block. Generally Chirpine forest occurs at the altitude of 4000 ft. to 5000 ft. but here it is found between the altitudes of 1000 ft. to 1700 ft. which is unique.

The grasses found in VTR are munj (Saccharum munja), Kans (Saccharum spontanum), Elephant grass (Typha elephantina), Narkat (Phragmites karka), Vitiveria zizanioides, Imperata cylindrica, Choranth (Heteropogon contortus), Sabai(Eulaliopsis binata), etc. Climbers are also very common in VTR. The common species being Mahulan (Bauhinia vahlii) Mahai (Butea parviflora), Panilat (Vitis repanda), Ramdatwan (Smilax parviflora), Arar (Acacia pinnata). There are several medicinal plants found in VTR. Some of them are Satawar (Asparagus racemosus), Safed Musli, Dudhkoraiya (Holarrahena antidysenterica), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Piper (Piper longum),etc.