alpine and subalpine ecosystem of Himalaya

The alpine and subalpine region of western Himalaya has long been known as one of the world richest treasuries of medicinal plants due to its diverse topographic and climatic conditions. The alpine meadows and subalpine forest ecosystem support mainly medicinal herbs which are very significant for traditional system of medicine. The present study is the outcome of decades of survey carried out in the high altitude region of alpine and subalpine area of Uttarakhand. It evaluated the important herbaceous medicinal plants existing in the region along with their specific habitat, phenology pattern and uses.