Shrubs

The typical scrub formations in Nepal are those corresponding to Champion and Seth's classification of "subtropical evergreen scrub" and "moist and dry alpine scrub". In addition to these typical formations, there are various degradation stages of climax high forests resulting from excessive human interference. Such formations are limited in extent and occur only on areas with difficult climatic and edaphic conditions.

Subtropical evergreen scrub is a low forest of small broadleaved evergreen trees and shrubs, including thorny species. These stands are distributed on the Bhabar tract, the Churia hills and the foothills of the western Mahabharat range. Typical species are Acacia modesta and Olea cuspidata along with Dodonea viscosa, Carissa spp. and Euphorbia spp.

Alpine scrub is a low, almost evergreen forest of Rhododendron mixed with some birch and other deciduous species. Trunks are short and branchy. The type occurs near 4 000 m, extending gradually to lower altitude westwards. The main characteristic is ample snowfall, the snow lying till the daily air temperature is quite warm. A thick layer of black humus is present and the soil is generally wet. In addition to Rhododendron and birch, Juniperus recurva is commonly found.

last updated: Tuesday, January 13, 2004