Endemic genera of Angiosperms in India: A Review

Abstract

This is an earnest effort to review the earlier recorded endemic genera of angiosperms in India and assess those present within the political boundaries of India. It is concluded that only 49 genera are endemic to India, of which 36 are unispecific. Peninsular India has a high concentration of endemic genera (40 genera). Four are confined to Indian Himalaya and three to Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Genus Hardwickia is widely distributed in the dry deciduous forests of Peninsular and North India, excluding Northeast India. Bentinckia which is distributed in Peninsular India and Nicobar Islands is the only genus with disjunct distribution. About 71% of the genera are herbaceous and their concentration is more in wet evergreen forests and grasslands. Threat assessment has not been an assessment based on current IUCN Criteria.