Endemic genera of Angiosperms in India: A Review
Sheeba J. Irwin & D. Narasimhan
Published on : 30-Jun-2011
DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2011.21.01.09
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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 unispecifi c. Peninsular India has a high concentration of endemic genera (40 genera). Four are confi ned 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 made for majority of the species of these genera. There is an urgent need for an assessment based on current IUCN Criteria.
