Checklist of Flowering Plants of Dandoba Hills (Sangli, Maharashtra) - A Dryland Ecosystem from Western Maharashtra, India

Abstract

India is one of the 17 mega biodiversity countries and is blessed with varied habitats and ecosystems. The phytogeography of India consists of 12 zones of which the Deccan plateau is the largest phytogeographic zone with the highest number of species. But, most of this biogeographic zone is still poorly explored as compared to Western Ghats and North-East India. Recent studies from several localities of the Deccan plateau showed that the species diversity, ecological diversity, and microhabitats of these places are equally rich as the Western Ghats ecosystem. Dandoba hills are also a part of the same region with high aridity, open deciduous type of forests with less rainfall. These hills are lying on the south-east part of the Sangli district (Maharashtra state of India) and are extensions of Mahadev ranges which ends into the Sangola taluk of Solapur district. The area remains dry throughout the year but shows impressive seasonal vegetation changes. Present work compiles the list of flowering plants of Dandoba hills with recent scientific name, habit, habitat, phenology, local name, and collection number. Plants are arranged according to APG IV classification. Statistical analysis, comparative studies, species endemism, climatic and edaphic notes, maps, and photographs are also included. A total of 631 angiosperms have been reported belonging to 7 phylogenetic groups and 96 families. Enumeration of the plants of Dandoba hills resulting from this study, will be helpful for future ecological studies to forest officers, researchers, and local people for conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity of the region.