Conservation status and morphological variations between populations of Angelica glauca Edgew. and Angelica archangelica Linn, in Garhwal Himalaya.

摘要

Natural populations of two species of Angelica, i.e. A. glauca and A. archangelica, in subalpine and alpine regions of Garhwal Himalaya (Uttaranchal, India) were surveyed for the determination of threat status and evaluation of germplasm for domestication and cultivation. The study revealed that frequency of both species was more than 50% in nature. However, density of individuals and area occupied were low compared to other species of alpine and subalpine region, indicating habitat loss and heavy exploitation. Status was determined on site-to-site basis as well as for entire Garhwal region of Western Himalaya. Based on species occurrence in selected areas, both species were identified as critically endangered to endangered in different areas. The results also revealed that natural distribution of these species was narrowing down due to habitat destruction. The number of mature individuals was also very low for both species of Angelica and therefore, status was again assigned as critically endangered for each site. Immediate remedial measures are needed for the conservation of natural sites to ensure sustainable mode of utilization. Efforts were also made to evaluate germplasm for domestication on the basis of morphological variations and yield of rhizomes under natural conditions as well as on the basis of phenotypic traits..