India is a megadiverse country with extensive and varied tree wealth. Approximately 23.39% of its geographical area is covered by forests and trees. This green cover supports a wide array of ecosystems. India’s diverse landscapes, from high rainfall regions to arid deserts, foster a unique assemblage of flora.
India’s Diverse Tree Species
India’s tree population includes a rich variety of species, many of which hold significant ecological and cultural value.
The Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis), the national tree of India, is known for its expansive canopy and aerial prop roots that descend to the ground, forming new trunks. This tree is also used in traditional medicine, with its bark, leaves, and fruit used to treat various ailments like fever and diarrhea.
The Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa), also known as the Bodhi tree, is a widely recognized species. It is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree with heart-shaped leaves and a broad, spreading canopy that provides shade and shelter. The Peepal tree produces oxygen and absorbs pollutants, improving air quality. Its leaves and bark are utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for treating conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and skin diseases.
The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is a versatile evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent, reaching heights of up to 20 meters. Nearly all parts of the tree, including leaves, bark, seeds, and oil, are used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for their antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Neem is also used in cosmetics and as a natural pesticide.
The Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is a large, slow-growing sub-deciduous tree that can reach up to 30-40 meters in height with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. Its wood is a significant source of hardwood timber in India, prized for its durable, resinous nature, making it suitable for construction. The leaves are used to make traditional plates and bowls, while its resin is used in Ayurvedic medicine and as incense.
Major Forest Types and Regions
India’s varied topography and climate contribute to its diverse forest classifications, which are broadly categorized into several types.
Tropical evergreen forests, characterized by dense, multi-layered canopies and year-round greenery, are found in regions with high rainfall, such as the Western Ghats, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of northeastern India. These areas receive over 200 cm of annual precipitation and maintain average temperatures above 22°C.
Tropical deciduous forests cover significant areas of central and southern India, where trees shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve moisture. These forests are common in regions receiving 100-200 cm of rainfall annually and include species like teak and sal.
Montane forests are found in the Himalayan region, with subtropical varieties at elevations of 1,000 to 1,800 meters, featuring trees like chir pine, and wet temperate forests at 1,800 to 3,000 meters with high rainfall.
Thorn forests thrive in arid and semi-arid regions with low rainfall, characterized by scattered, thorny scrub species. Mangrove forests, unique ecosystems adapted to saline conditions, are located along India’s east and west coasts, as well as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the Sundarbans being the largest mangrove forest globally. Each forest type supports distinct flora and fauna adapted to its specific environmental conditions.
Ecological and Cultural Importance
Trees in India hold profound ecological and cultural significance, supporting both natural systems and human traditions.
Ecologically, trees serve as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Trees also prevent soil erosion, with their root systems binding soil and improving fertility.
Mangrove forests, for instance, play a role in protecting coastal areas from cyclones and absorbing millions of tonnes of CO2 annually. Trees provide habitats and food for a wide array of wildlife, including iconic species like the Bengal tiger and Asiatic elephant.
Beyond their ecological functions, trees are deeply embedded in Indian culture and religious practices. Many trees are considered sacred, such as the Banyan and Peepal, which are associated with deities and spiritual beliefs.
Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda heavily rely on various tree species for their therapeutic properties. Leaves, bark, and fruits from trees like Neem and Peepal have been used for centuries to treat numerous ailments. Sacred groves, protected by traditional community beliefs, function as biodiversity hotspots and genetic reservoirs for native flora, demonstrating integration of cultural practices with ecological conservation.
Safeguarding India’s Trees
India’s tree cover faces various challenges, including deforestation, urbanization, and the impacts of climate change.
Infrastructure development and mining projects have led to forest loss, with 1,488 square kilometers of forests lost between 2021 and 2023. Urban expansion also fragments habitats, diminishing the quality of existing forests. Climate change exacerbates these threats, as rising temperatures and erratic rainfall increase the vulnerability of forests to fires, with thousands of incidents reported annually in national parks.
Efforts are underway to safeguard India’s trees through conservation and afforestation initiatives. The country aims to increase its forest and green cover to a third of its total land area by 2030. Programs promoting afforestation and sustainable agroforestry are being implemented, emphasizing the planting of native species for ecological restoration. Seed collection and storage are also recommended to preserve genetic diversity.
Community participation and government programs play a role in these conservation efforts. However, challenges remain, including land conflicts arising from tree planting initiatives in areas with traditional land rights, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Strengthening laws and enforcing stricter penalties for illegal timber trade and forest encroachment are part of the strategy to protect India’s tree ecosystems.