ENDEMIC PLANT DIVERSITY IN THE INDIAN HIMALAYA .1. RANUNCULACEAE AND PAEONIACEAE

Himalayan Ranunculaceae and Paeoniaceae are analysed for their endemic diversity. Of the total 251 representative taxa of Ranunculaceae, seventy-six (30.27%) are endemic to Indian Himalaya and most of these (forty-four taxa) are confined to Trans- and North west Himalaya. In view of possessing remarkable endemic diversity and other attributes of sensitivity, Aconitum, Delphinium, Anemone, Aquilegia and the monotypic Beesia, Coptis and Paroxygraphis need to be considered as focal groups of prioritized taxa for conservation. Paeonia emodi Wall. ex Royle, though a 'near-endemic', demands special attention for conservation.