Abstract

The present study was conducted in Kandaghat forest of Solan Forest Division (H.P.) along an altitudinal gradient (2100 m) in western Himalaya. The study area was divided in to three altitudinal ranges viz., lower altitude (2100 m) and four aspects. The aim of the study was to describe the effect of variation in the structure and composition of the vegetation along altitudinal ranges and aspects. A total plant species were found of which 13 tree species, 22 shrub species and 13 herb species belonging to 33 families. Quercus leucotrichophora is the dominant tree species followed by Pinus roxburghii in the case of tree species at the study site. Berberis aristata and Sarcococca saligna were dominant shrub species which belong to berberidaceae and buxaceae families. In herbeeous, Cyperus rotundas and Viola serpens were most dominant herb species which belong to cyperaceae and violaceae families whereas, Arisaema sp. was inferior herb species which belong to araceae family [1].