Plant phenological response to microclimatic variations in an alpine zone of Garhwal Himalaya

Abstract

The impact of microclimatic variations on the developmental stages of common alpine plant species at four primary phenology sites at Dayara meadow of Garhwal Himalayas (Uttarakhand) was studied. The study revealed that the variations in the topographical features and environmental conditions directly influenced the phenology of the alpine plant species. Site I and IV showed great variation in the timing of phenological phases whereas, site III and IV showed approximately similar phenological timings. Anemone obtusiloba and Anaphalis contorta showed early flowering whereas Aconitum heterophyllum, Bupleurum longicaule and Parnassia nubicola flowered in late August and early September. P. nubicola had a shorter flowering period whereas Tanacetum longifolium.and A. nepalensis had the longest flowering period. Taraxacum officinale and Geum elatum flowered twice in the season.