Vegetation of Odisha

Orissa, owing to its peculiar geographical location and wide range of physical features, embraces a diversified floristic composition and consequently a vast economic potential.
The extensive range of hilly forests, several lofty peaks, long stretch of coast line, excellent river rain system, brackish waters and coastal plains altogether have gifted the state with a wide range of ecological habitats for a diverse and broad spectrum of vegetation.
The forests of Orissa have innumerable number of medicinal and economically important species, all of which need a scientific and sustainable management.
The forest cover in the State is 50,354 sq. km. i.e. 32.34% of its geographical area and tree cover of the State is 3,986 sq. km. as published in India State of Forest Report, 2015.

Forest Types in Odisha

According to Champion and Seth Classification, 18 forest Types are present in Odisha. However broadly, based on the relief, rainfall and vegetation types, the forests of Odisha are divided into the following four major types as blow:

Northern Tropical Semi-evergreen Forests:

These occur in the lower hills and valleys above 600 m elevation in the forest divisions of Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal, Athgarh, Puri, Nayagarh, Parlakhemudi, Koraput and Kalahandi.
While the top storey trees/Plants are deciduous and remain leafless for a short time, the second storey is evergreen.
The important tree species are: Arjun, Mango, MankarKendu, Champa, Rai, Manda and Nageswar.

Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests (Also known as Monsoon Forests):

These occur in the lower elevations in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts and the districts bordering on Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh of India.
The top canopy is formed by Sal and its allies Asan, Piasal, Kurum, Kangra and Dhawra and Daba bamboo.

Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests:

They occur in the drier central and western areas in parts of Balangir, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Khariar, Deogarh and Gobindpur divisions of State.
Teak instead of Sal, and Salia bamboo instead of Daba bamboo predominate in these forests.

Tidal Mangrove Forests:

These are limited in degree, scattered and confined to the sea-coast, especially in BhitarKanika and the Mahanadi delta.
The characteristic tree species are Karika , Sundari, Bani, Rai, Guan (Exocaria), etc.
As Hental grows here abundantly in clusters, the mangrove forests are locally called Hental van.

Forest Types of Odisha as per India State of Forest Report,2015

Sl. No.	Forest Type	Area in Sq. Km	Percentage
1	Odisha Semi Evergreen Forest	106.01	0.20
2	Secondary Moist Bamboo Brakes	253.86	0.48
3	Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest	1142.79	2.15
4	Southern Secondary Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest	351.61	0.66
5	Peninsular (coastal)Sal Forest	4.94	0.01
6	Moist Peninsular High level Sal Forest	2697.64	5.08
7	Moist Peninsular Valley Sal Forest	1383.54	1.61
8	Moist Peninsular low level Sal Forest	10683.78	20.11
9	Northern Secondary Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest	4919.59	9.26
10	Littoral Forest	75.06	0.14
11	Mangrove Forest	180.28	0.34
12	Dry Teak Forest	140.73	0.27

FOREST WEALTH OF ORISSA

The forests of Orissa are the store house of many useful plants like Timber species, Orchards, Rich Medicinal plants, Aromatic plants.
About 33% of the total forest cover is predominated by Sal and its associates.
While the rest is covered by species like Teak, Piasal, Bandhan, Kangada, Kasi, Sisu, Asana, Kuram and Dheura.
Bamboos (26%) are the principal species both in dry as well as moist deciduous forest.

Timber Species:

The forest of the state embraces a large number of timber yielding species of which. Sal (shorea robusta) predominates with about 43% of the total forest cover.
Other notable ones are Teak, Piasal, Bandhan, Kangad, Kasi, Sisu, Asana, Kuruma and Dhaura.
Various types of Bamboos, Sal seeds and resins, Kendu leaves, Canes, Sandal wood, Myrobalans, Salap and other minor forest products are some of the important sources of forest revenue of the state.
Sal and Bamboo forests, occur predominantly in Southern Orissa, Teaks occur naturally in Koraput, Bolangir and Kalahandi bdistricts along with a number of other valuable species. Ecologically, South Orissa is the meeting point of two giant species of Indian Forests Sal and Teak. Down south no Sal and towards North, there is no natural teak.

Orchids:

Orchids have aroused a lot of interest from commercial point of view as well as conservational aspects are fairly common in different ecological habitats throughout the State.
Of an estimated 1,200 species of Orchids in India, about 120 species occur only in Orissa including several rare ones.
In view of the international attention reverted today, the Govt. of Orissa initiates programme for declaring orchid-rich forests (Similipal, Mahendragiri, Singharoj) as orchidarium to serve as a tourist attraction.

Rich Medicinal Plants

As many as 220 medicinal and quasi medicinal plants have been reported to occur in Gandhamardan hills alone, though the actual number may still be more.
The Similipal and the mythologically famous Gandhamardan hills are some of the potential sources of indigenous herbal plants deserving proper attention for thorough survey works.
Sarpagandha or Patalgaruda an endangered and important medicinal plant occur in the wild in Orissa and can be utilized as a traditional remedy for snake bite and cure for other diseases.
Among others Swasamari, Kochila, Koruan and Thalkudi are a few other common medicinal plants of the state.

Aromatic Plants

Kiya (Pandanusfascicularis):

Locally known as Kiya this plant grows abundantly along coastal Orissa, particularly in Ganjam district.
Near Berhempur , Orissa, there are about 60 distillers, which distill around four crores of flowers every year

Sal (Shorea robusta):

This is a common forest species of Orissa. Sal resin, on destructive distillation, yields an oil known as ‘chua oil’ varying from 41 to 68 percent.
The resin known as ‘dhup’ or ‘jhuna’is obtained by tapping Sal tree. Sal resin oil is brownish yellow in color and has an agreeable incense like odour.
‘Chua oil’ is used as fixative for heavy perfumes and flavoring tobacco.

Citrus species:

The flower, leaves and the rind of this species are aromatic.
Citrus oil, is used extensively for perfumery and pharmaceutical purposes.
There are potential areas in Koraput, Sambalpur and Ganjam districts where citrus production could be intensified.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides):

Vetiver roots are excellent source of high grade perfumes.
The grass grows wild in vacant fields and swampy areas

Wild Lemongrass:

Some variety of lemongrass are found growing wild in cooler hill regions of Similipal, Koraput, Khariar, Kapilas and Ganjam districts of Orissa.
Due to poor quality of oil no use has been found for this. But, this grass is mainly used for thatching purpose.

Hyptis swavelns:

It is an annual herb, which grows wild in Orissa and the neighbouring state.
The leaves contain 0.1 percent essential oil, and the oil is rich in terrapins & low boilers.

Odisha is a state in eastern India with a diverse landscape of forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The state’s forests are home to a wide range of plant and animal life, including tigers, elephants, and deer. The grasslands are used for grazing and agriculture, while the wetlands provide important habitats for birds and other wildlife.

The forests of Odisha are a vital part of the state’s ecosystem. They provide habitat for a wide range of plants and animals, including tigers, elephants, and deer. The forests also help to regulate the Climate and protect the Soil from erosion.

The grasslands of Odisha are used for grazing and agriculture. The grasslands are also home to a variety of plant and animal life, including wild boars, peacocks, and snakes. The grasslands are an important part of the state’s economy, as they provide grazing land for Livestock and produce crops such as rice and wheat.

The wetlands of Odisha are important habitats for birds and other wildlife. The wetlands are also home to a variety of plant life, including MANGROVES, reeds, and Grasses. The wetlands are an important part of the state’s ecosystem, as they help to regulate the water cycle and provide a home for a variety of plants and animals.

The wildlife of Odisha is diverse and includes a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the most common mammals found in Odisha include tigers, elephants, deer, wild boars, and monkeys. The state is also home to a variety of birds, including peacocks, hornbills, and kingfishers. Reptiles found in Odisha include snakes, lizards, and turtles. Amphibians found in Odisha include frogs, toads, and salamanders.

The plant life of Odisha is also diverse and includes a variety of trees, shrubs, and herbs. Some of the most common trees found in Odisha include sal, teak, and bamboo. The state is also home to a variety of shrubs, including neem, ber, and jamun. Herbs found in Odisha include turmeric, ginger, and coriander.

The Climate of Odisha is tropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The Average temperature in Odisha ranges from 20 degrees Celsius in winter to 35 degrees Celsius in summer. The state receives an average annual rainfall of 1,200 mm.

The Soils of Odisha are mostly alluvial, with some areas of laterite and red soil. The alluvial soils are fertile and well-drained, making them ideal for agriculture. The laterite soils are less fertile and more prone to erosion. The red soils are also less fertile and are often used for grazing.

The water Resources of Odisha are abundant, with a number of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The state’s rivers include the Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani. The state’s lakes include Chilika Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India. The state’s reservoirs include Hirakud Dam, the largest dam in India.

The human impact on the Environment of Odisha has been significant. The state’s forests have been cleared for agriculture and development, and its wetlands have been drained for agriculture and Industry. The state’s Water Resources have been polluted by industrial and agricultural runoff.

Conservation efforts in Odisha are underway to protect the state’s environment. The state has a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Simlipal National Park, the Keonjhar Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The state also has a number of conservation programs, including the Odisha Forest Department’s Tiger Conservation Program and the Odisha Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity Board’s Biodiversity conservation Program.

What is the vegetation of Odisha?

The vegetation of Odisha is diverse, ranging from tropical rainforests in the south to dry deciduous forests in the north. The state is home to a variety of plant species, including sal, teak, bamboo, and sandalwood.

What are the different types of vegetation in Odisha?

The different types of vegetation in Odisha can be classified into four main categories:

Tropical rainforests: These forests are found in the southern part of the state and are characterized by a high rainfall and dense vegetation. The trees in these forests are tall and evergreen, and the understory is often covered in a thick layer of mosses and ferns.
Dry deciduous forests: These forests are found in the northern part of the state and are characterized by a lower rainfall and less dense vegetation. The trees in these forests are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the dry season.
Mangrove forests: These forests are found along the coast of Odisha and are characterized by their ability to tolerate saline water. The trees in these forests are often stunted and have roots that grow above the ground to help them breathe.
Grasslands: These areas are found in the eastern part of the state and are characterized by their low rainfall and sparse vegetation. The grasses in these areas are often tall and dry, and the land is often used for grazing livestock.

What are the benefits of the vegetation of Odisha?

The vegetation of Odisha provides a number of benefits, including:

It helps to regulate the climate. The trees in the forests help to absorb carbon dioxide and release Oxygen, which helps to keep the air clean and the planet cool.
It provides habitat for wildlife. The forests and grasslands of Odisha are home to a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and deer.
It helps to prevent soil erosion. The roots of the trees and plants in the forests help to hold the soil in place, which prevents it from being washed away by rain or wind.
It provides a source of food and medicine. The forests and grasslands of Odisha are home to a variety of plants that are used for food and medicine.
It is a source of tourism. The forests and grasslands of Odisha are a popular tourist destination, and they provide a number of opportunities for recreation, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

What are the threats to the vegetation of Odisha?

The vegetation of Odisha is facing a number of threats, including:

Deforestation: The forests of Odisha are being cleared for agriculture, development, and mining.
Overgrazing: The grasslands of Odisha are being overgrazed by livestock, which is leading to soil erosion and the loss of plant diversity.
Climate Change: Climate change is leading to changes in rainfall patterns, which is affecting the Growth of plants.
Pollution: Pollution from industries and vehicles is contaminating the air and water, which is harming plants and animals.

What can be done to protect the vegetation of Odisha?

A number of things can be done to protect the vegetation of Odisha, including:

Planting trees: Planting trees helps to restore forests and improve air quality.
Reducing deforestation: Reducing deforestation helps to protect forests and the animals that live there.
Conserving water: Conserving water helps to ensure that there is enough water for plants and animals.
Reducing pollution: Reducing pollution helps to improve air and water quality, which is beneficial for plants and animals.
Raising awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of vegetation helps people to understand the need to protect it.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a type of vegetation found in Odisha?

(A) Tropical evergreen forest
(B) Tropical deciduous forest
(C) Mangrove forest
(D) Temperate forest

Answer
(D) Temperate forest is not found in Odisha. The other three types of vegetation are found in Odisha.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most common type of vegetation found in Odisha?

(A) Tropical evergreen forest
(B) Tropical deciduous forest
(C) Mangrove forest
(D) Dry deciduous forest

Answer
(B) Tropical deciduous forest is the most common type of vegetation found in Odisha. It covers about 60% of the state’s land area.

Question 3

Which of the following is the most important forest product of Odisha?

(A) Timber
(B) Bamboo
(C) Honey
(D) Sal leaves

Answer
(A) Timber is the most important forest product of Odisha. It is used in the construction industry and for making furniture.

Question 4

Which of the following is the most endangered animal found in Odisha?

(A) Royal Bengal tiger
(B) Indian elephant
(C) Asiatic lion
(D) Gangetic dolphin

Answer
(A) The Royal Bengal tiger is the most endangered animal found in Odisha. There are only about 200 tigers left in the state.

Question 5

Which of the following is the most important wildlife sanctuary in Odisha?

(A) Nandankanan Zoological park
(B) Bhitarkanika National Park
(C) Simlipal National Park
(D) Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Answer
(C) Simlipal National Park is the most important wildlife sanctuary in Odisha. It is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and leopards.

Question 6

Which of the following is the most important national park in Odisha?

(A) Nandankanan Zoological Park
(B) Bhitarkanika National Park
(C) Simlipal National Park
(D) Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Answer
(B) Bhitarkanika National Park is the most important national park in Odisha. It is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and saltwater crocodiles.

Question 7

Which of the following is the most important Biosphere reserve in Odisha?

(A) Nandan Kanan Biosphere Reserve
(B) Bhitarkanika Biosphere Reserve
(C) Simlipal Biosphere Reserve
(D) Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Answer
(B) Bhitarkanika Biosphere Reserve is the most important biosphere reserve in Odisha. It is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and saltwater crocodiles.

Question 8

Which of the following is the most important tiger reserve in Odisha?

(A) Nandankanan Zoological Park
(B) Bhitarkanika National Park
(C) Simlipal National Park
(D) Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Answer
(C) Simlipal National Park is the most important tiger reserve in Odisha. It is home to a large Population of tigers.

Question 9

Which of the following is the most important elephant reserve in Odisha?

(A) Nandankanan Zoological Park
(B) Bhitarkanika National Park
(C) Simlipal National Park
(D) Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Answer
(C) Simlipal National Park is the most important elephant reserve in Odisha. It is home to a large population of elephants.

Question 10

Which of the following is the most important bird sanctuary in Odisha?

(A) Nandankanan Zoological Park
(B) Bhitarkanika National Park
(C) Simlipal National Park
(D) Chilika Lake

Answer
(D) Chilika Lake is the most important bird sanctuary in Odisha. It is home to a variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and herons.