Ecology and Regeneration of Carpinus viminea Wall : a Lesser Known Tree Species of the Himalaya

The study species, Carpinus viminea Wall, family Betulaceae, is a medium sized, lesser known, deciduous tree species distributed mainly between 1,800-2,400m elevations in Uttarakhand. It occurs mainly as an under-story species in moist Himalayan temperate forests. The objectives of the present study were to determine the ecological assemblage, seasonal changes, germination and seedling growth. Four study sites between 1,920 and 2,280m altitude were selected for the study. Vegetation characteristics indicated that the species had 33.8±10.8 ind ha^-1mean tree density and 1.5±0.4 m²ha^-1 mean basal area. Distribution pattern indicated that the species were contiguously distributed. Phenology indicated that leaf fall is completed before seed dispersal. All phenophases delayed towards higher elevations except leaf fall and seed dispersal which is earlier at higher elevation. Seeds germinated from different sitesresponded differently (P<0.001) to germination. Similarly, germination also varied significantly (F= 50.1, P<0.001) in different conditions. It was greater in seed germinator (T₁)and least in open nursery conditions (T₃). Highest germination was found in seeds of maturity periods (P₀), whereas, seedling growth, biomass and survival were greater at P₂ storage i.e. 6 months storage. To increase germination in open nursery conditions seeds can be sown in germination trays by adding lime between February and May. These base line data will help in understanding the ecology and regeneration of C.viminea , and also provide basic information for long term studies in relation to climate change research.