TAXONOMIC ACCOUNT OF GYMNOSPERMS OF ZEMU AND LHONAK VALLEY, SIKKIM

Abstract: The Zemu and Lhonak Valleys of Sikkim Himalayas represent one of the most floristically rich yet least explored regions of the Eastern Himalayas. Situated within the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, this area harbours diverse gymnosperm taxa forming important components of the montane and subalpine vegetation. The present study documents and taxonomically evaluates the gymnosperm flora based on extensive field surveys conducted between 2012 and 2015, along with critical examination of historical and contemporary herbarium materials preserved at CAL, BSHC, and CUH. A total of eight taxa under four families (Cupressaceae, Ephedraceae, Pinaceae, and Taxaceae) have been recorded from the region, including detailed notes on distribution, diagnostic characters, and nomenclatural citations. Artificial keys for genera and species are provided for easy identification. Keywords: Gymnosperms, Zemu Valley, Lhonak Valley, Sikkim Himalayas, taxonomy, floristics.