Jim Corbett National Park is renowned for its rich and varied plant life, featuring both freshwater and alpine flora. Spanning over 521 square kilometers, the park boasts an impressive diversity of vegetation. Different habitats within the park, such as Sal forests, Khair-Sissoo forests, mountain slopes, chaurs, and riverbanks, each support their own unique plant communities. According to the Botanical Survey of India, Corbett is home to around 600 plant species, including trees, shrubs, ferns, grasses, climbers, herbs, and bamboo. This remarkable variety of plant life makes the park an ideal retreat for nature enthusiasts seeking respite from busy urban life. Notably, Sal forests cover more than three-quarters of the park’s total area, forming the backbone of its lush greenery.
Flora of Corbett National Park
Flora of Corbett National Park
Trees :
The most prominent trees in Corbett National Park include Sal, Khair, and Sissoo, forming the backbone of the park’s greenery. In addition to these, numerous other species enhance the park’s botanical diversity, scattered across its landscapes. Chir Pine stands out as the only conifer present in the region. Certain areas of the park are also dominated by bamboo groves, primarily Male Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), characterized by its sturdy clustered stems and glossy, papery sheaths. Bamboo exhibits a unique flowering cycle, where all plants in a grove bloom simultaneously once every several decades. Following flowering, seed production, and seed dispersal, the entire bamboo population in that area dies together, making it a fascinating natural phenomenon.
Sal (Shorea robusta): Sal dominates the forests of Corbett, forming thick, verdant canopies. Renowned for its high-quality timber, it remains one of India’s most valuable and economically important tree species.
Khair (Acacia catechu): Commonly called catechu or black catechu, Khair is a deciduous tree with versatile uses. Its bark and extract have been traditionally employed for medicinal and industrial purposes.
Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo): Sissoo is a fast-growing, deciduous tree known for its robust and durable wood. It is frequently planted for shade and plays an important role in reforestation efforts.
Bamboo (Bambusoideae): Corbett hosts several species of bamboo, which are crucial for maintaining the park’s ecological balance. Bamboo provides both shelter and nourishment for numerous wildlife species.
Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana): Ber is a small, deciduous tree that bears edible fruits. In addition to its nutritional value, it has traditional medicinal uses and offers food and habitat for birds and small animals.
Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata): Kachnar is celebrated for its vibrant pink and white blossoms. This flowering tree adds bursts of color to the forest during its bloom season.
Amaltas (Cassia fistula): Also called Indian laburnum, Amaltas is a medium-sized deciduous tree with striking golden-yellow flowers. It is often planted for ornamental purposes and enhances the scenic beauty of the park.
Semal (Bombax ceiba): Known as the silk cotton tree, Semal is tall and majestic, with a trunk adorned with thorny spikes. It produces large, eye-catching red flowers that attract both birds and insects.
Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii): Found in the higher elevations, Chir Pine forms open, airy forests. It is valued for its timber and resin and contributes to the park’s unique coniferous landscapes.
Haldu (Adina cordifolia): Haldu is a medium-sized deciduous tree with smooth gray bark and clusters of small, fragrant flowers. It is an integral part of the park’s diverse flora.
Flowering Trees :
The forests of Corbett are a vibrant tapestry of colors, thanks to a rich variety of flowering trees. Among the most notable are Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) with delicate white to pink blooms, Semal (Bombax ceiba) showcasing massive red flowers, Dhak, famously known as the "Flame of the Forest," with striking orange blossoms, Madaar or Indian Coral (Erythrina indica) with vivid red flowers, and Amaltas (Cassia fistula) with bright yellow, cascading blooms that resemble chandeliers.
In addition to native species, several trees not naturally found in the park have been introduced near human habitations. These include Teak (Tectona grandis), Silver Oak (Grevillea robusta), Eucalyptus, Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosaefolia), and Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis). These planted trees are often seen around forest rest houses and add both beauty and shade to the surroundings.
Shrubs :
The forest floor of Corbett hosts a variety of shrubs vital to the ecosystem. Ber (Ziziphus) thrives in open areas, providing food and shelter to birds and animals. Maror Phali (Helicteres isora) is notable for its twisted, spiraling pods, while Jhau grows along the sandy and rocky Ramganga banks, enhancing the park’s shrub diversity.
Bamboo :
Corbett’s landscape features extensive bamboo forests, with Male Bamboo being the dominant type, noted for its clustered, sturdy stems and glossy, papery sheaths. Beyond adding greenery, bamboo provides essential food and shelter for numerous wildlife species.
