Pench National Park, nestled in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, has a treasure trove of wildlife with action-packed fauna inside its belly. From majestic predators, agile prey, and colorful birds to stealthy reptiles, Pench is a treat for the wildlife enthusiast. In addition to its rich wildlife, the park also boasts an impressive diversity of flora in Pench National Park, adding to its natural beauty and ecological significance.
Some of the major tree species of Pench are Teak, Madhuca indica or Mahua, Shorea robusta or Sal, and Butea monosperma or Palash. These provide shelter to a great diversity of wildlife, apart from showcasing the fine relationship that prevails between the types of flora and fauna.
Saja, also known as Terminalia alata, spreads its canopy wide with the most magnificent flowers on the forest floor. As it is a deciduous tree, much sunlight reaches the forest floor. Thus, it allows many plants to gain much strength and grow over here.
It is a perennial grass forming a very important constituent of the ecological balance. The fast and copious growth provides shelter to many organisms along with food to several herbivorous animals.
Mixed forests dominated by Boswellia serrata and Anogeissus latifolia can be traced on the rolling topography with ascending and descending hill slopes in the park. Most numerate of all trees fall under the genus Sterculia urens and Gardenia latifolia, which sprawl rocky slopes. This has further added to the creation of the distinct plant of Pench National Park.
The ground is carpeted by herbs comprising grasses, plants, bushes, and saplings in mazes and house herbivores. Other vegetation comprises bamboo and white kulu trees, also known as ghost trees. Herbs such as curcumin, sarpgandha, ashwagandha, and avatar are of therapeutic value to the local villagers, which is a matter of interest in Ayurveda.
Flora in Pench National Park serves several crucial functions in maintaining the following:
If planning has to be done for the conservation of Pench's ecosystem to maintain its delicate balance, the following points would be part of it, amongst others:
Flora is highly diversified and serves as the backbone of the maintenance of this balance in the ecosystem. We must be able to understand and appreciate flora's importance in keeping this delicate balance for generations to come.