Status of Tree Diversity in Digha, West Bengal, India with Special Reference to their Phytochemical Constituents

Abstract

Background: Digha is a coastal area in the district of Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India. The vegetation in this area is unstable, like many other coastal zones. Trees play an important role in this region to prevent soil erosion and act as a windbreak. Also, the local people here depend on trees for their livelihood.Objectives: The current study aims to enumerate the tree species growing along the Digha seashore with special reference to their IUCN status and phytochemical constituents.Materials and Methods: The study area was rigorously surveyed over a period of about 4 years to record the trees of the area. Standard literature and websites were followed to summarize IUCN status and chemical constituents of the documented trees.Results: A total of 65 tree species belonging to 59 genera, and under 28 families have been documented with Fabaceae contributing the most (14 species). Tectona grandiswas the only endangered tree species among the plants recorded.Conclusion: Conservation strategies must be adopted by the Forest Department and other government organizations to protect the relevant tree species as well as this fragile biozone.

Keywords: Conservation; Digha; IUCN Red List; Phytochemicals; Trees