This paper deals with the wood microstructure of twenty-nine samples of the ten important species of genus Salix L., viz., Salix acmophylla Boiss., S. babylonica L., S. daphnoides Vill., S. denticulata Andersson., S. x fragilis L., S. oxycarpa Andersson., S. tetrasperma Roxb., S. viminalis L., S. disperma Roxb. ex D.Don, and S. sikkimensis Andersson from India and adjacent regions (i.e., Myanmar and Tibet). Internationally acclaimed standard laboratory procedure was followed in the preparation of permanent slides. The qualitative and quantitative wood anatomical characters were studied as per the International Association of Wood Anatomists (IAWA) terminology for hardwoods. Photomicrographs were taken for showing the diagnostic features of each taxon. The selected Salix species had some similar qualitative wood anatomical features along with differentiating characters based on which species can be distinguished from each other. In addition to qualitative anatomical features, quantitative anatomical features also showed significant differences among species. The main differentiating anatomical characters were druses, vessel-ray pits, ray seriation, shape/outline of solitary vessels and vessel frequency based on which identification key was prepared.

Quercus leucotrichophora A.Camus (Banj oak) is one of the keystone species in the mid-elevation forests across western and central Himalaya. Its regeneration in many parts is reported to be poor due to low germination and seedling emergence. Present study aims to investigate the germination behaviour of Quercus leucotrichophora. Seeds were collected from 5 different sites and sown in polybags under open, poly-house and shade-net-house conditions. Seed germination started in 20 days and was completed in 92 days. Higher seed germination was observed in poly-house conditions (76.66%-82.66%) followed by shade-net-house conditions (68.23-76.66%), while, minimum germination was observed in seeds placed under open conditions (61.66%-74.33%). Mean Germination Time was found rapid in poly-house conditions (8.4-10.13) followed by shade-net house conditions (8.79-12.71) and open conditions (20.39-24.66). Among all the sites, higher germination was recorded for the seeds collected from the mid altitude regions (1300-1400 m asl). A significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between seed size class with cumulative germination percentage was also noticed. The findings of the present study indicated that, site of seed collection can play a crucial role in seed germination. Thus, for raising quality planting material of Q. leucotrichophora, seed collection should be done from specific habitats that ultimately help in restoring the declining population.

Effects of seed orientation and depth at the time of sowing on germination and seedling vigour of Madhuca longifolia (J.Konig.) J.F.Macbr. were investigated. Seeds with uniform size were sown in sand filled earthen pots at 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 cm depths, adopting three orientations of the embryo, viz., upright (embryo facing up), horizontal and inverted positions. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design. Percentage germination, days taken for initial emergence, speed of germination, germination index, root and shoot length and dry matter production, vigour index I and vigour index II were calculated. Placing the seeds with the embryo in upright position at a depth of 1.5 cm and 3.0 cm resulted in early and higher germination, higher seedling growth, greater dry matter production and vigour index I and vigour index II.

We assessed the growth performance of Eucalyptus clones on salt affected areas of eastern Gangetic Plains for identification of suitable planting material. An experimental trial was established under statistical design of randomized complete blocks with three replicates and 3 x 2 m spacing for 13 clones IFGTB 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, FRI 100, 104, 124 of 02 Eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. camaldulensis) along with control for 14 treatments in Kamasin village of Pratapgarh district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh in year 2017. The clones of species E. camaldulensis in IFGTB series performed superior over FRI clones/species of E. tereticornis. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for mean height and girth increments showed high levels of significance. The results of growth performance indicated that all clones gave superior results for growth indicators as compared to control. On the basis of growth parameters, viz., height, girth at breast height, basal area and tree volume, in IFGTB series, the clones IFGTB 4, 8, 6, 10 and 1 performed superior over other clones, whereas in FRI series, the clones FRI 100 and FRI 124 performed superior over others.

Arthraxon santapaui Bor (Poaceae, Andropogoneae, Arthraxoninae) is reported here as an addition to the grass flora of Telangana state. A detailed description and note with photographs are provided to facilitate easy identification.

Two endemic species of Habenaria, H. crassifolia A. Rich. and H. grandifloriformis Blatt. & McCann collected from Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh are reported here as new distributional records. A brief description, distribution, field notes and photographs are provided for both species.

One of the important wild relatives of crops, Oryza latifolia is documented from Eastern Ghats of Telangana. A detailed description with a photo plate is provided to facilitate easy identification.

This paper deals with 56 species of spermatophytes as additions to the flora of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, India. Updated nomenclature and a brief description have been provided for each species. The specimens are housed in the herbarium of Botanical Survey of India (BSD), Northern Regional Centre, Dehradun.

Stereophyllum anceps earlier recorded from four states, viz., Assam, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Rajasthan, is described for the first time from West Bengal, India. An illustrated description of the same along with ultrastructural details of peristome teeth and spores is provided.

Clarke in 1889 described Aster wattii is now a synonym of Aster ageratoides from Manipur and Nagaland. It was recollected in the year 2015 from Manipur after a lapse of more than 100 years. Its correct nomenclature has also been provided along with coloured photograph.