Forest Overview
Cradle of Angiosperms
Meghalaya is among the few States in the country which can be proud of its abundance of natural forest wealth spanning across large part of its geographical area, much higher than national average. Its location, physiographical features, altitudinal variation, abundant rainfall, salubrious climate and fertile soils favours high species diversity and supports different types of forests.
The vegetation types range from tropical rain forest in foothill to Alpine meadows and cold desert. This rich flora had been the centre of attraction for many botanists starting from Buchanan Hamilton (1820-24) and rightly considered as Botanist Paradises.
Geography & Climate
Shillong Plateau: Meghalaya — the abode of clouds, where moisture prevails throughout the year.
Altitudinal variation ranges from 50 meters to 1,950 meters above sea level.
Home to Sohra and Mawsynram, the wettest places on Earth.
Monsoonal climate with distinct warm-wet and cold-dry periods.
Living Treasure
Rare & Endemic Species
Pitcher Plant (Tiew-Rrak)
An iconic carnivorous pitcher plant unique to Meghalaya tropical forests, protected under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Western Hoolock Gibbon
The only ape species found in India, thriving in the dense canopy forests of Nokrek and Balpakram.
Clouded Leopard
Meghalaya state animal, renowned for its distinct cloud-like coat pattern and agile tree-climbing abilities.
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve & Peak
Home to the rare Asian Elephant and ancient wild citrus (Citrus indica), Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Network Biosphere Reserve offering breathtaking summit views, lush biodiversity, and pristine cloud forest trails.
Explore Nokrek TrailImportant Tree Species
| Botanical Name | Common / Local Name |
|---|---|
| Shorea robusta | Sal, Sakhu |
| Mesua ferrea | Dieng ngai, Nahar |
| Myrica esculenta | Box myrtle, Dieng Sohphi |
| Prunus cerasoides | Wild Himalayan Cherry |
| Betula alnoides | Dieng ling |
| Tectona grandis | Teak, Segun |
| Pinus kesiya | Khasi pine |
| Lagerstroemia spp | Ajhow, Jarul, Sida |
| Michelia spp | Champ, Sopa, Titachap |
| Bombax ceiba | Semul |
| Terminalia Myriocarpa | Hollock |
| Gmelina arborea State Tree | Gamari |
| Toona ciliata | Poma |
| Schima wallichii | Makrisal, Nagaplu |
| Quercus spp. | Oak |
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