Forest Overview
Cradle of Angiosperms
Joseph Dalton Hooker
Meghalaya is among the few states in the country that can take pride in an abundance of natural forest wealth spanning across a large part of its geographical area, far exceeding the national average. Situated within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, the region is widely recognized as the "Cradle of Angiosperms"—the evolutionary origin center of early flowering plants.
The state's unique geographical location, physiographical features, altitudinal variations, abundant rainfall, salubrious climate, and fertile soils foster exceptional species diversity and support a wide spectrum of forest types. This rich flora has captivated botanists since the explorations of Francis Buchanan-Hamilton (1820–24), earning Meghalaya its reputation as a true "Botanist's Paradise".
Through this official website, the Forests & Environment Department provides citizens, stakeholders, and visitors access to vital public services—including tree felling permissions and non-forest land certifications—alongside policy updates, public consultations, and state conservation initiatives. Welcome to the official website of the Forests & Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya. We invite you to explore our work and join us in preserving our state's irreplaceable forest wealth and botanical heritage.
Landscapes of Meghalaya
Geography & Climate
Forests in the Realm of Rain & Mist
The Abode of Clouds: Anchored by the majestic Shillong Plateau, Meghalaya is a misty tableland where high moisture and cloud cover prevail across the seasons.
Dramatic Altitude: Elevations range from 50 m in tropical valley floors to 1,950 m at Shillong Peak, supporting diverse microclimates and forest ecosystems.
Monsoonal Rhythm: The state experiences a distinct seasonal cycle defined by warm, rain-laden monsoons and crisp, cold-dry winters.
World-Record Rainfall: Hosting Sohra and Mawsynram, the wettest locations on Earth, Meghalaya's rain-fed terrain sustains one of the richest biodiversity hubs in the world.
Living Treasure
Rare & Endemic Species
Pitcher Plant (Tiew-rakot)
Nepenthes khasiana
The Pitcher Plant of Meghalaya is a rare, protected carnivorous plant endemic to the region's tropical forests, protected under Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act. It traps insects in specialized leaves to survive in nutrient-poor soils, facing major threats from habitat loss.
Western Hoolock Gibbon
Hoolock hoolock
The Hoolock Gibbon is India's only ape species, inhabiting the dense evergreen and tropical forests of Meghalaya. Known for its remarkable aerial agility and loud calls, this endangered primate faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
Clouded Leopard
Neofelis nebulosa
The Clouded Leopard, the state animal of Meghalaya, is an elusive, arboreal wild cat native to Meghalaya's dense tropical forests, easily recognized by its distinctive cloud-like coat patterns. As an endangered species, it faces severe threats from rampant deforestation and illegal wildlife poaching.
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
Water Tower of Garo Hills
Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Nokrek encompasses lush cloud forests and rich biodeversity across the Garo Hills. The landscape is home to a vital population of Asian Elephants, and rare primates, alongside Citrus heritage: Home to wild Citrus indica (memang narang), the progenitor of cultivated citrus. Visitors can explore scenic forest trails leading to Nokrek Peak, offering cloud forest trails, rich biodiversity, panoramic summit views across the state's natural wilderness. The Simsang River (Someshwari) and several other Garo Hills rivers originate here.
Important Tree Species
Botanical Name / Common / Local Name
- Gmelina arboreaState tree Gamari
- 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
- Xylia xylocarpa NA
- Albizia Spp Hiraru, Moroi, Mog, Kako, Sundi, Saw, Harish
- Toona ciliata Poma
- Terminalia spp. Bahera, Bhomda
- Schima wallichii Makrisal, Nagaplu
- Cinnamomum spp. NA
- Castanopsis indica Hingori
- Syzygium jambosa jamoon
- Artocarpus Sam, Champ, Kathal
- Quercus spp. Oak
- Chukrasia tabularis Chuma, Dieng Dkhar bti
No tree matches that name.