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".