Gymnosperm diversity of the Kashmir Himalayas.

The Kashmir is rich in biodiversity and is known as the biomass state of India (Lawrence, 1895). Phytogeographically located at the Holarctic and Paleotropical intersection in the North-Western Himalaya, this bio-region harbours luxurious treasures of plant diversity. The Kashmir region is rich in gymnosperm diversity, which forms an important component, floristically, ecologically and socio-economically: it is known as the green gold of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Gymnosperms harbour a rich diversity of flora and fauna under their canopies. They are the rich source of diverse economic and medicinal products, providing innumerable products, including timber, fuel, gums, resins, medicines and many more useful products, besides acting as effective wind-breaks, especially the evergreen species, which also slow soil erosion and protect watersheds. The single giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), the state tree of California, which grows at Yarikhah Drug Farm (Tangmarg) in Kashmir Valley is the lone representative in the India subcontinent. Due to their immense importance, the gymnosperms have been overexploited by the human population. Sustainable management and conservation of these gymnosperms is urgently required. Anthropogenic activities should be checked and the stake holders educated about the proper harvesting of gymnosperm flora for different uses.