Natural vegetation is vegetation that grows in the region all by itself without the interference of human activity. There is a thin line of difference between flora and forests. Flora refers to the listed species of plants. Forest refers to a large tract of land covered with trees and shrubs. The natural vegetation of a region is influenced by several factors such as temperature, rainfall, and altitude. India has a variety of forests and natural vegetation which differ from region to region. Tropical Evergreen Forests are found in areas of heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats, the Lakshadweep, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the upper parts of Assam, and the coast of Tamil Nadu.
Climatic Conditions: The tropical evergreen forests grow in regions that receive more than 250 cm of annual rainfall. The average annual temperature ranges between 25°C and 27°C.
Distribution: These forests are found in areas of heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats, the Lakshadweep, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the upper parts of Assam, and the coast of Tamil Nadu.
Characteristic Features of Tropical Evergreen Forests
- Trees in the tropical evergreen forests may reach up to the height of 60 metres or more. There is rich growth of plant life because the region receives more than 200 cm rainfall.
- There is no definite season for plants to shed their leaves. All trees do not shed their leaves at the same time. Hence, these forests always appear green.
Important Species of Trees and their Uses
- Rosewood: It is used for making furniture and is used as decorative wood for carving and for making ornamental ply boards.
- Ebony: It is used for ornamental carving and for making musical instruments, sports goods, piano keys, and caskets.
- Chaplas: It is used for shipbuilding and making furniture and packing boxes.
- Gurjan: It is used for construction work, for making packing boxes, tea boxes, paneling, and flooring. It is also used for carriage and wagon construction.
- Telsur: It is used for making bridges, boats, and carts.
- Sissoo: As the wood is hard and heavy, it is used in construction, furniture making, and for making bullock carts, agricultural implements, and musical instruments.
- Toon: It is used for making tea boxes, toys, and furniture.
Also, Read Tropical Deciduous Forests in India