Floristic Diversity and Economic Importance of Woody Plants in the Campus of GGM Science College, Jammu, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Abstract

The present study assessed the species diversity, floristic composition, growth forms, plant-part utilization and economic importance of common plants growing on the campus of GGM Science College, Jammu, J&K, India. A total of 68 plant species belonging to 34 families were documented. Fabaceae was the most represented family with 8 species, followed by Moraceae with 6 species, Trees dominated the campus flora, comprising 51 species (75.0 %), followed by shrubs (15 spp., 22.1%) and climbers (2 sps., 2.9%), indicating a predominantly woody vegetation structure. Leaves were the most frequently utilized plant parts, followed by bark, wood and fruits, reflecting the diverse ethnobotanical and economic applications of the recorded flora. The documented plants possess considerable economic significance in timber production, medicine, pharmaceuticals, biofuel and essential-oil industries, agriculture and agroforestry, horticulture and landscaping, food and culinary applications. Several species, including Tectona grandis, Dalbergia sissoo, Azadirachta indica, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia arjuna and Mangifera indica, have particularly important commercial, medicinal or ecological value. The findings demonstrate that the college campus represents a diverse and multifunctional plant resource with substantial educational, ecological and socioeconomic importance. Development of a digital plant inventory, QR-based identification system and botanical trail could enhance awareness and educational use. The study provides a baseline for future biodiversity monitoring and supports conservation-oriented and sustainable management of campus vegetation.