Gir National Park is a globally recognized wildlife sanctuary in India. Tourists come here to spot the endangered species – the Asiatic lions. Besides lion sightings, it is popular for its wide variety of flora and fauna. If you are willing to visit Gir for thrilling experiences, then you should also explore the diverse flora of Gir National Park to make your trip more soothing. In this blog, you will learn and discover the diverse Flora of Gir Forest National Park.
Explore the Diverse Flora of Gir National Park
The biodiversity in Gir Forest covers diverse wild animals and vegetation which contribute to its ecosystem efficiently. Today, there are more than 600 Asiatic lions and over 400 types of species flora of Gir Forest National Park. Below, we have highlighted the top variety of flora in Sasan Gir.
1. Teak
Teak (Techtona Grandis) is a type of tropical hardwood species that belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is a common flora of Gir National Park. It has board leaves with straight trunks and long-lasting wood. Moreover, it flourishes in dry conditions and spreads across the forest which helps many bird species use its branches to make shelter for them.
2. Siris
Siris (Albizia lebbeck) is a popular flora of Gir National Park and comes from the Fabaceae family. These trees are covered with small feathery green leaves and have long bean-like pods. A good source of nitrogen fixation for enriching the soil, Siris is also used for medicine and timber. Various birds and animals use this tree for shelter and food.
3. Jamun
Also known as Syzygium cumini, java plum, or Indian blackberry, the Jamun tree is a tropical plant flora of Gir Forest National Park that belongs to the Myrtaceae family. These trees flourish up to 100 ft in height and have a lifespan of more than 100 years. Moreover, the purple fruits of this tree contain good nutritional value making it a good food for animals while its wood is used as timber.
4. Khair
Khair (acacia tree) is another common flora of Gir National Park. Nature lovers can find this tree in many places in the Park. It has small and feathery leaves that resemble the bird’s feathers, fragrant long flowers, and pea-like pods containing seeds. This tree is a good source of proteins, its wood is used for timber and bark to produce red dye that gives a special taste to Paan.
5. Babul
Acacia or Vachellia Nilotica is another prevalent flora of Gir Forest National Park. This widespread tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has small light green leaves. It produces yellow flowers and bean-like pods that are eaten by animals like deer and cattle. For decades, the bark and wood of this tree have been used for medical properties.
Other Notable Flora
In addition to the diverse species of flora mentioned above, other flora of Gir National Park also cover a large area of the forest. Bamboos are widely spread around the Gir to reduce pollution and make the environment green. Here you will find many types of trees like Dhak, Ber, Banyan, Umlo, Vad, Karanja, etc. The entire forest is full of grasslands and the rivers like Hiran and Datardi flourish the many types of vegetation like Peepal, Tamarind, and more near them.
Composition of Flora in Gir Forest National Park
Gir Nationa Park is spread over an area of 1412 sq km. More than half of the forest is covered by leafy and deciduous trees and plants that provide shelter. Its leaves are shed during the dry seasons. This helps in water conservation and sunlight enriches the land.
With full scrubs and grassy flora of Gir Forest National Park, this land is the source of food for many herbivores and birds. The green biodiversity of Gir maintains its ecosystem and gives a native heritage to animals live longer.
Best Time to Visit Gir National Park for Flora and Fauna Exploration
When planning a wildlife tour for Gir, it becomes crucial to understand the suitable time to make the experience more enjoyable and adventurous. The best time to visit Gir National Park to explore diverse flora and fauna is between November and February. At this time, the weather is pleasant and the forest of Gir is full of lust green, making your journey more soothing and thrilling at the same time.
Best Places to Explore Diverse Flora in Gir National Park
Want to know the best places to visit in Sasan Gir where you can explore the diverse vegetation, plants, and trees for an enchanting and peaceful experience? Explore the diverse flora of Gir Forest National Park by visiting Kamleshwar Dam, Diwali Safari Park, Tulsishyam Temple, and around the guesthouse area. All these places flourish with shrubland, grasslands, and abundant trees that support its rich ecosystem.
The Takeaway
The fauna and flora of Gir Nationa Park offer the most astonishing and thrilling moments to enjoy with loved ones. If you are excited about wildlife exploration and seeking a vacation with family and friends to dive into nature and green areas, then choose this location as your ideal destination. By booking a Gir National Park Safari trip, you can smoothly enter the dense forest area and visit the scenic landscapes, witness the majestic animals, and explore the diverse flora.