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Showing posts from January, 2024

Leaves of Paja tree

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Introduction: Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, Paja, commonly known as the Himalayan Cherry Blossom or Wild Himalayan Cherry, graces the mountains with its spectacular blooms. Botanical name Prunus cerasoides , this plant is member in the family Rosaceae. The Botanical Beauty: Paja, a species of cherry native to the Himalayas, boasts stunning clusters of pink to white blossoms, transforming the mountainous regions into a sea of delicate petals during the spring season. Leaves are 2.5-4 cm, elliptic or ovate-lanceolate, long-acuminate, closely doubly serrate, glabrous, shinning, petioles 1-1.5cm long, with 2-4 glands at the base, stipules are 6-8 inches long, feathery and glandular, feathery and glandular.  Unlike other members of this family paja is in full bloom  in autumn (October to November) when its others  close relative  have gone  dormant and  turned leafless. Paja thus defies nature by trying to create another spring in ...

Buffel Grass

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Introduction: Buffel grass ( Cenchrus ciliaris)  member of the Poaceae family, has become a subject of fascination and concern in various parts of the world. Originally hailing from Africa, this resilient grass species has found its way into diverse ecosystems, sparking debates about its benefits and the ecological challenges it poses. In this blog post, we'll explore the dual nature of buffel grass, examining its positive attributes and the environmental issues it raises. The Versatility of Buffel Grass: Buffel grass has earned its reputation as a resilient and adaptable species. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions make it a favored choice for land reclamation and erosion control in arid and semi-arid regions. Farmers appreciate its capacity to withstand harsh conditions, providing forage for livestock when other grasses may struggle. Invasion Dynamics: While buffel grass offers numerous benefits, its invasive tendencies have raised alarms a...