Origin and Research Focus
Botany, one of the oldest sciences, began as herbalism, identifying and cultivating plants. GIRNC researches plant structure, growth, reproduction, biochemistry, medicinal value, diseases, and taxonomy.

Botanical Diversity in Nepal
Nepal’s diverse flora includes 35 forest types, 75 vegetation units, and 118 ecosystems, supported by national parks, reserves, and botanical gardens for in-situ and ex-situ conservation.

Research and Conservation
GIRNC studies economic, medicinal, flowering, and non-flowering plants, focusing on ethnobotany to enhance supplies of medicines, foods, and fibers. Medicinal plants are screened for bioactive compounds, aiding pharmaceuticals and herbal industries.

Herbariums
GIRNC houses about 1,000 preserved plant specimens, crucial for plant identification and research.

Flora in Nepal
Nepal hosts over 6,500 species of trees, bushes, and flowers. Flowering seasons vary by region:

• Temperate and Alpine Areas: Flowers bloom in monsoon.
• Subtropics: Main season is March-April.
• Western Nepal: Best blooms are in July-August.
  Common flowers include rhododendrons, orchids, magnolias, and buttercups.

Notable Vegetation

• Orchids: Nepal has over 300 species.
• Eupatorium: An invasive species affecting subtropical areas.
• Sacred Trees: Banyan and Pipal trees are culturally significant.

Vegetation by Altitude

• Tropical Zone: Sal, rosewood, elephant grass.
• Subtropical Zone (1000m–2000m): Chestnut, tea, chir pine.
• Lower Temperate Zone (1500m–2600m): Oak, walnut, blue-pine forests.
• Upper Temperate Zone (2500m–4000m): Rhododendrons, fir, spruce.
• Subalpine Zone (3000m–4000m): Bamboo, silver fir, juniper.
• Alpine Zone (4000m–snow line): Hardy wildflowers adapted to extreme cold.

Fauna in Nepal
Nepal’s varied altitude creates distinct ecological zones with rich biodiversity:

1. Tropical Deciduous Forest: Sal and Semal trees; home to tigers, leopards, and rhinos.
2. Subtropical Mixed Evergreen Forest: Features oaks and rhododendrons; wildlife includes wild boar and bears.
3. Temperate Evergreen Forest: Rhododendrons and bamboo; habitat for red pandas and Himalayan pheasants.
4. Subalpine and Alpine Zone: Scrub and alpine plants; home to snow leopards, blue sheep, and yaks.

Nepal’s biodiversity offers unmatched opportunities for researchers, naturalists, and wildlife enthusiasts.