A taxonomic census of plants in some places of religious activities in Kolkata

Considering revelation of the Man, Plant and Environment relationships sustained traditionally in different religious places as very important in optimization of environment and invigoration of environmental ethics, the present study was strategically undertaken in some sacred areas of Kolkata (one of the busiest metropolises in India) like Dakshineshwar, Adyapeath and Udyan Bati. The overall number of vascular plant species was recorded to be 116; species ratio of dicot, monocot and gymnosperm being 79: 35: 2. Family: genus: species ratio (on total basis) was found to be 1: 2.19: 2.52. At specific, generic and family levels, dicots scored higher prevalence percentages over monocots. The value of Coefficient of Generic Diversity (87.06) and high number of families with a low species quota indicate habitat heterogeneity essential for imparting stability to the community in concern.