5.9.Vegetation

As a result of the cold and dry climate, natural vegetation of Ladakh region is scantly. Tempera-

ture and moisture are the two main factors responsible for sparse and reduced vegetation of the area.

One finds vegetation even at an altitude of about 5,000m provided the surface receives sunlight and favors moisture retention. On the whole, natural vegetation is characterized by highly stunted

growth. On slopes with southern exposure, there are somewhat open forest lands with Salix and Ju-

niperus with gregarious stands of Artemisia, Lonicera and Hippophae. On the south of Leh district,

in alpine zones occur fine flowered herbs of Aconitum, Astragalus, Potentilla, Primula, Saxifrage and several genera of the Asteraceae.

Vegetation is confined to valleys and sheltered spots, where a stunted growth of tamarisk (ge-

nus Tamarix) shrubs, furze (also called gorse; spiny plants of the legume family), and other plants

supply much-needed firewood. The principal products are wheat, barley, millet, buckwheat, peas, beans, and turnips. Woolen cloth and other textiles are the primary manufactures. (BRITANICA.

COM)

Figure 138 Willow tree in autumn season- Mostly used for construction to fill the floorings

Figure 139 Poplar tree in autmn- used as a beam in construction