Beauty of Kashmir (India)by | 19-08-2013 09:40 |
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 Beauty of Parrotia. Autumn foliage of Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana locally called as Pohu. Pohu also called in Kashmiri Hatab was the main understory shrub of Coniferous forests of Kashmir valley. The firewood requirement of valley was met from this species. But due to continuous felling this species has become very rare in Kashmir forests and no efforts are being made to replant the species in the forests. Due to shortage of firewood in Kashmir valley, willows were brought from Europe in Maharaja's time and planted around the marshes of Wullar and Sind nalla. The twigs of the species is also used in basket making and Kangri. Leaves are very good fodder for cattle as well as Hangul. Forest department should undertake massive plantation of this species in Kashmir forests to conserve the biodiversity and also meet demand of firewood. |
