Diversity of Irises from Kashmir Himalaya

In Kashmir Himalaya, Irises form a important part of total ornamental plant diversity and grow abundantly in alpine and sub-alpine grasslands, gardens, saffron fields, graveyards and stream banks. The genus is represented by several wild, cultivated and some endemic species. To assess the available Iris diversity, surveys were carried out in the diversity rich areas of the region and as a result the distribution and diversity of 14 species including cultivated varieties were studied. Most of the species studied grow wild, beautify their habitats and are put to several uses by local people. This important gene pool is however under threat due to urbanization, change in land use pattern and deforestation which has resulted in declining their frequencies. In view of their dwindling populations, there is an urgent need to maintain their diversity through conventional and biotechnological approaches. Nonetheless this diversity is still being maintained only due to the fact that they have found their abode in sacred groves, graveyards and cemeteries where their genetic identities have remained preserved.