A Review of the Diversity of Fabaceae in Kachchh District, Gujarat

Ruchika Thacker; Rashmi Yadav; Santosh Yadav

doi:10.36808/if/2026/v152i6/171222

A Review of the Diversity of Fabaceae in Kachchh District, Gujarat

Authors

Ruchika Thacker Department of Botany, St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Rashmi Yadav Avanirudh Nature Services, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Santosh Yadav Department of Botany, St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Ahmedabad, Gujarat

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2026/v152i6/171222

Keywords:

Fabaceae, Kachchh, Flora.

Abstract

Fabaceae is recognized as one of the largest and ecologically significant plant families among the angiospermic families in India. This family serves as a keystone group, particularly in semiarid regions. According to the latest APG classification, Fabaceae comprises three subfamilies: Papilionaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, and Mimosaceae. The Kachchh district in Gujarat is characterized by extreme conditions such as aridity, saline landscapes, and unique grasslands that contribute to its rich floristic diversity, with Fabaceae being the dominant family. This review synthesizes the available floristic, ecological, and ethnobotanical information on Fabaceae, with a particular focus on the Kachchh district. Numerous studies have been conducted across various parts of the Kutch district, revealing a total of 133 recorded Fabaceae species from diverse habitats, including scrublands, forests, grasslands, and urban areas. The family demonstrates high ecological adaptability, playing vital roles in nitrogen fixation, soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, and supporting livelihoods for local communities. This review identifies existing research gaps, particularly the lack of long-term ecological studies and species-level monitoring. This review serves as a foundational work to emphasize the need for conservation strategies and sustainable management practices to preserve Fabaceae diversity within Kachchh's fragile ecosystems.

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