A total of 31 species under 21 genera belonging to 14 families have been recorded with updated nomenclature and protologue citation followed by basionym, fertile period, distribution within the study area, habitat and details of collection from Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand. Pteridaceae is the most dominant family represented by 9 species of 5 genera. Of the all species 16 species are ethnobotanically significant.

In most cases, information on the distribution, population, and bottlenecks affecting the endemic and threatened plant species are often insufficient. Consequently, assigning the appropriate conservation threat status for these species becomes challenging, as such information is a prerequisite for ensuring the effective conservation of their wild populations. Extensive field surveys were carried out during 2018-2021, all individuals of the species encountered at various locations were counted to estimate the overall population size. Additionally, both exogenous and endogenous factors leading to decline in population and rarity are also discussed. In the present study, the natural population data of Arachnis senapatiana suggest that this species has narrow distribution range and small population size, thus the species is accorded as critically endangered (CR) species as per IUCN threat classification. Key exogenous threats include over-exploitation and habitat degradation resulting from various anthropogenic activities. Endogenous factors include limited seed germination and seedling recruitment in its natural habitat. These factors may be responsible for the narrow distribution range and small population size of A. senapatiana.

Kinnaura tribe, residing in the rugged terrain around the majestic Kinner Kailash range in Himachal Pradesh, is well known for their diligent nature, warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted religious practices, influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism. Their socio-economic and religious life revolves around the resident deity, relying on the rich biodiversity of their surroundings for performing rituals and ceremonies. Hence to explore the sacred and ceremonial plants that play essential roles in their beliefs, traditions and attire, an extensive field surveys were conducted from 2020 to 2023. A total of 51 plant species in 25 families were documented for their utilization in various religious ceremonies and festivals. Besides, these plants are also used to adorn their characteristic headwear, which can be referred to as the "The Crown of Kinnaur". Recognizing and respecting cultural practices that involve the sustainable use of plants fosters a strong sense of belonging, encouraging local communities to actively conserve species for future generations. This research delineates the interconnectedness between communities and their environment and contributes to achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and eventually SDG 13 (Climate Action).

This paper presents the first report of Cyperus surinamensis, a newly naturalized sedge species, from the Gangetic plains of West Bengal, marking its second record in India. Initially documented in 2013 from the coastal regions of Kerala in India, the species is native to the New World. Its occurrence in West Bengal highlights the expanding range of this species within the Indian subcontinent. The paper provides a comprehensive description of the plant's morphological characteristics along with a map and field photographs to facilitate identification.

While documenting the bryoflora of Sirumalai Hills and Nilgiri Hills in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, the moss Sematophyllum substrumulosum was discovered which is a new record for India and only the second record for Asia. A description, photographic plate and a distribution map are provided to help bryologists collect this species elsewhere.

A species of the genus Euphorbia- E. bifida Hook. and Arn. (Euphorbiaceae: subgenus Chamaesyce) is reported for the first time as a new record for Indian flora from the Kamorta Island of Nicobar group of Islands with brief taxonomic description based on our collected specimens. In addition to the description, habitat ecology, details on population distribution, key to the species of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, photos of the collected specimens and the conservation status are also provided.

The first colour photographic evidence of Agrostophyllum flavidum in natural habitat is presented here along with dissected floral parts. The species is added to the orchid flora of Arunachal Pradesh and threat status has been assessed.

The Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve was established through a collaborative process involving the forest department and the local community to preserve the rich biodiversity in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand state in India. This conservation effort was developed to incorporate local knowledge and priorities, strengthening that meaningful community involvement is vital for the reserve’s sustainable management. The Conservation Reserve's goals remain unmet due to poor management, limited funding, and insufficient institutional support from the government, resulting in unfocused conservation efforts. The present work undertakes an empirical assessment of community involvement, analyzing current management practices as well as highlighting opportunities to enhance community participation in the reserve's management and conservation. This study presents a significant opportunity to strengthen collaborative conservation efforts and offer actionable insights to improve collaboration between the reserve's management and the local community. Based on research findings on three major interventions, viz., community participation in capacity-building programmes, community participation in reserve through management committee, and benefit-sharing with the community, the present paper discussed valuable insights and proposed suggestions to underscore the need for a more inclusive and well-supported management framework to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Conservation Reserve.

Three species of Bazzania, viz., B. angustistipula N.Kitag., B. orientalis (Steph.) Parihar and B. pearsonii Steph. are recorded for the first time from the state of Nagaland. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the three species are provided, along with identification key to the species of Bazzania known from the state.

A poorly known species of family Asteraceae, B. cernua is discussed here in detail. The species was earlier known from Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, in India. A brief taxonomical description along with the photograph of specimen is provided here.

Alpinia nigra, an important medicinal plant is reported for the first time from Similipal Biosphere Reserve of Odisha as the extended distributional record for Eastern Ghats of India. The detailed taxonomic description, ecology, distribution, field and micro-morphological photographs  are provided for easy identification of the taxon.

Caralluma adscendens var. bicolor was described in 2011 from Tamil Nadu and is Endemic to peninsular India. This species was reported from Kerala in 2013 and from Andhra Pradesh in 2022. Present paper reports this variety for first time from Maharashtra state, where it was found growing in rocky landscape in shrubby forest on the outskirts of Udgir, Latur district.

Acmella radicans (Jacq.) R.K.Jansen var. radicans is being reported for the first time from Darlong village, Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. A detailed taxonomic description is provided for the ease of identification.

The genus Indigofera L. (Fabaceae) is revised for Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Indigofera colutea (Burm.f.) Merr., Indigofera linifolia (L.f.) Retz. and Indigofera linnaei Ali, are reported for the first time from Bay Islands as a new record for the flora of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With these, 7 species of this genus are found in these Islands. A key for the identification of species is also provided.

The present communication reports the distribution of Ensete glaucum (Roxb.) Cheesman (Musaceae) from Similipal Biosphere Reserve as a new record for the flora of Odisha. The detailed morphological description, updated nomenclature and notes on phenology, ecology and distribution have been provided. A photo plate representing all the morphological features has also been provided for easy identification of the taxon in the field.