Abstract
Phytosociological study was conducted in pine forests throughout district Dir. Point centered quadrate method was used for sampling
and twenty five pine forests were sampled between elevation ranges 1400-2672 meters above mean sea level. Phytosociological
attributes (frequency, density, basal area, importance value) and absolute values (Density.ha-1
and Basal area m2
ha-1
) were calculated
for each species and the forest respectively. A total of six pine tree species belonging to 2 families and 5 genera were recorded from
various stands at different altitudes, exposure and degree of slopes. Among the tree species Cedrus deodara (Roxb. Ex Lamb) G.Don
was the dominant tree species recorded in fourteen stands followed by Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jackson which showed presence in
eight stands. Abies pindrow Royle, and Picea smithiana (Wall.) Boiss were recorded from high elevation and occurred in three and six
stands respectively. Lower elevation supports Pinus roxburghii Sargent forests while Taxus wallichiana (Zucc.) was rarely associated
with deodar only in one stand. It was recorded that most of the forest stands exhibited open canopies due to the over exploitation of
forests for timber purposes. Ten communities were recognized based on the importance values and floristic composition of the stands.
Pinus wallichiana- Deodar Community was the most widely distributed community of the study area.
