164 
THE VEGETATION OF THE ZEMV 
Dwarf species of Parnassia are common while Ch'rysosplenium as- 
cends to the inclement rocks beside the snow. The majority of the 
Himalayan species of Sedum appear in the area, some in profusion^ 
U mballifercB are not so prominent a feature as in the Sandakphu— - 
Phallut region. In the lower Zemu up to 13,000 feet the slopes 
yield Btipleurum, Chcerophyllum, Selmum, Archangelicaf Hf.rac- 
leum, but on the open wind-swept areas of Llonakh only the pros- 
trate Cortia^ Pleurospermum Hookeri, and lowly Trachydiums have 
much chance of survival. 
Dwarf forms of Lonicera penetrate far into the bleaker-valleys, 
becoming prostrate and spiny near the frontier. On the Zemu slopes 
Lonicera hispida is common, with several of its congeners. Wiih 
the exception of Galium and that sparingly, Ruhiacece are absent 
from the higher altitudes. 
Compositm are abundant and among them SamsuTPa is predomi- 
ant. Aster and Erigeron are poorly represented, Senecio few as 
compared with the moister Jongri area, Anaphalis and Artemisia are 
common towards the dry Tibetan region, while Cremanthodia are 
conspicuous features of the screes. Saussureas are everywhere — 
the woolly forms are unfailing'ly present at the top of the rocky 
ridges. 
Codonopsis and Cyanantlius were well represented in numbers 
but not in species. Rhododendrons are as prominent as in other 
parts of Sikkim but limited as regards number of species. Primu- 
laceoe are very abundant especially in the upper Zemu. Primula 
sikkimensis y P. capitatOy P. pusillay forms of P. nivalis are in pro- 
fusion. Gentiana phyllocalyx y G. amoenay G. tenellay G. crassi- 
caulisy and Swertia multicaulis are all widespread, and in places 
abundant. 
Small forms of Eritrichium and Trig onotis are the chief repre- 
sentatives of the Boraginew while the rounded cushions of Myo- 
sot is Hookeri are met with occasionally on the exposed ridges. 
Pedicularis is another of the dominant genera of the region. 
The species occur in great profusion and with their bright colours 
are a conspicuous feature in the sparse Llonakh vegetation. Five 
or six genera of Labiatce are not uncommon but on the whole the 
order is not well represented. Dwarf species of Polygonum and 
two stout Rheums are common. Prostrate species of Salix are 
prevalent right up to the meilting snows, while in the lower valleys 
shrubs of six to twelve feet are scattered among the boulders. 
