Cradled in the lap of the Himalayas the state of Jammu and Kashmir is particularly rich is flora. Due to the wide variations in topography, the region has a large variety of species. There is no wonder that its flora ranges from the thorn bush type of the arid plains to the temperate and alpine flora of the higher altitudes. Prominent among the trees are maple, horse chestnuts, silver fir, etc. At the higher altitudes there are birch, rhododendron, Berbers and a large number of herbal plants.