The researchers studied plant diversity in natural forests in the western Himalayas. They looked at different altitudes and aspects, finding oak and pine trees were common, along with shrubs like Berberis aristata and Sarcococca saligna. Cyperus rotundas and Viola serpens were dominant herbs. More tree and shrub species were seen at lower altitudes on western and southern aspects. Herb species increased with altitude on all aspects. Overall, tree and shrub species decreased with altitude, while herb species increased.