Synopsis The ecosystem of Lakshadweep Islands is very fragile and many natural and anthropogenic interventions posing a great threat to its biodiversity. The need for comprehensive information on vegetation and flora has been felt ever since the formation of Union Territory of Lakshadweep in 1956. The present work brings out a consolidated account of the vegetation, landscape characterization and plant diversity of Lakshadweep Islands.

A total number of 348 species have been presented with details such as family name, common name, habit, habitat, flowering and fruiting period, distribution in Lakshadweep Islands, Nativity for introduced species and economic uses. The presentation of colour photographs for all species is a special feature of this publication. The present study is outcome of national project on biodiversity characterization at landscape level using remote sensing and GIS and Lakshadweep Islands (2008-2010) through Department of Space and Department of Biotechnology, Govt. India.