north indian vegetation is predominantly tropical evergreen and montane . of the evergreen trees hollong gurjan, sal, teak, mahogany, sheesham (indian rosewood) and poplar are some which are important commercially. the western himalayan region abounds in chir, pine, deodar (himalayan cedar), blue pine, spruce, various firs, birch and junipers. the birch, especially, has historical significance in indian culture due to the extensive use of birch paper () as parchment for many ancient indian texts. the eastern himalayan region consists of oaks, laurels, maples, rhododendrons, alder, birch and dwarf willows. reflecting the diverse climatic zones and terrain contained in the region, the floral variety is extensive and ranges from alpine to cloud forests, coniferous to evergreen, and thick tropical rainforests to cool temperate woods.