ETHNO-BOTANICAL STUDIES FROM NORTHERN PAKISTAN
Abstract
Background: In this research paper efforts have been made to document the ethno-botanicalknowledge of important plant species found in Northern Pakistan. It includes Thandiani, Galiat,Kaghan, Swat, Buner, Dir, Chitral and Northern Areas of Pakistan. The area has many climatic andvegetation zones or biomes. Locals residing in mountainous areas belonging to various ethnic groupsare traditionally utilizing plants over many generations; these ethnic groups have their distinct lifestyle, belief, traditions and cultural heritage. Methods: Plant collection and data regarding traditionaluses in various areas of Northern Pakistan has been done periodically in different flowering /fruitingseasons. Locals of old age belonging to various ethnic groups were personally interviewed forestablishing uses of plants. Photography is done for easy identification and habitat recognition.Collected plant specimens and seeds were preserved. Plant species were dried, mounted, identified andauthenticated. Result: 135 genera belonging from 66 families of angiosperms and gymnosperms werestudied and described.76 species were known to have traditional and ethno botanical uses. Plants havebeen utilized for many generations. Ethnic groups have distinct life style and have different economicuses for these plants. Due to unsustainable exploitation of natural habitats scarcity of drug plants hasoccurred. As consequence some species are depleting and may become extinct in near future, e. g.Morchella esculenta, Colchicum lueteum and Viola serpens are just a few of these. Conclusion:Although some sporadic information is available about the flora of this region but very littledocumented record of the ethno-botanically important plants has been established. It is expected thatthis research paper will be beneficial for students, researchers, farmers, foresters and general public. Onthe basis of data obtained it is concluded that ethno-botanical Flora of Northern Pakistan is quite richand is diverse, due to the difference in altitude, climate and other topographic conditions.Keywords: Ethno botanical study, Northern Pakistan, Drug PlantsReferences
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