|
Ethnobotanical Leaflets
14:491-510, 2010.
Floristic Diversity and Indigenous Uses of Forest
Vegetation of Dabka Watershed in Indian Central Himalaya
Abhay Bahuguna1*,
P. C. Phondani1, Vikram S. Negi1, L. S. Rawat1,
R. K. Maikhuri1, P. C. Joshi2, and N.S.
Bisht3
1G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan
Environment and Development, Garhwal Unit Srinagar-246174, Post box-92, Uttarakhand, India
2Department
of Environmental Sciences Gurukul Kangri
University, Haridwar, India
3Department
of Botany, HNB Garhwal
Central University,
BGR Campus Pauri, India
Corresponding Author E-mail:
abhaybahuguna@gmail.com
Issued: April 01, 2010
Abstract
A species
check list of flora is presented in and around Dabka watershed, District Nainital
of Uttarakhand, together with preliminary Phytosociological data for the
major species of communities. A total of 45 tree species, 09 shrubs and 32
species of grasses and herbs recorded. Results of quantitative sampling
indicate that Adina cordifolia (IVI
66.26) species dominated in the watershed area. Other important woody
associates include Quercus incana
(IVI 26.74), Pinus roxburghii (IVI
14.64). The diversity range for tree layer was 3.16 followed by herbs (2.92)
and then shrubs (1.84); all of the tree species were contagious distribution.
Analysis of use diversity showed that the recorded species provide 8
Different uses to local communities. About 56% of the species are used for
more than one use categories. Although some species have multiple uses, the
average number of uses per species is three. The uses were placed under three
major use categories, which had highest contribution of the total uses. These
include food, medicinal and fuel/fodder/timber/ dye etc. use value of species
shows that about 38% species use in medicinal purposes, 32% species used for
edible purposes and 33% use as various
purposes.
The current work provide the baseline floristic and ecological data and
documents the structure and composition of vegetation and also collect
information about ethno-botanic used to explore the conservation status and
folk medicinal knowledge of the surrounding peoples of the study area, for
managers planners and policy makers to understand such simple method
assessing the biodiversity of any potential area for conservation in any
region. The finding suggest that, public
awareness and community based management need to be encouraged at all levels
in order to overcome the threats; further investigation into nutritional
properties of all the species reported;
study on the pharmacological attributes would help to understand their
medicinal application. Furthermore urgent collection of germplasm from areas
under human pressure is recommended.
Keywords: Floristic diversity, Forest
vegetation, Indigenous uses, Dabka Watershed, Central Himalaya.
Introduction
The Himalaya mountain system stretches over 2500 km in length from west
to east and 240-340 km wide, covering a total area of about 236000 sq km in India. The
area is considered very rich in endemics (Khoshoo, 1992). Human history on
this planet will never be completed without a look at the role of plants. A
completed record of many thousands of the plant species used by human being
during past shows their importance in health, economy, shelter, clothing and
food (Rizwana, et. al 2006).
Regional floristic survey are required to know the species range, floristic
variability and economic value and assess the conservation status of
community in any area (Sundriyal, 2003) over last two decades, the species
area relations, environmental gradient and natural features, distribution
pattern of the specific taxa and bio-geographic region are considered the
best criteria for declaring and management the world (Macarthur and Wilson,
1967, Dimond, 1998, Miller and Harvis 1977, Terborgh, 1974, Wilson and Willer
1975, Miller and White, 1980). One of the most critical issues on the
national and global agenda is need preserve biodiversity for future
generations while trying to understand and document the indigenous knowledge
of resource management practices (Nehal et.
al, 2004). The
concern of biodiversity preservation has highlighted the importance to
described vegetation at regional and small scale (Lunt et al, 1987, Lunt, 1990, Brown et al, 1988, Specht, 1981, Frood and Calcler, 1987, Kirkpatrick et al., 1988; Whittaker et al., 1979; Brown and Hopkins,
1983). The modern concept of Ethnobotany was given by Aumeeruddy (1996)
according to him, it is the science which studies the relationship between
given society and environment and particular, the plant word. So we can say
that Ethnobotany is a multi-disciplinary science of Botany, Ecology and
Anthropology. There is limited information available about the species
composition, variation and ecology of many forest communities in Himalaya in general (Khoshoo, 1992, see compilation in
Maikhuri et al., 1998; Dhar et al., 1999). A plant containing
active chemical constituents in any part or parts like root, stem, leaves,
bark, fruit and seed which produces a definite curing physiological response
in the treatment of various ailments in humans and other animals is termed as
medicinal plant. The various chemicals work together to reach equilibrium in
the body as they do it the plant, and so produce gentle progressive healing
within the body tissues (Muhammad et al.,
2006). It has been estimated that about 20,000 plant species are used for
medicinal purposes throughout the world (W. H. O 2002). The present study
provides a floristic check list for a stretch of Dabka River,
together with brief floristic diversity and local knowledge/use of
vegetation.
Study area
The present study carried out in Nainital forest division, in Kotabag
Block for study of community composition and plant diversity, which is the
part of undulating hills of Kumaun (latitude 29 degree 29 minute 44 second N
and longitude 79 degree 20 minute 05 second E) Himalaya in district Nainital
of the Uttarakhand state in India.
The total area of Dabka watershed is 68 sq km. kilometers (Fig. 1). The
Altitude of the study area stretch from 1800 to 2500m asl and slope found
between 51 degree to 81 degree. The soil of the watershed varies with the
slope and vegetation. The soil of the hill bottom is
Fig.
1- Location Map of Dabka Watershed in Kumoun Region of Central Himalaya,
India.
deeper and
darker in color. In some area they were fine loamy in texture and richer in organic
matter content. The climate of study area is comparatively temperate and
humid. The temperature reached up to 36 degree in the month of May to June
where as the higher peaks of the area receive forest snow fall in winter
season.
Methodology
The phytosociological analysis of the forest of study area was carried
out during the period of January 2007 – December 2008 by using 20× 20m
quadrates for trees. Each quadrate was subdivided into 5×5 m sample plot for
recording shrubs and 1×1 m for herbs. The quadrates were laid out randomly
throughout the study area. The size and the number of quadrates were
determined by the species area curve (Misra, 1968) and the running means
methods (Kershaw, 1973). Twenty quadrates were randomly placed in the entire
area, representing all the vegetation type and localities. In each quadrate,
tree were recorded with >31.5 cm cbh (circumference at breast height i.e.,
1.37 m above the ground) individually measured. Individuals within the cbh
range of 10.5 to 31.4 cm were considered as shrubs + saplings and individuals
<10.5 cm cbh were considered as herbs+ seedlings. The vegetation data were
quantitative analyzed for abundance, density and frequency according to the
formulae given by Curtis and Mc Intosh (1950) and Mishra (1968). The relative
values were summed up to represent Important Value Index (IVI) as per Curtis
(1959). The distribution of the species was studied using the ration of
abundance to frequency if below 0.025 indicates regular distribution; between
0.025- 0.050 indicates random distribution and when exceeds 0.050 indicate
contagious distribution (Whitford 1949). The diversity Index (H) was computed
by using Shannon-Wiener information Index (Shannon and Wiener, 1963). Ethnobotanical
information of local communities was collected using semi-structured and
structured questionnaires and schedules. Interviews and group discussion both
formal and informal and empirical observations in the fields was carried out.
Extensive field visits was made with local herbal practitioners to gather
information on the identity and occurrence of medicinal plants and mode of
their utilization. Randomly selected households in the study area were
surveyed to gather information on quantity of extraction of these medicinal
plants from wild. Verification of data was repeated through interviews with
more than one informant. The information related to quantity/dosage of
medicine prepared from different medicinal plants and prescribed to the
patient for particular period of time was obtained from the local medical
practitioners (Maikhuri et al., 1998). The plant species collected were maintained in to herbarium specimens, and
identify with the help of literature, and taxonomical experts of the
Institute/University. Specimens of each species identified were
brought to the G.B. Pant Institute (Garhwal Unit) herbarium for scientific
identification where they were subsequently deposited.
Results
The detailed characteristics of
forest composition carried out, floristic structure and composition of the
Dabka watershed is mixed type vegetation. The number of species in trees,
herbs, shrubs and sapling indicate that these forest stands are comparatively
species rich. Although dominance was shared by a number of species, no single
species was found to complete climax stage. A total of 86 species (45 species
of trees, 09 species of shrubs and 32 species of herbs) were recorded from
the study area.
The dominant and co-dominant tree species were Adina cordifolia and Quercus
incana, showing their value of IVI of 66.26 and 26.74 respectively, where
as the highest value of density was recorded Quercus incana. The data of
abundance frequency ration showed that all tree species showed contagious
distribution pattern (table-1). In the shrub layer the highest value of IVI
(64.04) was recorded for Rulens
eleipicus where as, lowest IVI (14.00) for Utrica urdense. Among the shrubs species Rulens eleipicus showed highest value of density. The lowest
value of density was recorded for Utrica
urdense (table-2). In the herb layer the highest value of IVI (37.49) was
recorded for Viola where as second
highest value of IVI recorded (29.72) Dryopteris
and highest value of density recorded Viola.
Among the 32 species of herbs 27 species shows contagious distribution, 5
species showed random distribution (Table-3). The diversity of the study
sites have been described in table-3. The maximum (3.16) value of diversity
for tree layer was recorded, followed by herbs (2.92) where as minimum value
of species diversity (H) found in shrubs layer (1.84). Rich11ness index is
highest in tree layer followed by herbs and then shrubs (Table-4). The number
of species in trees, herbs, shrubs and sapling indicate that these forest
stands are comparatively species rich.
Although dominance was shared by a number of species, no single
species was found to complete climax species. On the basis of density, basal
cover and important value index, Quercus
incana was found to be the most important and dominant species in all the
forest stand of Dabka watershed.
Table 1. Phytosociological analysis of tree species.
|
Species
|
Ind.
|
Density
|
Dominance
|
Frequency
|
IVI
|
|
ADen.
|
RDen.
|
ADo
|
RDo
|
AFer
|
RFer
|
|
Boehmeria rcegolosa
|
14
|
0.08
|
3.20
|
4.67
|
0.58
|
17.65
|
2.73
|
6.51
|
|
Bauhinia species
|
3
|
0.18
|
0.68
|
1.50
|
0.14
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
2.64
|
|
Schleichera trijuga
|
5
|
0.29
|
1.14
|
1.25
|
0.02
|
23.53
|
3.64
|
4.80
|
|
Ficus species
|
6
|
0.35
|
1.37
|
2.00
|
0.11
|
17.65
|
2.73
|
4.20
|
|
Sapium insigne
|
5
|
0.29
|
1.14
|
1.67
|
0.07
|
17.65
|
2.73
|
3.94
|
|
Cassia fistula
|
8
|
0.47
|
1.83
|
1.60
|
0.02
|
29.41
|
4.55
|
6.40
|
|
Grewia oppositifolia
|
26
|
1.53
|
5.94
|
8.67
|
2.01
|
17.65
|
2.73
|
10.67
|
|
Cedrela toona
|
5
|
0.29
|
1.14
|
1.67
|
0.07
|
17.65
|
2.73
|
3.94
|
|
Lannea coromandelica
|
13
|
0.76
|
2.97
|
2.17
|
0.03
|
35.29
|
5.45
|
8.45
|
|
Syzygium cumini
|
2
|
0.12
|
0.46
|
1.00
|
0.06
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
2.34
|
|
Mallotus philippensis
|
24
|
1.41
|
5.48
|
6.00
|
0.54
|
23.53
|
3.64
|
9.66
|
|
Erythrina suberosa
|
13
|
0.76
|
2.97
|
4.33
|
0.50
|
17.65
|
2.73
|
6.20
|
|
Albiza species
|
1
|
0.06
|
0.23
|
1.00
|
0.24
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
1.38
|
|
Pinus roxburghii
|
39
|
2.29
|
8.90
|
6.50
|
0.28
|
35.29
|
5.45
|
14.64
|
|
Quercus incana
|
86
|
5.06
|
19.63
|
12.29
|
0.74
|
41.18
|
6.36
|
26.74
|
|
Cupressus torulosa
|
14
|
0.82
|
3.20
|
7.00
|
2.95
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
7.97
|
|
Prunus species
|
3
|
0.18
|
0.68
|
1.00
|
0.03
|
17.65
|
2.73
|
3.44
|
|
Myrica esculenta
|
1
|
0.06
|
0.23
|
1.00
|
0.24
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
1.38
|
|
Rhododendron arboreum
|
20
|
1.18
|
4.57
|
5.00
|
0.38
|
23.53
|
3.64
|
8.58
|
|
Lyonia ovalifolia
|
10
|
0.59
|
2.28
|
5.00
|
1.51
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
5.61
|
|
Quercus semecarpifolia
|
18
|
1.06
|
4.11
|
9.00
|
4.88
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
10.81
|
|
Machilus duthiei
|
2
|
0.12
|
0.46
|
2.00
|
0.96
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
2.33
|
|
Holarrhena antiaysenterica
|
16
|
0.94
|
3.65
|
4.00
|
0.24
|
23.53
|
3.64
|
7.53
|
|
Terminalia bellirica
|
5
|
0.29
|
1.14
|
5.00
|
6.03
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
8.08
|
|
Anogeissus latiolius
|
21
|
1.24
|
4.79
|
7.00
|
1.31
|
17.65
|
2.73
|
8.83
|
|
Flacourtia indica
|
3
|
0.18
|
0.68
|
1.50
|
0.14
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
2.64
|
|
Emblica officinalis
|
2
|
0.12
|
0.46
|
1.00
|
0.06
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
2.34
|
|
Nyctanthes arbortristis
|
2
|
0.12
|
0.46
|
2.00
|
0.96
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
2.33
|
|
Ehretialaevis
|
2
|
0.12
|
0.46
|
1.00
|
0.06
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
2.34
|
|
Ziziphus jujube
|
1
|
0.06
|
0.23
|
1.00
|
0.24
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
1.38
|
|
Casearia tomentosa
|
2
|
0.12
|
0.46
|
1.00
|
0.06
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
2.34
|
|
Dalbergia sissoo
|
2
|
0.12
|
0.46
|
1.00
|
0.06
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
2.34
|
|
Melia azedarach
|
1
|
0.06
|
0.23
|
1.00
|
0.24
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
1.38
|
|
Leucaena leucocephala
|
1
|
0.06
|
0.23
|
1.00
|
0.24
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
1.38
|
|
Artocarpus heterophyllus
|
1
|
0.06
|
0.23
|
1.00
|
0.24
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
1.38
|
|
Celtis australis
|
6
|
0.35
|
1.37
|
3.00
|
0.54
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
3.73
|
|
Cordia species
|
8
|
0.47
|
1.83
|
2.00
|
0.06
|
23.53
|
3.64
|
5.52
|
|
Cinnamomum tamala
|
2
|
0.12
|
0.46
|
1.00
|
0.06
|
11.76
|
1.82
|
2.34
|
|
Ficus religiosa
|
4
|
0.24
|
0.91
|
1.33
|
0.05
|
17.65
|
2.73
|
3.69
|
|
Shorea robusta
|
14
|
0.29
|
3.20
|
5.00
|
6.03
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
10.13
|
|
Engelhardtia colebrookeana
|
5
|
0.12
|
1.14
|
2.00
|
0.96
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
3.01
|
|
Aegle marmelos
|
1
|
0.06
|
0.23
|
1.00
|
0.24
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
1.38
|
|
Mitragyna parvifolia
|
4
|
0.24
|
0.91
|
4.00
|
3.86
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
5.68
|
|
Flacourtia indica
|
1
|
0.06
|
0.23
|
1.00
|
0.24
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
1.38
|
|
Adina cordifolia
|
16
|
0.94
|
3.65
|
16.00
|
61.70
|
5.88
|
0.91
|
66.26
|
|
Total
|
438
|
24.32
|
100.00
|
150.14
|
100.01
|
647.06
|
100.00
|
300.01
|
Ind., number
of individuals recorded in plot; ADen.,
absolute density; RDen., relative
density; ADo., absolute dominance;
RDo.,
relative dominance; AFer.,
absolute frequency(%); RFer.,
relative frequency; IVI, important
value index.
Table 2- Phytosociological analysis of herb species.
|
Species
|
Ind.
|
Density
|
Dominance
|
Frequency
|
IVI
|
|
ADen.
|
RDen.
|
ADo
|
RDo
|
AFer.
|
RFer.
|
|
Viola
|
35
|
0.51
|
18.04
|
1.00
|
0.93
|
51.47
|
18.52
|
37.49121
|
|
Swertia agustifolia
|
5
|
0.07
|
2.58
|
1.00
|
2.10
|
7.35
|
2.65
|
7.318581
|
|
Fern
|
3
|
0.04
|
1.55
|
1.00
|
4.89
|
4.41
|
1.59
|
8.025414
|
|
Freqaria
|
4
|
0.06
|
2.06
|
1.00
|
1.11
|
5.88
|
2.12
|
5.292539
|
|
Stellaria
|
3
|
0.04
|
1.55
|
1.00
|
1.01
|
4.41
|
1.59
|
4.144379
|
|
Achyranthus
|
11
|
0.16
|
5.67
|
1.00
|
3.27
|
16.18
|
5.82
|
14.76483
|
|
Petridium
|
2
|
0.03
|
1.03
|
1.00
|
4.46
|
2.94
|
1.06
|
6.546255
|
|
Rumex
|
7
|
0.10
|
3.61
|
1.00
|
3.93
|
10.29
|
3.70
|
11.24001
|
|
Dryopteris
|
23
|
0.34
|
11.86
|
1.00
|
5.70
|
33.82
|
12.17
|
29.72067
|
|
Cynodon
|
8
|
0.12
|
4.12
|
1.00
|
0.57
|
11.76
|
4.23
|
8.925026
|
|
Oxalis
|
4
|
0.06
|
2.06
|
1.00
|
0.57
|
5.88
|
2.12
|
4.746769
|
|
Eupatorium
|
17
|
0.25
|
8.76
|
1.13
|
4.89
|
22.06
|
7.92
|
21.59111
|
|
Sonchus
|
1
|
0.01
|
0.52
|
1.00
|
5.82
|
1.47
|
0.53
|
6.866117
|
|
umex Dentatus
|
2
|
0.03
|
1.03
|
1.00
|
1.46
|
2.94
|
1.06
|
3.544517
|
|
Origanum
|
1
|
0.01
|
0.52
|
1.00
|
5.82
|
1.47
|
0.53
|
6.866117
|
|
Cyperus Rotundus
|
1
|
0.01
|
0.52
|
1.00
|
3.27
|
1.47
|
0.53
|
4.319187
|
|
Reinwardtia indica
|
7
|
0.10
|
3.61
|
1.00
|
2.97
|
10.29
|
3.70
|
10.28213
|
|
Poa annua
|
2
|
0.03
|
1.03
|
1.00
|
0.82
|
2.94
|
1.06
|
2.907785
|
|
Viola Betonicifolia
|
1
|
0.01
|
0.52
|
1.00
|
5.82
|
1.47
|
0.53
|
6.866117
|
|
Fumaria Indica
|
3
|
0.04
|
1.55
|
1.00
|
3.27
|
4.41
|
1.59
|
6.408316
|
|
Galium
|
3
|
0.04
|
1.55
|
1.00
|
0.36
|
4.41
|
1.59
|
3.49754
|
|
Flemingia
|
11
|
0.16
|
5.67
|
1.10
|
3.73
|
14.71
|
5.29
|
14.6869
|
|
Aster
|
1
|
0.01
|
0.52
|
1.00
|
1.46
|
1.47
|
0.53
|
2.499952
|
|
Fragaria
|
14
|
0.21
|
7.22
|
1.17
|
2.12
|
17.65
|
6.35
|
15.69067
|
|
Hedychium
|
12
|
0.18
|
6.19
|
1.00
|
6.83
|
17.65
|
6.35
|
19.36701
|
|
Adiantum lunulatum
|
4
|
0.06
|
2.06
|
1.00
|
2.27
|
5.88
|
2.12
|
6.452302
|
|
Eragrostis
|
1
|
0.01
|
0.52
|
1.00
|
0.36
|
1.47
|
0.53
|
1.408411
|
|
Ageratum conyzoides
|
1
|
0.01
|
0.52
|
1.00
|
3.27
|
1.47
|
0.53
|
4.319187
|
|
Allium sativam
|
1
|
0.01
|
0.52
|
1.00
|
0.36
|
1.47
|
0.53
|
1.408411
|
|
Ageratum houstonianum
|
1
|
0.01
|
0.52
|
1.00
|
13.10
|
1.47
|
0.53
|
14.14306
|
|
Oplismenus
|
2
|
0.03
|
1.03
|
1.00
|
1.46
|
2.94
|
1.06
|
3.544517
|
|
Fragaria
|
3
|
0.04
|
1.55
|
1.00
|
1.98
|
4.41
|
1.59
|
5.114638
|
|
Total
|
194
|
2.85
|
|
|
99.9
|
277.9
|
|
299.9
|
Ind., number
of individuals recorded in plot; ADen.,
absolute density; RDen., relative
density;
ADo., absolute
dominance; RDo., relative
dominance; AFer., absolute
frequency(%); RFer.,
relative frequency; IVI, important value index.
Table 3- Phytosociological analysis of shrub species.
|
Species
|
Ind.
|
Density
|
Dominance
|
Frequency
|
IVI
|
|
ADen.
|
RDen.
|
Ado
|
RDo
|
AFer.
|
RFer.
|
|
Berberis
|
15
|
0.22
|
15.96
|
1.25
|
8.78
|
17.65
|
14.64
|
39.37206
|
|
Cotoneuster
|
11
|
0.16
|
11.70
|
1.10
|
22.16
|
14.71
|
12.20
|
46.00342
|
|
Rulens ellipicus
|
2
|
0.03
|
2.13
|
1.00
|
25.81
|
2.94
|
2.44
|
30.37051
|
|
Asparagus
|
13
|
0.19
|
13.83
|
1.18
|
5.63
|
16.18
|
13.41
|
32.87751
|
|
Debregeasia longifolia
|
2
|
0.03
|
2.13
|
1.00
|
9.80
|
2.94
|
2.44
|
14.36697
|
|
Rubus eliptius
|
25
|
0.37
|
26.60
|
1.14
|
10.62
|
32.35
|
26.83
|
64.04881
|
|
Berberis asitica
|
22
|
0.32
|
23.40
|
1.16
|
5.97
|
27.94
|
23.17
|
52.54569
|
|
Dioscorea deltoidea
|
2
|
0.03
|
2.13
|
1.00
|
1.85
|
2.94
|
2.44
|
6.412307
|
|
Urtica urdense
|
2
|
0.03
|
2.13
|
1.00
|
9.43
|
2.94
|
2.44
|
14.00064
|
|
Total
|
94
|
1.38
|
|
|
|
|
|
299.9979
|
Ind., number
of individuals recorded in plot; ADen.,
absolute density; RDen., relative
density; ADo.,
absolute dominance; RDo., relative dominance; AFer., absolute frequency(%); RFer., relative
frequency; IVI, important value index.
Among the natural resource of Uttarakhand, forest are the important,
both economically and environmentally. The alpine and tropical rainforests
that cover most part of the stage make natural habitats of some of the best
known wildlife creatures. The Uttarakhand Himalaya is very rich in forest
resources and diversity. The plant diversity is found extremely rich from the
valley regions to the higher elevation alpine meadows.
India
has rich heritage medicines and ethno-pharmacological tradition which has
developed into an established scientific faculty dealing in plant-based
Medicare, called ‘Ayurveda’. India
who once depended heavily on wild plants for food and medicinal purpose, are
fast losing their traditional wisdom of naturopathy due to change in their
culture value system and exposure to modern medicines. The difficulty in
procurement of forest plants because of loss of natural vegetation and easier
availability of drugs has had a significant effect in molding their attitude
into not accepting herbal medicines administered by the Vaidyas (local
healers). Economic value of the existing flora
is an important consideration for any forested area. Large number person of
the hilly area depends on forest resources. They are the vital component to
sustaining the life supporting system on earth. There role in ecological
balance, environmental stability biodiversity conservation, food security and
sustainable development have been widely recognized. Forest
are the source of various components i.e. food, fodder, fiber, medicine,
tannin, oil, gum and many other things for human benefit (table-). It has
been estimated that about 20,000 plant species are used for medicinal
purposes throughout the world. According to World Health Organization report
(2002), 70% of the world population use medicinal plants for curing diseases
through their traditional practitioners. In sub-continent, plant oriented
drugs are used extensively and form a very long time. According to a survey
conducting by World Health
Organization, traditional healers treat 65% patients in Srilanka, 60% in
Indonasia, 75% in Nepal,
85 % in Mayanmmar, 80% in India
and 90% in Bangladesh.
Table 4- Diversity Index (H) of
forest vegetation.
|
|
Shannon-Wiener
Index
|
Richness Index
|
|
Tree layer
|
3.16
|
45.83
|
|
Shrubs
|
1.84
|
9.77
|
|
Herbs
|
2.92
|
32.81
|
Analysis of use diversity showed that the recorded edibles species provide
8 different uses to local communities. About 56% of the species are used for
more than one use categories. Although some species have multiple uses, the
average number of uses per species is three. The uses were placed under three
major use categories, which had highest contribution of the total uses. These
include food, medicinal and fuel/fodder/timber/ dye etc. use value of species
shows that about 38% species use in medicinal purposes, 32% species used for
edible purposes and 33% use as various purposes (Table-5).
Table
5- Indigenous uses of forest vegetation of Dabka Watershed in Central
Himalaya.
|
Botanical Name
|
Local Name
|
Uses
|
|
Achyranthes aspera
|
Latjiri
|
Root infusion taken in malarial
fever; root power used in making local beverage.
|
|
Adina cordifolia
|
-
|
Young twigs made into
vegetable, supposed to be good for cough and cold, leaves and roots use as
medicine
|
|
Aegle marmelos
|
belpatri
|
Fruit edible, made refreshing drink,
leaves offered to lord shiva
|
|
Ageratum conyzoides
|
Gundrys
|
Plant with the roots of Thalictrum foliolosum made
into past and applied on sores, cut and various skin ailments.
|
|
Ageratum houstonianum
|
Kunrja
|
Skin disease
|
|
Albiza species
|
Kala siris
|
Fuel wood
|
|
Allium sativam
|
Lahsun
|
Frequently used as medicine in
bronchial, respiratory, digestive and blood diseases. Leaves and bulbs
added to food preparation as spice.
|
|
Artocarpus heterophyllus
|
Kathal
|
Edible
|
|
Asparagus racemosus
|
Jhirni kairu
|
The
tuberous roots are pickled, young shoots eaten as vegetable, tuber with
honey giving in diabetes and dysentery
|
|
Aster peduncularis
|
Phulyan
|
Root powder as stomachic.
|
|
Bauhinia species
|
Kachnar
|
Fodder, fuel, timber, fiber
|
|
Berberis aristata
|
Kingore
|
Fruits
edible, bark yellow dye, juice from bark of stem or root often known as
"Rasad" dropped in ophthalmic, infusion of root given in
fever
|
|
Berberis asiatica
|
Chatru
|
Fruits
edible, wood and bark yield yellow dye root extract in ophthalmia
|
|
Boehmeria rcegolosa
|
Genthi
|
Fodder, plaster of bark applied
on fractured bones
|
|
Casearia tomentosa
|
-
|
Fuel wood, leaf part used to
check bleeding of wounds
|
|
Cassia fistula
|
Kirala, amaltas
|
Fruit and bark use in medicine,
fruit pulp in asthma, skin disease
|
|
Toona ciliata
|
Tun, toon
|
Timber, fodder
|
|
Ciltis australis
|
khairk
|
Fruit edible, bark yellow dye,
bark past applied on bone fracture
|
|