Eco. Env. & Cons. 20 (1) : 2014; pp. (59-71)Copyright@ EM InternationalISSN 0971–765X

2Corresponding author’s email: mahajandm@gmail.com

Ethno-Medicinal survey of North Kashmir Himalaya - a

case study of Lolab valley (J&K), India

Fayaz Bhat1, D.M. Mahajan2, M.R.G. Sayyed3 and Asifa Bhat4

1Department of Environmental Science, University of Pune, India2Botany Laboratory, Waghire College, Saswad, University of Pune, India3Geology Laboratory, Poona College, University of Pune, India4Department of Geology, University of Pune, India

(Received 15 September, 2013; accepted 14 October, 2013)

ABSTRACT

In India more than 95% of medicinal plants used in preparing medicines are harvested from wild. Medici-nal plants are of great importance in healthcare of mankind in rural societies of Jammu & Kashmir and canbecome a leading producer of medicinal plants provided this sector gets due attention. An ethno medicinalsurvey was undertaken through frequent field visits, interviews and discussions with native nomadic tribesin Lolab Valley of Kashmir Himalaya to collect information and documentation of these medicinal plants.The Present study reveals the ethnomedicinal uses and conservation status of medicinal plants in the Lolabvalley of Kashmir Himalaya. During the course of study, 132 species belonging to 60 families were re-corded, including 30 trees, 26 shrubs, 72 herbs, 2 climbers and 2 ferns were recorded to be used undertraditional health care system. Assessment of conservation status of flora showed that among132 speciesrecorded 11% were endangered, 20% rare, 4% critically endangered, 18% vulnerable and 47% secure, andas per the habit-wise threatened status, the results indicate that among 26 shrubs, 4 were Vulnerable (VU),3 Rare (R), 2 Critically Endangered (CR) and 17 Secure (S). Among 74 herbs found 16 were vulnerable, 13endangered, 17 rare, 3 critically endangered and 25 secure. Among 30 tree species found 1 was vulnerable,2 endangered, 4 rare and 23 secure. Only 2 ferns were found and both of them were in vulnerable category.Like other parts of the Indian Himalaya region, wild populations of medicinal plants of this region areunder severe pressure of over harvesting and extensive grazing. A scientific strategy and action plan needsto be formulated for sustainable use of these resources.

Key words : Ethno-medicinal survey, Kashmir Himalaya, Lolab valley

Introduction

Biodiversity is the totality of genes, species and eco-system in a region. It is essential for human survivaland economic well-being as well as for the ecosys-tem function and stability (Singh, 2002). The totalnumber of species available on the earth is not deter-mined yet, however, it is estimated that the totalnumber of animal and plant species could be be-tween 13 and 14 million (Heywood, 1995). Conser-

vation biologists warn that 25 percent of all speciescould become extinct during the next twenty tothirty years (Khera et.al, 2001). The cause for the lossof species is numerous but the most important is theloss and fragmentation of natural habitats. One ofthe foundations for conservation of biological diver-sity in forest landscapes is to understand and man-age the disturbance regimes of a landscape (Spiesand Turner, 1999).

Variation in species diversity along environmen-

60 Eco. Env. & Cons. 20 (1) : 2014

tal gradient is a major topic of ecological investiga-tion and has been explained by reference to climate,productivity, biotic interaction, habitat heterogene-ity and history (Givnish, 1999; Willig et.al, 2003;Currie and Francis, 2004; Gonzalez, et.al, 2004; Qianand Ricklefs, 2004; Mahajan and Gunale, 2004).Mountain ecosystems around the globe usuallyhave distinct biological communities and high levelof endemism, due to their topography and history(Gentry, 1995). Hence, the existence of distinct foresttypes is indicative of diversity in climatic andedaphic factors. The plant community of a region isa function of time; however, altitude, slope, latitude,aspect, rainfall and humidity play a role in the for-mation of plant communities and their composition(Kharkwal, et.al, 2005). The sub-alpine forests of theHimalaya represent a transition (ecotone) betweenalpine grassland and temperate forest ecosystems.Thus, while sharing elements of high alpine and lowtemperate zones, these forests have their own spe-cialized elements. These forests are recognized fortheir unique conservation value and richness of eco-nomically important biodiversity. In the west Hima-layan region, along the altitudinal transect, distinctchanges in vegetation types are apparent. The sub-tropical Pinus roxburghii forests are replaced bybroadleaf Quercus spp. and coniferous (Cedrusdeodara, Cupressus torulosa, etc.) forests in temperatezone. In sub-alpine areas, birch (Betula utilis) and fir(Abies pindrow) forests along with the various combi-nations of broadleaf species exhibit dominance,which finally give way to the vast areas of alpinemeadows. The most prominent of these changesalong the altitudinal range is represented by the sub-alpine transition between temperate forests and al-pine grassland ecosystems, termed as timberlinezone (Dhar, 2000). Understanding the distributionpattern of species along the elevation gradient andthe factors governing the same would help to under-stand biodiversity and aid in conservation (Hunterand Yonzon, 1993).

According to the early phyto-geographers viz.,Clarke (1898) and Hooker (1906) the entire north-west India and west part of Sharda River consti-tuted one floristic region that was named as westernHimalaya which include Jammu and Kashmir,Himachal Pradesh and hills of Uttar Pradesh. Thetypical families of this region are Asteraceae, Ro-saceae, Poaceae, Ranunculaceae, Scrophulariaceaeand Brassicaceae (Rau, 1975). The characteristic gen-era include Aster, Potentilla, Primula, Saussurea, and

Ranunculus. Although, various sectors within thisregion, viz., north western, western and trans-Himalaya show a striking resemblance in their flora,there is a considerable variation in the floristic struc-ture and diversity within these sectors. Several areashave remained unexplored floristically. Lolab Valleyis also among the unexplored areas of this region.

Materials and Methods

The study was carried out in the Lolab valley in thenorth of Kashmir and is cup shaped starting fromZangli neck surrounded with lush green forests,majestic and snow-capped mountains having un-paralleled scenic beauty and is popularly called“Land of love and beauty”. It is situated betweengeographical coordinates of 340 25’ and 340 42’ N lati-tude and 74015’ and 740 32’ E longitude.

The sampling locations/sites were determinedbased on the altitude gradient with an interval of1000 m. The area was divided in to five zones on thebasis of elevation gradient and watershed (Fig. 1).The field surveys undertaken in this study are ratherdifferent than the traditional botanical surveys inmany ways. Unlike, rest of the botanical surveys thepresent study gave more emphasis to ecological andeconomic characteristics of the individual plantsthan any other. The field survey involves the prepa-ration of an inventory of different species of plantsincluding trees, shrubs and herbs in the plant com-munity of the area.

The floristic surveys were basically aimed to listplant species within an area, to study their ecologi-cal status, threatened status, elevation range, me-dicinal value and biological spectrum etc. along

Fig. 1. Sampling zones in the Lolab valley (J.&K.) India.

BHAT ET AL 61

with its botanical name, local or vernacular name,habit, family, flower color, and habitat type.

Primary data generation was done by the fre-quent field visits in the year 2009, 2010, and 2011 inthe area under investigation. Plant samples werecollected during various seasons and photographedfrom various regions like forests, pastures (mergs),open areas, river valley, moist areas, wetlands, etc.for proper identification. The collected specimenswere identified with the help of regional floras andconfirmed at the Herbarium of Wildlife Institute ofIndia, Forest Research Institute of India and Botani-cal Survey of India, northern circle, Dehra Dun.Plants were arranged according to the Bentham andHooker system of classification (Hooker, 1872-97).Some species were identified with the help of expert

taxonomists.The valuable information regarding plant abun-

dance, distribution and localities of their maximumavailability were collected from the local people es-pecially from plant collectors of the area. This infor-mation was confirmed with regular field visits.Keeping some parameters into consideration, per-sonal observation including family, local name,range of extent, area of occupancy, flower color,plant part used, conservation efforts, ecological sta-tus and medicinal value, were also made in the field.The species were categorized in Critically Endan-gered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU) andRare (R) fallowing IUCN criteria (IUCN, 1993) andthe plants which did not fall in these categories wereconsidered as Secure (S) in the study area.

Table 1a. Medicinal Plants of elevation range 1500-2500 m.

Botanical Name Trade Name Family Elevation Habit Flower Habitat Part(meters) Color Used

Anagallis arvensis L. Chari saben Primulaceae 1500-2000 H Blue Forest WP

Anthemis cotula, L. Fukgass Asteraceae 1500-2000 H Yellow Forest LE

Artemisia absinthium L. Tethwan Asteraceae 1500-2500 H Yellow Open LE

Artemisia moorcraftania L Janglitethwan Asteraceae 1500-2000 H Yellow Forest LE

Avena sativa L. Jiagass Poaceae 1500-2000 H Green Open LE

Celtis australis L. Brimij Ulmaceae 1500-2500 T Green Forest SE & BR

Cichorium intybus L. Saze hand Asteraceae 1500-2200 Sh White Open LE

Clematis grata Wallich. NA Ranunculaceae 1500-2500 H Blue Open WP

Cynodon dactylon L. Dramun Poeceae 1500-2000 H Green Open LE & RS

Dipsacus inermis Wall. Wopal hack Dipsacaceae 1500-2500 Sh White Forest LE

Ephedra vulgarias L. Asmani-booti Ephedraceae 1500-2500 Sh Yellow Open FR

Mentha longifolia L Pudina Lamiaceae 1500-2500 H Blue Open LE

Morus nigra L. Tul Moraceae 1500-2000 T Green Forest FR

Oryzopsis racemosa(Sm.) Rice grass Poaceae 1500-2200 Sh Green Open LE

Ricker ex Hitchc.

Papaver dubium L. KashKash Papaveraceae 1500-2500 H Orange Open FR

Papaver rhoeas L. Gulala Papaveraceae 1500-2500 H Orange Open FL

Platantus orientalis L. Booin Platanaceae 1500-2500 T White Open LE

Populus alba Linn. Phrast Salicaceae 1500-2500 T Greenish YellowOpen LE

Populus ciliata Wallich ex Royle. Phrast Salicaceae 1500-2200 T Green Open LEPopulus nigra Linn. Phrast Salicaceae 1500-2200 T Green Open LEPortulaca oleracea Juss. Nunner Portulacaceae 1500-2000 H Yellow Open WPPyrus communis Linn. Tang Rosaceae 1500-2500 T White Open FRPyrus cydonia L. Boom tsant Rosaceae 1500-2000 T White Forest FRPyrus malus L. Tsunt Rosaceae 1500-2000 T White Open FRRubus fruticosus L. Alish Rosaceae 1500-2000 Sh Pink Forest LESorghum halepense L. Durhum Poaceae 1500-2000 H Green Open RSStipa sibrica (L.) Lam. Gumai Poaceae 1500-2500 H Blue Open NATussilago farfara Linn. NA Asteraceae 1500-2000 H Yellow Forest FLUrtica dioica L. Soi Urticaceae 1500-2500 H Greenish Open LEViscum album L. Ahul Loranthaceae 1500-2000 H White Open WP

62 Eco. Env. & Cons. 20 (1) : 2014

Table 1b. Ecological and threatened status of flora (1500-2500 m)

Botanical Name Ecological Status Threatened Medicinal ValueStatus

Anagallis arvensis L. It prefers dry or moist soil. R Allergy & killing of liceAnthemis cotula L. Colonizes recently disturbed soil very fast S antispasmodic, astringent,diaphoretic,Artemisia absinthium L. Found along nallas EN stomach and antisepticArtemisia moorcraftania L Found along moist areas and nalla blanks EN Abdominal pain &worm sidesAvena sativa L. Grows in drier areas in open S lower cholesterol and increasesstaminaCeltis australis L. Planted over grooves S amenorrhea, heavy menstrualCichorium intybus L. Prefers cultivated lands R Rheumatic pain & internal ulcerClematis grata Wallich. Goes in shrubberies S Scanty lactogenicCynodon dactylon L. Commonly found in pasture lands, on dry areas S Common ColdDipsacus inermis Wall. Grassy slopes & along streams VU InsecticideEphedra vulgarias L. Grows in dry cold habits S Heart and vasodilators bloodvessels.Mentha longifolia L Grows in moist places S Asthma & CoughMorus nigra L. Grows in open grounds and road sides S Antibacterial, antifungal.Oryzopsis racemosa (Sm.) Found in open moist areas on the Bottom S IndigestionRicker ex Hitchc. line of forestsPapaver dubium L. A weed of arable fields, especially amongst S Astringent& Expectorant

cereal crops, and of waste placesPapaver rhoeas L. A common weed of cultivated land and S Expectorant

waste placesPlatantus orientalis L. Prefers growing near water courses S Flu & BronchitisPopulus alba Linn. Grows best in moist wet soilspropagated S Bone fracture

by cuttingsPopulus ciliata Grows along hill streams S Bone fractureWallich ex Royle.Populus nigra Linn. Grows best in moist wet soils. S Bone fracture

propagated by cuttingsPortulaca oleracea Juss. Grows on open moist areas R Ulcer, liver, Heart & kidney

diseasesPyrus communis Linn. Commonly in cultivated lands S famous tonic and astringentPyrus cydonia L. Mostly found on dry forest areas R Gonorrhea & dysentery

and prefers black soilsPyrus malus L. Grows in cultivated lands S Tonic & bone strengthRubus fruticosus L. Prefers moist well wooded locations S Sore throat and DysenterySorghum halepense L. Grows along field borders S Abdominal pain & HepatitisStipa sibrica (L.) Lam. Common in forest blanks S Antidote & skin InfectionTussilago farfara Linn. Damp habitats, frequently on alkaline clays, VU Demulcent, expectorant and

in hedge banks, roadsides, wasteland tonic.Urtica dioica L. Edges of cultivation is a favored habit R Fever &DandruffViscum album L Grows on walnut trees S Laxative & fractures

Results and Discussion

The complete lists of the plant species encounteredin the study area along an altitudinal gradient havebeen presented in the table 1a-5b. During the courseof study, 132 species belonging to 60 families wererecorded, including 30 trees, 26 shrubs, 72 herbs, 2climbers and 2 ferns (Fig. 2) widely distributed withfive different classified altitudinal ranges of theLolab valley. Out of 60 families, Rosaceae was the

Fig. 2. Habit-wise distribution of flora

BHAT ET AL 63

Table 2a. Medicinal Plants of elevation range 2000-3000 m

Botanical Name Trade Name Family Elevation (M) Habit Flower Habitat PartColor Used

Acorus calamus L Via Araceae 2000-3000 H Green Forest LEAdiantum capillus Veneris. Gewtheer Pteridaceae 2000-3000 F Green Forest LEAesculus indica Colebr. Hunakdun Sapindaceae 2000-2800 T White Forest SE & FRAjuja bracteosa Wall. ex Benth. Jan-i-adam Lamiaceae 2000-2500 H Blue Forest LEAmaranthus caudatus L. Liss Amaranthaceae 2000-2500 H Red-Purple Open LEAnemone falconeri Thomson. Rattanjot Ranunculaceae 2000-3000 H Yellow Rocks RSAnemone obtusiloba D. Don. Rattonjot Ranunculaceae 2000-3000 H Blue Rocks RSAsplenium falcatum Lam. Dade Aspleniaceae 2000-2700 H Green Forest LEBerberis aristata Lam. Dandledar Berberidaceae 2000-2800 Sh Yellow Forest LEBerberis lycium Royle. Cashmal Berberidaceae 2000-3000 Sh Yellow Forest R & LEBerberis vulgaris L. Barberry Berberidaceae 2000-3000 Sh Yellow Forest LEBergenia ligulata Wall. Pashan Bed Saxifragaceae 2000-3000 H Blue Forest RSCaltha alba Cambess. Marigold Ranunculaceae 2000-3000 H White Margs FLCanabis sativa Lam. Bhang Cannabaceae 2000-2500 H Green Forest LECedrus libani var. deodara. Deodara Pinaceae 2000-2500 T Green Forest BRChrysanthemum Phyrethrum Asteraceae 2000-2700 H Orange Margs FLcinerariaefolium L.Corylus colurna L. Hazel nut Betulaceae 2000-3000 T Green Forest SECuscuta reflexa Roxh. Kuklipoth Convolvulaceae 2000-2500 C Pink Open LEDatura stramonium L. Datur Solanaceae 2000-2500 Sh White Open LE & FRDelphinium denudatum Wall. Jadwar Ranunculaceae 2000-3000 Sh Bule Forest RSDioscorea deltoidea L. Shinglimingli Dioscoriaceae 2000-3000 Sh White Forest RSFragaria vesca Linn. Mawskual Rosaceae 2000-2800 Sh White Open FR & RSFraxinus excelsior Walter. Oleaceae 2000-3000 T Green Forest WDHeracleum lanatum Michx. Kaindal Apiaceae 2000-3000 H White Forest STIndigofera heterantha L. Zand Papilionaceae 2000-3000 H Pink Open BRJuglans regia L. Dun Juglandaceae 2000-3000 T Green Forest FR & BRMalva sylvestris L. GurSachal Malvaceae 2000-2800 H White Forest LEMalva neglecta Wallr. Souchal Malvaceae 2000-2600 H White Forest LEMorchella esculenta Fr. Guchii Helvellaceae 2000-3000 Sh NF Forest WPNepta cataria L. Gundsoi Lamiaceae 2000-2500 H Blue/White Open WPPhytolacea acinosa Roxb. Hapatchuri Phytolacaceae 2000-3000 H Pink-White Forest RSPinus excela Wall. Kail Pinaceae 2000-2500 T Greenish Forest WD &

Yellow RNPlantago lanceolata L. Gulla Plantaginaceae 2000-2800 H Purple Open LEPlantago major L. Bud gul Plantaginaceae 2000-2800 H Purple Open LEPrunella vulgaris L. Kulveth Lamiaceae 2000-2800 H Blue Open FLPrunus padus L. Birdcherry Rosaceae 2000-3000 T White Forest FRPrunus persica Linn. Ar Rosaceae 2000-3000 T White Forest FRRhus acuminata E. Mey. Arkhor Anacardiaceae 2000-2500 Sh Green Forest WPRhus succedanea L. Arkhor Anacardiaceae 2000-2500 Sh Green/Red Forest WPRobina pseudoacacia L. Kikur Fabaceae 2000-3000 T White Forest LE & FLRosa brunonii Lindley. Kuja/Kreech Rosaceae 2000-2500 Sh White Forest RSRosa indica Linn. Rose Rosaceae 2000-2500 Sh Pink to White Open FLSalix alba L. Butvir Salicaceae 2000-2500 Sh Green Nalla LE & BRSalix denticulate Anderson Veer Salicaceae 2000-2500 T White Open LESalix wallichiana Anderson. Veer Salicaceae 2000-2500 Sh Green Nalla LE & BRSambucus ebulus L. Elder Caprifoliaceae 2000-2500 Sh White Wasteland LE & FRTaraxacum officinale Webber. MadanHand Asteraceae 2000-3000 H Yellow Open RS & LETrifolium pratens L. Chickweed Fabaceae 2000-2800 H White Open LETrifolium repens L. Bataknur Fabaceae 2000-2800 H White Open LEUlmus wallichiana Planch. Bren Ulmaceae 2000-3000 T Green Forest BRValeriana jatamansa var Mushbala Valerianacea 2000-2600 H White Forest RSWallichiiVerbascum thapsus L. Valvet plant Scrophulariaceae 2000-2500 H White Open LEVerbena officinalis L. Vervain Verbenacece 2000-2500 H Blue Forest LEViburnum grandiflorium Kalmish Caprifoliaceae 2000-2500 T White or Pink Forest LEWall.ex DC.

64 Eco. Env. & Cons. 20 (1) : 2014

Table 2b. Ecological and threatened status of flora (2000-3000 m)

Botanical Name Ecological Status STATUS Medicinal Value

Acorus calamus L Stomach pain, Kidney disorderAdiantum capillus Veneris often on humus-covered soils slopes and VU Expectorant, hair tonic &

moist lime soils stomach painAesculus indica Colebr. Does not grow naturally,found along nallahs S Haemoehoids & UlcersAjuja bracteosa Wall. Open slopes, rock crevices VU Blood purifier, fever &ex Benth. RheumatismAmaranthus caudatus L. Grows as kharif crop along with maze R Expectorant & high feverAnemone falconeri Thomson. Grows on rich humus soils R headaches and rheumatic goutAnemone obtusiloba D. Don. Widely distributed in alpine meadows S Headaches and rheumatismAsplenium falcatum Lam. VU Burn & ExpectorantBerberis aristata Lam. Grows in drier stony hill slopes CR Jaundices and WeaknessBerberis lyceum Royle. Grows in drier stony hill slopes S Cooling agent & Eye lotionBerberis vulgaris L. Grows in drier stony hill slopes S Gallbladder and jaundiceBergenia ligulata Wall. Common in alpine rocks VU Wounds and internal injuriesCaltha alba Cambess. Prefers moist areas and water courses S pain, cramps, menstrual

disordersCanabis sativa. Lam Colonizes road sides and waste lands VU Diarrhea & Blood purifierCedrus deodara Libani Prefers Cold habitats S Ulcers and skin diseasesChrysanthemum Has escaped cultivation R Gout and insecticidecinerariaefolium L.Corylus colurna L. Forest areas R Tonic & bone strengthCuscuta reflexa Roxh. Grows as parasite on plants like R Fever, Skin diseases

Viburnum, Indigofera ,etcDatura stramonium L. Colonizes waste lands and road side spaces S Intoxicating, Teeth pain and

AsthmaDelphinium denudatum Wall. Colonizes open forest blanks SDioscorea deltoidea L. Plentiful in association with Viburnum VU Ophthalmic infectionFragaria vesca Linn. Common in shady moist habitat R Weakness & rheumatismFraxinus excelsior Walter. Found in Forests along nallahs. S Astringent & antiperiodicHeracleum lanatum Michx. Villagers take it for winter fodder VU InsecticideIndigofera heterantha L. Grows in open dry slopes EN ToothacheJuglans regia L. Found on bottom line of forests S High Blood Pressure & AsthmaMalva sylvestris L. Grows in moist swamps R Stomach cramps & DysenteryMalva neglecta Wallr. Grows along expected pony paths and open VU Stomach cramps & Nerve tonic

waste landsMorchella esculenta Fr. Prefers rich humus under conifers CR Anticancer & RheumatismNepta cataria L. Grazed areas and wastelands VU High fever & wormsPhytolacea acinosa Roxb. Found in grazed areas, roadsides VU Diarrhea & Stomach painPinus excela Wall. Prefers drier mountains S General weaknessPlantago lanceolata L. Grows in agriculture waste lands R Heart disease & UrinaryirritationPlantago major L. Inhabits dam forest areas and wastelands R Rheumatism & urinary irritationPrunella vulgaris L. Inhabits moist meadows R Headache & anti- neuralgic &Frost bitePrunus padus L. Common in forest areas S TonicPrunus persica Linn. Associated with other fruit trees in cultivated areas S Insecticidal, vermicideRhus acuminata E. Mey. Colonizes open dry areas in the forests S sexual impotenceRhus succedanea. L. Colonizes open dry areas in the forests S Antidote and ant vinousRobina pseudoacacia L. Found on the bottom line of the forests S Wounds & digestive disordersRosa brunonii Lindley. Grows along streams and forest blanks S EczemaRosa indica Linn. Prefers shrubberies in forests S CoughSalix alba L. Grows along rivers and banks S FeverSalix denticulate Anderson Common and Gregarious above 2000 m S Fever and body painSalix wallichiana Anderson. Grows along rivers S FeverSambucus ebulus L. Colonizes waste places S Stomach disorder after poisoning

BHAT ET AL 65

Table 2b. Continued

Botanical Name Ecological Status STATUS Medicinal Value

Taraxacum officinale Webber. Abundant in grasslands R Chronic cough & abdominalswelling

Trifolium pratens L. Colonizes forest floor very fast S Cardiac remedy diaphoretic,emmenagogue, expectorant,narcotic and purgative

Trifolium repens L. Colonizes forest floor very fast S Antispasmodic, Aperient;Ulmus wallichiana Planch. Planted at ziyarats in Kashmir R Astringent & diureticValeriana jatamansa var. Inhabits temperate forests and humus rich soil EN Vermicide & heart diseasewallichiiVerbascum thapsus L. Shows remarkable adoptability from S Asthma, cough & skin disease

low altitude to high altitudeVerbena officinalis L. Waste ground and roadsides. S Migraines, Hormonal imbalanceViburnum grandiflorium Common in coniferous forests S MenorrheaWall.ex DC.

Table 3a. Medicinal Plants of elevation range (2000-3500 m)

Botanical Name Trade Name Family Elevation (M) Habit Flowercolor Habitat Part Used

Abies pindrow Lindl. Fir/ Badlu Pinaceae 2000-3500 T Greenish Yellow Forest LEAcer caesium Wall. Maple Sapindaceae 2000-3200 T White Forest BRAnaphalis royleana DC. DaderiDawa Asteraceae 2000-3200 H White Forest LEAquilegia vulgaris Wallich Daduejaid Ranunculaceae 2000-3200 H Blue Open LEex. Royle.,Atropa acuminata, Royle ex Lindl. Brand Solanaceae 2000-3500 H White Forest LEColchicum lutecum Baker. SuranjanShirin Colchicaceae 2000-3500 H Yellow Forest LE & RSDaphne cannabina Wall. Kanthan Thymeliaceae 2000-3500 Sh Yellow Hillsides RSIris nepalensis L. Mazarmond Iridaceae 2000-3500 H Red Open RSLavatera cashmeriana Cambess. Saz posh Malvaceae 2000-3200 Sh Pink Forest RSParrotiopsis jacquemmontina Dene. Poa Hamamelidaceae 2000-3000 T White Forest WPicrorhiza kurroaRoyle ex Benth. Kadu Scrophulariaceae 2000-3200 H Yellow Open RSPoa pratensis L. Gurgass Poaceae 2000-3200 H White Margs LE & SEPodophyllum hexandrum Royle. Van Vagaun Podophyllaceae 2000-3500 H White Forest RS & FRPolygonatum venticillatum All. NA Liliaceae 2000-3500 H Green Forest RSPrunus cerasus L Alucha Rosaceae 2000-3200 T White Forest FRPrunus cornuta(Wall. Ex. Royle). Birdcherry Rosaceae 2000-3200 T White Open FRPteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. Gewtheer Dennstaedtiaceae 2000-3200 F Green Open WPRheum emodi Wall. Pambechalan Polygonaceae 2000-3500 H Yellow Forest RSRosa macrophylla Lindley. Kaju Rosaceae 2000-3200 Sh Pink Hillsides FLRumex maritimus L. Aibij Polygonaceae 2000-3500 H Yellow Open LESenecio jacquemontianus( Decne) Khalar Asteraceae 2200-3000 H Yellow Open RSBenth. Ex. Hook. F.Taxus baccata L. Yew Taxaceae 2000-3500 T Yellow Forest LE & BR

Table 3b. Ecological and threatened status of flora (2000-3500 m)

Botanical Name Ecological Status STATUS Medicinal Value

Abies pindrow Lindl. Occurs pure or mixed with Pinus and spruce. S Cough and chronic AsthmaAcer caesium Wall. Found in forests and open meadows S Muscular swellings & PimplesAnaphalis royleana DC. Open grazing grounds R Fever and body painAquilegia vulgaris Wallich Grows on humus rich soils VU Weakness in Livestock & forex. Royle. increasing milk yieldAtropa acuminata Common in few locations EN Asthma and rheumatic PainRoyle ex Lindl.Colchicum lutecum Baker. Early flowering herb, leaf less when VU Liver, Spleen and rheumatism

blossoms appearDaphne cannabina Wall. Grows in open dry slopes R Fever and intestinal problems

66 Eco. Env. & Cons. 20 (1) : 2014

Table 3b. Continued

Botanical Name Ecological Status STATUS Medicinal Value

Iris nepalensis L. Planted over graveyards R Expectorant & Rheumatic PainLavatera cashmeriana Grows along streams and shady forest blanks VU Mumps in childrenCambess.Parrotiopsis Collonises open spaces in deodar and pine forests EN Skin infection & body painjacquemmontina, Dene.Picrorhiza kurroa Shows restricted distribution in alpine areas EN Jaundice, intermittent fever.Royle ex Benth.Poa pratensis L. Colonizes forests and agricultural areas S Sneezing, nose congestionPodophyllum hexandrum Over exploitation needs to be controlled. EN Acidity, tumor & constipationRoyle.Polygonatum venticillatum Occurs on open mountain slopes. VU AphrodisiacAll. Ruthlessly uprooted for medicinal purposesPrunus cerasus L. Found in agricultural areas S Tonic & bone strengthPrunus cornuta Common in forest areas S Rheumatism & wounds(Wall. ex. Royle).Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Moist and humid places VU Arthritis and TBKuhn.Rheum emodi Wall. Grows in stony slopes CR Rheumatic pain & woundsRosa macrophylla Lindley. Prefers shrubberies in forests S Eye troubles and in burns.Rumex maritimus, L. Grows on nitrophilous soils VU Chest involvement & astringentSenecio jacquemontianus Colonized exposed meadows and forests blanks. S NA(Decne) Benth. Ex. Hook. F.Taxus baccata, L. Prefers shady cool places in the forests EN Anticancer & Contraceptive

Table 4a. Medicinal Plants of elevation range (2500-3500 m)

Botanical Name Trade Name Family Elevation (M) Habit Flower Habitat PartColor Used

Abies spectabilis L. Buddal Pinaceae 2500-3500 T Green Forest LEAconitum heterophylum Wall. Atis/ patrees Ranunculaceae 2500-3200 H Blue Open RSAcotitum leave Royle. Mohri Ranunculaceae 2500-3300 H Pink Forest RSAcotitum violaceumJacquem Mohundguji Ranunculaceae 2500-3000 H Blue Forest RSex. Stapf.Allium carolinianum DC. Wild Garlic Alliaceae 2500-3000 H Pink Forest TUAllium consanguineeum Kunth. Wild onion Alliaceae 2500-3000 H Yellow-Pink Open TUAlthaea rosea L. Sazeposh Malvaceae 2500-3000 H Pink Forest FL & RSAnemone polyanthes D. Don. NA Ranunculaceae 2500-3000 H White OpenAngelica archangelica L. Mohrchhar Apiaceae 2500-3000 H White Forest RSArisaema jacquemontii Mart. Hapatmakhe Araceae 2500-3400 H Green Forest LE & RSCotoneaster cashmiriensis Wall. Kashmiri Rosaceae 2500-3500 Sh Yellow Forest WD

CotoneasterGeranium collinum Kashaymool Geraniaceae 2500-3200 H Pink Forest LEsteph. ex. Willd.Geranium wallichianum D. Don. Ratanjoth Geraniaceae 2500-3400 H Blue Forest RSJuniperus recurva Buch. Ham. Zand Cupressaceae 2500-3500 Sh Greenish Yellow Open WD & RNPicea smythiana Link. Spruce Pinaceae 2500-3500 T Greenish Yellow Forest WDPodop hyllumemodi Royle. Van Vagaun Berberidaceae 2500-3400 H Yellow Forest RS & FR

largest family with 13 species, followed byRanunculaceae (11 species), Asteraceae (10 species),Salicaceae (6 species), Poaceae (6 species),Lamiaceae (5 species), Pinaceae (4 species),Berberidaceae (4 species), Fabaceae (3 species),Polygonaceae (3 species) and Solanceae (3 species)and rest were less dominant as shown in the (Fig. 3)

below.The investigation describes the ethno-medicinal

use of 132 plants and different parts used such asleaves, bark, resin, flower, fruits, seeds, etc. for dif-ferent types of diseases. Analysis of utilization pat-tern of these species indicates that the whole plant(WP – 11 species), Leaf (LE - 53 species), Flower (FL

BHAT ET AL 67

Table 4b. Ecological and threatened status of flora (2500-3500 m)

Botanical Name Ecological Status STATUS Medicinal Value

Abies spectabilis L. Often grows on ridges. It needs cool moistconditions at the roots, thus growing better onnorth facing slopes

Aconitum heterophylum Prefers exposed alpine situations near glaciers. EN Diarrhea, Vomiting, High fever &Wall. stomach, LeprosyAcotitum leave Royle. Restricted to few habitats VU Vomiting & abdominal painAcotitum violaceum, Luxuriant in sunny alpine meadows and left VU Snake and scorpion bitesJacquem ex. Stapf. ungrazed by cattleAllium carolinianum. DC. Prefers cold habitats Found associated with R weight reduction, heart disease

Sasura costusAllium consanguineeum Prefers stony habitats and found associated R DigestionKunth. with Sasura costusAlthaea rosea L. Anthropogenic meadows & fields R Throat swelling, asthma &

urinary irritationAnemone polyanthes D. Don. Prefers open damp locations S Body painAngelica archangelica L. Prefers moist stream beds EN Stomach and expectorantArisaema jacquemontii Mart. Prefers to grow in open stony slopes R BoilsCotoneaster cashmiriensis Wall. Inhabits forest edges S Tonic & bone strengthGeranium collinum Steph. Prefers simi-shady habitats R Relieves post-delivery painsex. Willd.Geranium wallichianum D. Don Prefers moist woodlands CR Diarrhea & infection of ThroatJuniperus recurva Buch. Ham. Prefers dry sunny locations VU EmeticPicea smythiana Link. Often in association with Pinus and Abies pindrow VU StomachPodophyllum emodi Royle. Found on high elevations in the forests VU Acidity &tumor

Table 5a. Medicinal Plants of elevation range (2800-3800 m)

Botanical Name Trade Name Family Elevation (M) Habit Flower color Habitat Part Used

Arnebia benthamii (Wall. Gaozaban Boraginaceae 3300-3000 H White Forest RS

ex G. Don.) Johnst.

Betula utilis D. Don. Burza/Brich Betulaceae 3000-3400 T Yellow Forest BR

Corydalis falconeri H. f. & T. Fumariaceae 3000-3500 H Yellow Rocks LE

Delphinium cashmerianum Royle. Karipat Ranunculaceae 3400-3400 Sh Blue-White Open LE

Morina longifolia Wallich. ex. DC. Chhalgud Morinaceae 3000-3700 H White Open WP

Polygonum alpinum All. Drab Polygonaceae 2800-3400 H White Forest WP

Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. Kuth Asteraceae 2800-3800 H Yellow Open Rs

Viola odorata L. Nunposh Violaceae 3000-3800 H Blue Forest RS

Table 5b. Ecological and threatened status of flora (2800-3800 m)

Botanical Name Ecological Status STATUS Medicinal Value

Arnebia benthamii(Wall. Prefers to grow in open stony slopes EN Throat, heart and feverex G. Don.) Johnst.Betula utilis D. Don. Mostly damaged by snow avalanches R Anti-periodic, aphrodisiac

and tonic.Corydalis falconeri H. f. & T. Grows on grassy alpine slopes S Respiratory disorder & chest

infectionDelphinium Grows in exposed alpine meadows S Jaundice, dropsy and spleencashmerianum Royle. ailments.Morina longifolia Open slopes and alpine shrubberies S avoid insect damageWallich. ex. DC.Polygonum alpinum All. Found in moist areas in plains S Rheumatism, fever & coldnessSaussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. Widespread exploitation leads to its decline in Forests CR Cough, Asthma & joint painViola odorata L. In woodlands and forest blanks EN Throat infection& chest

involvement

Abreviations used: H: Herb, T: Tree, Sh: Shrub, F: Fern, C: Climber, WP: Whole Plant, WD: Wood, RN: Resin, LE: Leaf, SE: Seed, RS:Root-stock, FL: Flower, FR: Fruit, S: Secure, V: Vulnerable, CR: Critically Endangered, EN: Endangered, R: Rare

68 Eco. Env. & Cons. 20 (1) : 2014

Fig. 5. Habitat-wise distribution of flora

Fig. 6. Threatened status of flora.

- 8 species), Fruit (FR - 13 species), Seeds (SD - 2 spe-cies), and Root stock (RS - 33 species) were used(Fig. 4). They grow in diverse range of habitats, suchas forests, open places, nallahs, hillsides, waste-lands, pastures, etc. (Fig. 5).

Fig. 3. Dominant families of Lolab valley.

Fig. 4. Number of species with plant part used.

Assessment of conservation status of florashowed that among132 species recorded 11% wereendangered, 20% rare, 4% critically endangered,18% vulnerable and 47% secure (Fig. 6), and as perthe habit-wise threatened status, the results indicatethat among 26 shrubs, 4 were Vulnerable (VU), 3Rare (R), 2 Critically Endangered (CR) and 17 Se-cure (S). Among 74 herbs found 16 were vulnerable,13 endangered, 17 rare, 3 critically endangered and2 5secure. Among 30 tree species found 1 was vul-nerable, 2 endangered, 4rare and 23 secure. Only 2ferns were found and both of them were in vulner-able category (Fig. 7).

Zone–I: (1500-2500 m elevation)

The altitude wise distribution of plant species has

been depicted in the Table 1a. This belt (1,500–2,500m) of Lolab valley was characterized by extensivegrassy slopes dotted with scattered trees and shrubs.Most of these grasslands have been derived as a re-sult of encroachment and livestock grazing on gen-tler slopes. The intensity of illicit damage remains

Fig. 7. Habit-wise threatened status of flora.

BHAT ET AL 69

higher in this zone in 1990s, because this zone liesvery close to human habitation hence every neces-sity of local peoples was met within this zone. Pres-ently various developmental works are under pro-cess for making Lolab valley the tourist destinationof Kashmir. Various rest houses, parks, etc. are un-der construction which also poses a great pressurein this zone. This zone also includes the cultivatedfields intensively managed for grass and agricul-tural production by local people. At this elevationrange 30 species were found out of which 15 specieswere herbs, 10 species trees and 5 species shrubs.Being near to human habitation it showed morenumber of cultivated species. In case of habitat/ lo-cality distribution 9 species were found in forestsand 21 species in open. Asteraceae was the domi-nant family of the zone having 5 species fallowed byRosaceae (4), and Salicaceae (3) and rest were lessdominant (Table 1a), and in case of threatened sta-tus, 2 were endangered, 2 vulnerable, 5 rare and 21were secured (Table 1b).

Zone–II: (2000-3000 m elevation)

This zone has steeper slopes; with cool temperateclimate do not favor the tree growth except conifersand generally support herbaceous or grassland veg-etation. Few shrubs and grasses occupied this area.From top it is covered by dense sub alpine forests. Inthis zone scattered type of Gujar tribe (cattle rearingtribe) habitation was found and also during summerseason few peoples of the low lying zone migrates tothis zone for rearing their cattle. These areas alsoburn, either accidentally or intentionally. In this el-evation range, the highest number (54) of specieswere found, because of optimum range of abioticfactor are available for temperate flora. Among total54 species found, 25 species were herbs, 15 shrubs,12 trees, 1 climber, and 1 fern. Habitat wise distribu-tion of flora of this zone shows that 32 species werefound in forests, 15 species in open, 2 species in pas-tures (Margs), 2 species in rocks and 1 in wasteland.The pattern of distribution indicates that diversitywas abundant in forests as this zone has richness ofconifer forests. Rosaceae was the dominant familiesof this zone having 5 species, followed byRununculaceae (4 species) and Fabaceae (3 species),rest all were less dominant (Table 2a) and in case ofthreatened status, 2 were endangered, 2 criticallyendangered, 10 vulnerable, 11 rare and 29 secure(Table 2b).

Zone–III: (2000-3500 m elevation)

The climatic condition of this zone resembles withthe above. Forest blanks within the cool temperateand sub-alpine forests have been created by migra-tory grazers. Unlike the above category, these areasare dominated by a large number of herbaceousplants and dense conifer forest vegetation waspresent. This zone remain under more anthropo-genic pressure, the various activities taking placewithin this zone was stone quarrying, deforestationfor shifting cultivation by local tribes. This zone wasof economic concern to the forest department as wellbecause of easy accessibility. In the elevation rangethe number of species found were 23, out of these 14species were herbs, 6 species were trees and 3 spe-cies shrubs, in case of habitat wise distribution offlora of this zone 12 species were found in forests, 8species in open, 2 species in hillsides and 1 species inpasture. Rosaceae was the dominant family of thiszone having 3 species fallowed by Polygonaceae (2)and Solanaceae (2 species) (Table 3a), and in case ofecological status 6 were endangered, 1 critically en-dangered, 3 rare, 6 vulnerable and 7secure (Table3b).

Zone–IV: (2500-3500 m elevation)

In this zone the climate was of sub-alpine type, withlarge number of sub-alpine meadows locally knownas Bahaks (used for cattle grazing). These Bahakswere considered as home of many valuable medici-nal plants i.e. Aconitum heterophylum Wall., Geraniumwallichianum D. Don., Podophyllum emodi Royle.,Rheum emodi Wall. etc. The forests found in this zonewere very dense with thick growth of Parriotia.Mostly local inhabitants collect the various minorforest products from this zone and Parriotia foundwithin this zone was large in size and used for fenc-ing the cultivated lands and handles for variousequipment like axes, etc. It was very difficult to trackin this area as needles of conifers were covering thefloor of the forests. In the elevation range the num-bers of species found were 16 and out these 13 wereherbs, 2 shrubs and 1 tree. In case of habitat wisedistribution 12 species were found in forests and 4species in open. Rununculaceae was the dominantfamily having 4 species fallowed by Geraniaceae (2)and Alliaceae (2) (Table 4a) and among these 2 wereendangered, 1 critically endangered, 5 rare, 4 vul-nerable and 4 secure (Table 4b).

70 Eco. Env. & Cons. 20 (1) : 2014

Zone–V: (2800-3800 m elevation)

This too represents the sub alpine zone of the area.Topographically the site is very steep (70° slope). Itwas difficult to track this area because of presence ofheavy rocks and snow. The movement of civilian inthis zone was strictly restricted as mostly this zonetouches the Line of Control (L.O.C.). This site doesnot contain any vegetation but a few patches ofgrasses, thorns etc. A. pindrow and B. utilis trees oc-cupy this area. The soil surface remains densely cov-ered with bushes. Mostly this zone remains snowcovered throughout the year and is restricted as thistouch the Line of Control. The number of speciesfound were 9 out of which 7 species were herbs, 1species tree and 1 species shrub. In case of habitatwise distribution of flora of this zone 4 species werefound in forests, 3 species in open and 2 species onrocks. Boraginaceae was the dominant family hav-ing 2 species fallowed by Betulaceae (Table 5a).Threatened status of these species showed that 1species was critically endangered, 3 endangered, 1rare and 4 secure (Table 5b).

The above data clearly signify that lower the alti-tude higher the number of species and higher is thethreat as well due to high level of anthropogenicpressure and grazing pressure. Most of the tree spe-cies had a very narrow distribution range along theelevation gradient. Out of (132) species, (54) wererecorded only at a single elevation site. The numberof species showed a sharp decline with increasingrange. Elevations ranging from 2000-3000 m showedmaximum species richness and ethno-botanicallyimportant species richness; permanent settlementsare located below this altitude, which might haveresulted in a montane zone relatively protected fromanthropogenic disturbance. However, this zone canbe regarded as a zone of economic activity since themajority of the commercial plants are obtained fromthese elevations. Therefore, these elevations shouldbe considered priorities for conservation, especiallyin regional context, they should also be consideredfor sustainable harvest of plant resources. In a re-gional context comparable elevations in other val-leys have already been exhausted. Migratory systemis a typical example of transhumance. Under thissystem the livestock migrates continuously from oneplace to another in search of herbage and moderateclimate. The migratory routes are well defined andalso the grazing areas are demarcated for differentgroups of nomads. In Kashmir the nomads like

Gujjars and Bakarwals have attained legal rightsover these areas by way of usage. The migratorygrazers stay in Jammu and in the plains of Punjabduring winter and migrate up into pastures and for-ests during summer.

The present study shows that area of Lolab Val-ley, Kashmir is hub of medicinal plants with a vari-ety of medicinal properties. A total of 132 medici-nally important plants belonging to 60 differentfamilies were reported during this research. Basedon the indigenous knowledge collected during thestudy, it can be seen that the area is a valuablesource of medicinal flora with different medicinalproperties. Some plant species are claimed to bequite effectual remedies for various diseases like,head, fever, jaundice, backache, stomach ache, can-cer, diarrhoea, malaria, cough and cold, asthma,joints pains and diabetes etc. A large proportion ofthe population of the valley living in the far-flungareas still relies on medicinal plants for curing dif-ferent aliments. Different areas of Lolab valley likeKalarouch, Matchil, Sogam etc. are supplementedwith different useful medicinal plants. However,these areas are facing severe problems of biotic in-terference and need to be protected and conserved.

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