Floristic Study in Lalpur Upazila of Natore District, Bangladesh: Identification, Distribution and Economic Potential

Abstract

Floristic study in Lalpur Upazila of Natore district has identified 216 species distributed in 173 genera and 72 families, of which Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons) is represented by 188 species under 147 genera and 60 families, while Liliopsida (Monocotyledons) is constituted by 28 species under 26 genera and 12 families. In Magnoliopsida, Asteraceae is the largest family represented by 16 species, whereas in Liliopsida, Poaceae is the largest family consisting of 8 species. The genus Solanum is the largest in Magnoliopsida, whereas Cyperus is the largest genus in Liliopsida. Habit analysis reveals that herbs are represented by 118 species (55%), shrubs by 32 species (15%), trees by 50 species (23%) and climbers by 16 species (7%). Potential of the angiospermic flora has been recognized by the occurrence of 57 medicinal plant species which are used over 30 diseases for the primary health care of the local people of Lalpur Upazila. Though the study area is floristically rich, some plant species are under threats. The rare and medicinally as well as economically important species to this area need to be conserved through both in-situ and ex-situ approaches for sustainable development. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(1): 71-91, June 2019