Species Diversity and Ethno Botanical Classes of the Flora of Allai Valley District Battagram Pakistan

Abstract

During present study the species diversity of the vascular flora in various climat ic and vegetational zones of Allai valley was evaluated. An ethno-botanical survey was carried out for collecting in formation regard ing the species diversity and traditional uses of the plants in different sub localities of Allai valley. The aim o f the study was to document plant resources, usage and conservation issues of the selected plants. Field observations showed that the visible threats to the vegetation of the study area was the trend to urbanizat ion, deforestation, over grazing, overexp loitation, introduction of exotic taxa and loss of habitat. A total of 415 species of vascular plants, belonging to 111 families were co llected and identified fro m A llai Valley. These include 246 herbs, 75 shrubs, 68 trees, 06 climbing shrubs, 18 climbers and 03 epiphytes. Based on local uses, there were 185 medicinal plants, 21 were poisonous, 261 were fodder species, 126 were fuel wood species, 37 were t imber yielding plants, 43 were thatching and sheltering plants, 31 were hedge plants, 73 were wild ornamental, 100 were weeds, 48 species yield edible fruits and seeds, 43 were used as vegetable and pot herb. The critically endangered species include; Acer caesium, Betula utilis, Dioscorea deltoidea, Taxus wallichiana and Ulmus wallichiana. Measures for the conservation of plant resources of Allai Valley are urgently needed.