Threatened medicinal plants of Gurez valley, Kashmir Himalayas: Distribution pattern and current conservation status

Abstract

Due to increasing demand and subsequent pressures on medicinal plants, it is imperative to understand their distribution and conservation status in their natural habitats. We studied the distribution pattern and current conservation status of six threatened medicinal plants in alpine grassland of Gurez valley, Kashmir, by random quadrate sampling (n = 315) in different habitat types. Informal interviews and group discussions with family elders were held to obtain information on different uses of medicinal plants. Our results indicate that Podophyllum hexandrum Royle is most common and has the highest density, while Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth and Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo are least frequent. Flat tableland (FL) situated above the tree line and moist rocky slopes (MR) were the most preferred habitats followed by moist meadow (MM) while the shady slopes (SSs) and flat meadow (FM) (stable) were least preferred. The plant species are used to cure different ailments at a household level while a few are also sold commercially. However, the degree and nature of use varies between the communities. Our findings can help to formulate a conservation strategy for the hitherto unknown grasslands of Gurez valley. While the low and localized distribution of all studied species deserves effective conservation strategies, the scope of such measures should also be user specific to address the reliance of local communities on these plants. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.