The documentation of traditional knowledge would appear to be the  need of the hour  in view of the current demand for herb based products. Documentation serves to ensure the preservation of traditional information for future generations. It is also a step forward in the creation of a database on ethnobotanical notes. An attempt therefore, has been made here to document the indigenous uses of tree species of the Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park of BGSB University. A total of 28 species belonging to 24 genera and 19 families were observed being used traditionally to cure various diseases and having other uses. Out of these, only six species were natives and 22 were non-native of the Indian Himalayan Region

Pant, Shreekar

Verma, Susheel

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Ethnobotanical Leaflets 12: 404-412. 2008. Ethnobotanical Notes on Tree Species of Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park of BabaGhulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, J&K, India Shreekar Pant* and Susheel Verma Centre for Biodiversity Studies, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University,Rajouri-185 131, J&K, India *Corresponding author: Phone: 01962-262616 (O); Mobile: +91-94191-73280E-mail: shreekarpant2@rediffmail.com  Issued 21 June 2008  Abstract            The documentation of traditional knowledge would appear to be the "need of the hour" in view of the currentdemand for herb based products. Documentation serves to ensure the preservation of traditional information forfuture generations. It is also a step forward in the creation of a database on ethnobotanical notes. An attempttherefore, has been made here to document the indigenous uses of tree species of the Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park ofBGSB University. A total of 28 species belonging to 24 genera and 19 families were observed being usedtraditionally to cure various diseases and having other uses. Out of these, only six species were natives and 22 werenon-native of the Indian Himalayan Region.Key words: Diversity, Biodiversity Park, Indigenous Knowledge, Rajouri, BGSB University IntroductionIndian Himalayan Region (IHR) has a rich heritage of species and genetic strains of flora and fauna andconsidered as a Mega Hot Spot of biological diversity (Myers, 2000).  It comprises about 18% of India and extendsmore than 2,800 km in length and 220 to 300 km in width, with an altitudinal range from 200 - 8000m amsl(Anonymous 1997). Its flora includes about 8,000 species of angiosperms (40% endemic), 44 species ofgymnosperms (16% endemic), 600 species of pteridophytes (25% endemic), 1,737 species of bryophytes (33%endemic), 1,159 species of lichens (11% endemic) and 6,900 species of fungi (27% endemic) (Singh and Hajra,1996; Samant et al., 1998a). It hosts, 1,748 species of medicinal plants (Samant et al., 1998a), 675 species of wildedibles (Samant and Dhar, 1997), 118 species of medicinal plants yielding essential oils (Samant and Palni, 2001),279 species of fodder (Samant, 1998), 155 sacred plants (Samant and Pant, 2003) 138 plants used in liverdisease/ailments (Samant and Pant, 2006). About 121 plants are listed as rare-endangered (Nayar and Sastry, 1987,1988, 1990). This rich biodiversity is being utilized by the inhabitants of the IHR in various forms includingmedicine, food (wild edibles), fuel, fodder, timber, for making agricultural implements, fiber, in religious ceremoniesand for various other purposes (Samant and Dhar, 1997, Samant et al., 1998 b). It is estimated that 70-80% of therural population depends on traditional medicine for primary health-care (Titz, 2004). Due to cultural and ethnicdiversity in different biogeographic provinces of the IHR, the traditional knowledge base of people variesconsiderably. Most of the medicinal plants are being extracted for drugs by pharmaceutical industries from wild.This has adversely affected the very existence of a number of plants of high commercial value (Farooquee andSaxena, 1996). Further, with the increasing world demand and renewed global interest in traditional ethnopharmacycoupled with the increasing preference for natural substances in the health care system, the natural stock ofmedicinal plants of the IHR is under tremendous pressure (Samant et al., 1998; Kala, 2006; Samant et al., 2007).In India over 2,500 species of ethnobotanical use are known (Jain, 1991). Further, the rich biologicaldiversity of IHR has been put to use by the various native communities from ancient times. The very survival ofthese resources is now under threat from rapidly expanding human population and concomitant environmentaldegradation occurring at a fast pace. There are major gaps in the knowledge of biological resources and the meansby which biological diversity is maintained (Heywood, 1995). Every community is making use of bioresources forvarious ethno pharmaceutical purposes. The documentation of traditional knowledge therefore becomes veryimportant for its greater benefit and further extension to other communities. Keeping in view its relevance, a studywas carried out on the diversity and ethnobotany of tree species of Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park of Baba GhulamShah Badshah University, Rajouri, J&K.Study areaThe present study has been conducted in the Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park of the Baba Ghulam Shah BadshahUniversity, Rajouri.  The Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park is spreaded over an area of 437 acres in the Dhanore range ofthe famous Pir Panjal Himalayan range. The altitude of the Park ranges from 700 – 1200m. The terrain is undulatingand rocky with a perennial streamlet passing through the midst, which gets swollen during the rainy season.Climatically, the area faces three main seasons i.e., winter, summer and rainy. Due to typical topography of the area,it supports diverse vegetation ranging from the sub-tropical to temperate types. The inhabitants of the area belong todifferent cultures and communities, including Gujjars, Bakerwals, Hindus and Muslims, who regularly cater themost of their daily needs from plant resources.  Material and MethodsThe present study is based on the extensive survey conducted in Biodiversity Park of the University betweenNovember, 2007-May, 2008. The samples of the tree species were collected and identified with the help of localflora (Sharma and Kachroo, 1981; Singh et al., 2000) and deposited in the University Herbarium. Information onethnobotany and local names were gathered from natives of the area. Nativity of the species was determinedfollowing Anonymous (1883-1970) and Samant et al., (1998a) and endemism was determined by distribution of thespecies (Dhar and Samant, 1993). Indigenous knowledge associated with the species is based on the primary surveyas well as secondary sources (personal observations and Jain, 1991).ResultsSpecies Diversity and Utilization Pattern            The present study recorded 28 species belonging to 24 genera and 19 families. These species are the source ofmedicine, wild edibles, fuel, fodder, timber, agricultural tools etc. for the inhabitants (Fig. 1). The utilization patternof the species indicated that leaves of 22 species, stems of 12 species, fruit of 11 species, bark of 9 species, root andseed of 4 species, are each used (Fig. 2). The indigenous uses of the species are presented in Table 1. Amongst thefamilies, the Moraceae and Salicaceae (4 spp., each), Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, and Ulmaceae (2 spp., each) weredominant. Species richness was maximum in the genus Ficus and Salix (3 spp., each). In the remaining genera, lessthan 3 species each were recorded. Fourteen families were monotypic. Notable among these were theCaesalpiniaceae, Fabaceae, Lythraceae, Mimosaceae, Myrtaceae, Oleaceae, Pinaceae, Punicaeae, Rutaceae, Tiliaceaeand Urticaceae (Table 1).Nativity and Endemism                Only six species (i.e., Quercus leucotrichophora, Melia azedarach, Pyrus pashia, Populus ciliata, Grewiaoppositifolia and Ulmus wallichiana) were native to the IHR. Twenty-two species were introduced to the Himalayasfrom other regions. Only three species i.e., Pinus roxburghii, Grewia oppositifolia and Ulmus wallichiana wereendemic or nearly endemic to the IHR.Economic Importance            Of the total species, 18 species were used as fodder, 16 as medicine, 12 as fuel, 3 as timber and few for otherpurposes (Fig. 1 and Table 1).Discussion            The present study provides comprehensive information on the diversity and indigenous uses of the treespecies present in the Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park of the BGSB University, Rajouri. According to a report of theWorld Health Organization (WHO), over three-fourths of the World population cannot afford modern medicines andhave to rely on the use of traditional medicines of plant origin (Rai et al., 2000). Traditional practice of using plantresources has a long history and wide acceptability throughout world. The inhabitants of the region use variousbioresources in order to meet their daily requirements. They use different plant parts in various forms to cater totheir daily needs.In the present century, the conservation and sustainable utilization of bioresources are two topics that aregenerating a lot of attention throughout the world. Therefore, the documentation of information on diversity andindigenous practices should help in the preservation of that knowledge. Information from other parts of the IHRshould also be documented; so that a comprehensive database of the plants used for various purposes could be savedfor posterity.Acknowledgements            The authors are thankful to Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, BGSB University and Director, Centre for BiodiversityStudies, BGSB University, Rajouri for facilities and encouragement. ReferencesAnonymous. 1883-1970. Index Kewensis Plantarum Phanerogamarum Vol.1-2 (1883-1885) and 15 Suppl. (1886-1970). Oxford: Clarendron Press.Anonymous. 1997. Conservation Assessment and Management Plan Workshop Process. WWF, India, ZOO/CBSG,India, U.P. Forest Department, 21-25 January, 1997; Lucknow.Dhar, U. & S.S. Samant. 1993. Endemic diversity of Indian Himalaya. I. Ranunculaceae and II. Paeoniaceae. Journalof Biogeography, 20: 659-668.Farooquee, N.A. & K.G. Saxena. 1996. Conservation and utilization of medicinal plants in high hills of CentralHimalayas. Environmental Conservation, 23: 75-80.Heywood, V.H. 1995. Global Biodiversity Assessment. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge.Jain S.K. 1991. Dictionary of Indian Folk Medicine and Ethnobotany. Deep Publications, New Delhi.Kala, C.P. 2006. Medicinal Plants: potential for economic development on the State of Uttaranchal, India.International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 13 (6): 492-508Myers, N., Muttermeier R. A, Muttermeier, C. A, da Fonseca, A.B. G & Kent J. 2000. Biodiversity hotspots forconservation priorities. Nature, 403: 853-858Nayar, M. P. & A. R. K. Sastry, 1987, 1988 & 1990. Red Data Book of Indian Plants, Vol. I-III. Botanical Survey ofIndia, Calcutta.Rai, L.K., Prasad Pankaj & E. Sharma. Conservation threats to some important plants of the Sikkim Himalaya.Biological Conservation, 93: (2000) 27-33.Samant, S.S. & U. Dhar 1997. Diversity, endemism and economic potential of wild edible plants of IndianHimalaya. International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, 4: 179-191.Samant, S.S. 1998. Diversity, distribution and conservation of fodder resource of west Himalaya, India. In:Proceedings of the Third Temperate Pasture and Fodder Network (TAPAFON). (Edited by B. Misri), Pokhra,Nepal, 9-13 March, 1998, sponsored by F.A.O., Rome. pp. 109-128.Samant S.S., U. Dhar & L.M.S., Palni. 1998a. Medicinal Plants of Indian Himalaya: Diversity Distribution PotentialValues. Gyanodaya Prakashan, NainitalSamant, S.S., U. Dhar & R.S. Rawal. 1998b. Biodiversity status of a protected area of West Himalaya-1. AskotWildlife Sanctuary. International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, 5: 193-203.Samant, S.S. & L.M.S. Palni, 2001. Diversity, distribution and indigenous uses of     essential oil yielding plants ofIndian Himalayan Region. Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Science, 22: 671-687.Samant, S. S. & S. Pant. 2003. Diversity, distribution pattern and traditional knowledge of Sacred Plants in IndianHimalayan Region. Indian Journal of Forestry, 26 (3):201-213.Samant, S. S. & Shreekar Pant. 2006. Diversity, distribution pattern and conservation status of plants used in liverdiseases/ailments in Indian Himalayan Region. Journal of Mountain Science, 3(1): 28-47.Samant, S.S., Shreekar Pant, Man Singh, Manohar Lal, Ashok Singh, Aman Sharma & Sakshi Bhandari. 2007.Medicinal Plants in Himachal Pradesh, north western Himalaya, India. International Journal of BiodiversityScience and management, 3: 234-251.Sharma, B.M. & P. Kachroo. 1981. Flora of Jammu and Plants of neighbourhood Vol-1, Bishen Singh Mahendra PalSingh Publication, DehraDun.Singh D.K. & P.K. Hajra. 1996. Floristic diversity. In: Changing Perspectives of Biodiversity Status in theHimalaya. (Edited by G. S., Gujral and V. Sharma). British Council Division, British High Commission,New Delhi. pp. 23-38.Singh, N.P., D.K. Singh & B.P. Uniyal. 2000. Flora of Jammu and Kashmir-Vol-I, Botanical survey of India,Kolkata.Titz. A. 2004. Medicinal Herbs and plants-scope for diversified and sustainable extraction. Paper presented inWorkshop on Medicinal Plants “Trade in medicinal Plants”, 22-26 July, Bangalore, India.   Table 1. Diversity and indigenous knowledge of tree species of Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park of BGSB University,Rajouri, J&K, India. Family/Taxa LocalNameLF Nativity PartsUsedIndigenous UsesCaesalpiniaceae      Bauhinia variegata Kachnar T India OrBurma,ChinaBk, FlRt, LfMedicinal (Diarrhoea, dysentery, fatness,Indigestion, laxative, leprosy, malaria, piles (bleed),scrofula, skin disease, snake bite, syphilis, tumors, ulcers,worms); EdibleEuphorbiaceae      Emblica officinalisGaertn.Amla T As Trop Fr, Sd,Bk, LfMedicinal (Asthma, bronchitis, burns, cold,Constipation, cooling, diabetes, diuretic, dysentery, eyecomplaints, fever, headache, laxative, liver complaints,madness, purgative, revive taste, scorpion bite, stomachecomplaints, thirst, vaginal complaints, wounds, veterinarystomach disease); EdibleMallotusphilippensis (L.)Muell.-Arg.Kamela T As et AustrTrop MedicinalFabaceae      Robinia pseudo-acacia L.Kikar T Amer Bor Lf, St Fuel, FodderFagaceae      Quercus leuco-trichophora A.CamusBanj T Reg Himal St, Lf Fodder; Fuel; TimberLythraceae      Woodfordiafruticosa (L.) KurzDataki T As et AfrTropSt, Fl,Rt,InflMedicinal (Bleed in pregnancy, bone fracture, burns, cancer,carbuncle, cholera, cooling, cough, disrrhoea, dropsy,dysentery, fever, haemorrhage, injuries, loss of appetite inpregnancy, mennorhoea, muscle pain, nausea, nightblindness, fever, rheumatism, skin disease, small pox, sores,spleen complaints, sprain, tonic, ulcer wounds, veterinarysores); EdibleMeliaceae      Melia azedarach L. Dhrenk T Reg Himal Fr, Lf,Bk, ShMedicinal (Anthelmintic, antiseptic, blood purification, hairfall, headache, insecticidal, promote conception,rheumatism, gout, skin disease, vermifuge, wounds); EdibleToona ciliata L. Tun T MalayaAustralBk, Fr,LfMedicinal (Antiseptic, dysentery, bronchitis, fever, gastrictrouble); FodderMimosaceae      Albizia lebbeck (L.)Benth.Sareen T Geront Trop Lf, St Fuel; Fodder; TimberMoraceae      Ficus carica L. Anjeer T  Fr, Lf Edible; FodderF. Palmata Frossk. Fagawara T Afr Trop Fr, Lf, Medicinal (Dysentery, indigestion, laxative); Edible; FodderArab Ind Or LaF. racemosa L. Trimbal T Reg HimalBurmaLf, Fr Edible; Fodder; FuelMorus alba L. Toot T As Temp Fr, Lf Edible; FodderMyrtacea      Syzygium cumini (L.)SkeelsJamum T As et AustrTropBk, Lf,St, SdMedicinal (Anemia, astringent, blisters in mouth, cancer,colic, diabetes, diarrhea, digestion complaints, dysentery,piles, pimples, stomachache, tonic); EdibleOleaceae      Olea ferrugineaRoyleKohu T EuropeAustralLf, St Fodder; FuelPinaceae      Pinus roxburghiiSargent**Chir T Asia MinorAfghanSd, St Medicinal (Boils, bone fracture, cracks in sole of feet,leprosy, other skin diseases, snake bite, sprain, swelling,ulcers, urine complaints); Edible; Fuel; Timber; AgriculturaltoolsPunicaceae      Punica granatum L. Darooni T EuropeAustr MauritRt, St,Fr, LfMedicinal (Anthelminitic, stop bleeding, child birth,miscarriage, cholera, cooling, cough, diarrhea, dysentery,eye complaints, pimples, stomachache); EdibleRosaceae      Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. Ed D. DonKainth T Reg Himal Lf, Fr Medicinal (Eye complaints); Edible; Fuel; FodderRutaceae      Zanthoxylumarmatum DC.Timbru T Reg HimalChinaFr Medicinal; EdibleSalicaceae      Populus ciliate Wall.Ex Royle- T Reg Himal Bk, Wd Medicinal (Bone fracture); FodderS. alba L. Bais T Ind OrMalayaLf, St  Fuel; FodderS. babylonica L. Bais T Reg CaucasAs BorLf, St Fuel; FodderS. tetrasperma D.DonBais T Ind OrMalayaLf, St Fuel; FodderSapindaceae      Sapindus mukorossiL.Rantha T As Trop Lf, Sd Medicinal; used for other purposesTiliaceae      Grewia oppositifoliaBuch.-Ham. ExRoxb.**Tapan T Reg Himal Lf, St,BkMedicinal (Eruption, fever, veterinary, bone fracture assplinter); Fodder; Fiber; FuelUlmaceae      Celtis australis L. Kharik T Europe AsTemp IndOrLf, Rt,BkFodder; FuelUlmus wallichianaPlanch. **Manu T Reg Himal Bk Medicinal (Bone fracture, bone dislocation)Urticaceae      Debregeasiasalicifolia (Gaud.)Rendle- T As et AfrTropFr, Lf Fodder; Edible Abbreviations used: LF=Life form; T=Tree; ** =Near Endemic; Bk=Bark; Fl=Flower; Fr=Fruit; Infl=Inflorescence;La=Latex; Lf=Leaf; Re=Religious; Rt=Root; Sd=Seed; St=Stem; Wd=Wood Fig. 1. Utilization pattern of the tree species in Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park Fig. 2. Use pattern of the tree species in Pir Panjal Biodiversity ParkAbbreviations used: Lf=leaves; St=Stem; Fr=Fruit; Bk=Bark; Rt=Root; Sd=Seed; Fl=Flower; Infl= inflorescence; La=Latex; Wd=Wood; andWp=Whole Plant                 

Ethnobotanical Notes on Tree Species of Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, J&K, India

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Ethnobotanical Notes on Tree Species of Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, J&K, India

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