Studies on Taxonomy and Traditional uses of Economically Important Plants of Chitral

Abstract

This is final technical report of the PSF sponsored project entitled “ Studies on taxonomy and traditional uses of economically important plants of Chitral”. These studies were initiated on 08.08.1999. A total of2271 plant specimen have been collected from various areas of Chitral along with ecological and ethnobotanical information. This information was obtained from local inhabitants during four periodical field trips. Fieldwork has been conducted according to the flowering/fruiting seasons and as mentioned in the plan of work. All collected plant material was dried, pressed, preserved, accessioned and identified for PMNH Herbarium. A total of 435 species, 235 genera belonging to 86 families were studied and described. These include 83 families of Angiosperm and 3 families of Gymnosperms. Eighty-seven plant species have been described having well defined traditional uses. It is important to mention here that these plant species have been utilized over many generations. Information regarding traditional uses of economically important plants of Chitral was obtained from various ethnic groups like Kalash, Ismaili, Pathan, Gujar, Ashriti, Sunni, etc. on questionnaire during field work(Annexure 1). These ethnic groups have their distinct ways of life, beliefs, traditions and cultural heritage. Based on information, the economic importance of plants has been determined. Out of collected plant material one research paper entitled “Traditional uses of economically important plants of Chitral” has been prepares and abstract of which has already been published by Pakistan Botanical Society, Government College, Lahore. Research paper of the same has been presented in the 8th plant science Conference held in Lahore in November 2000. During field work it was observed that there is a deposit of good humus soil in the forests but in some places there is very little soil and the rocks are completely exposed particularly towards the northern parts of the district, due to scanty vegetation. The vegetation in such areas is restricted to the crevices and depressions. Intensity of grazing is very high in pasture land of high altitude, as herds of cattle, goats, cows, and yolks move up to the alpine pasture like Shandur pass during summer. Quercus baloot and Betula ultilus were found heavily lopped and the latter species is on the verge of extinction. Most of the forests are virgin because so far it has not been economical to the exploit them due to the lack of proper transport facilities in some areas. It is expected that this report will generate wide interest in protecting and preserving plant diversity of economically important species. It was also recorded during field trip that majority of plants are being utilized in indigenous medicine for remedy of various disease. This report will generate general awareness about economically important species of Chitral in students, general public, pharmacists and plant scientists for long term preservation and exploitation on sustainable basis. This technical report will serve as a reference for important information of each plant species regarding its distribution, morphology, flowering and economic importance. Apart from documentation of economic plants, the plant specimen collected from study area have been identified and preserved to strengthen the collection already lying in PMNH Herbarium. Hopefully, this collection would be beneficial for students, researchers and plant taxonomists alike.