Analysis of Plants uses in Kalsa Watershed, Western Himalayan Ecoregion, India

Abstract

Abstract
The study was carried out to analyze the different use of plants in the forest areas of Kalsa watershed. Sampling was carried out in different forest types to record the diversity of plant species. A total of 48 trees, 43 shrubs and 83 herbs species of 72 families were recorded in different forest types. These species were evaluated for different uses based on the literature survey, interview conducted with local persons using the plants in their daily life for different purposes and traditional healers. All the plant species were categorized for different uses viz., medicinal, food, fiber, timber, fodder, fuel, oil, spices, gum and miscellaneous uses. Fifty eight species of 38 families were recorded for different medicinal uses, of which 45% were herbs. Computation of total plant value exhibited the highest value for degraded forest followed by temperate broadleaf forest, pine forest and temperate conifer forest. The results may be used by natural resources managers for decision making, planning and prioritization of areas for conservation.
Keywords: Medicinal plant, Timber, Fodder, Fiber, Plant use