Documentation of floristic diversity & traditional knowledge: A case study of Block Bhunga, district Hoshiarpur, Punjab (India)

Abstract

The present study aimed to prepare Biodiversity Registers of two villages (Bassi Umar Khan and Atwarapur) in Bhunga block of District Hoshiarpur, Punjab. For the preparation of biodiversity registers, the vegetation of study area, local name, it's associated traditional knowledge, information about community or knowledge holders, conservation status, etc. were documented by using participatory rural appraisal exercise. A total of 294 plant species (including 288 Angiosperms, 3 Gymnosperms & 3 Pteridophytes) belonging to 232 genera and 79 families were recorded from the study area. Fabaceae was the most dominant family followed by Poaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae, etc. Out of 294 species, 142 were herbaceous, 66 trees, 52 shrubs and 34 climbers. Among 294 recorded plant species, only 78 plants were used traditionally in medicinal formulations. This accounted for 26.5% of total reported flora from the study area. Maximum number of herbs were used in different medicinal preparations followed by trees, shrubs and climbers. Maximum numbers of plants (25) were used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders and16 plant species were found to be good to control diabetes. From t he present study, it was concluded that, a rich floristic diversity and traditional knowledge is existing in the study area.