Species Diversity and Ethnobotanical uses of Grass and Sedge species of Tarai Region of Kumaun, Uttarakhand

Abstract

The study of species diversity and ethnobotanical uses of grass and sedge species was conducted during 2008-2011 in the tarai region of Kumaun. The study area is located in Lalkuan of Nainital district and Kichha tehsil covering Pantnagar in district Udhamsingh Nagar as they occupy main part of central tarai region. The entire study area was divided into three sites and eight communities. The plant species were collected seasonally i.e. summer, rainy and winter. Total 41 grass and 17 sedge species were collected during the study period and 35 grass and 4 sedge species were found of ethnobotanical importance. Their ethnobotanical uses were identified through oral communication with local as well as migrant people settled in the region. It was found during study period that climate was favourable for the growth of grass and sedge.