Status, Distribution, Conservation and Use Value of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Abstract

The study attempts to assess the status, distribution, conservation and use value of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant (MAPs) in the Sagarmatha National Park. Altogether 62 species of MAPs belonging to 47 genera and 33 families have been recorded in the study area. 10 species, belonging to 9 families are categorized as the potential species. Out of the these species, most potential in local but threatened species are Allium hypsistum Stearn, Cordyceps sinensis Sacc, Dactylorhiza hatagirea Soo, Nardostachys grandiflora DC, Aconitum orochryseum, Ephedra gerardiana Wall. Ex. Stapf, Swertia multicaulis D. Don, Picrorhiza scrophulariflora Penne, Rheum australe. D. Don, Malva verticillataL and Swertia pedicallata Benerji. By analysis of data using Simpson’s diversity index (SI) and Shannon weaver function (H’), there was high diversity (more heterogeneous) MAPs species composition in the Manjo Gate to Large Dobhan. (0.98349). Less diversity (less heterogeneous) MAPs species composition was in Tyanboche to Pangoche (0.90419). Similarly, the Shannon weaver function shows that in plots laying out in Mongla to Phorche are evenly distributed than others However, higher MAPs species (i.e., 31) was found in the way of Manjo Gate to Larja Dobhan than others.