Studies on traditional knowledge of economically important plants of Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, Pakistan

Abstract

In this research paper, efforts have been made to document the traditional knowledge of economically important plants of Kaghan Valley. Studies were conducted during 2009 to 2010 in the months of June to August. As a result, 102 important plant species belonging to 93 genus and 61 families were recorded from all available sources including botanical name, local name, status, part used and economical importance. These plants were classified for their traditional medicinal and economic uses but many of these plants have more than one local use. The plants were used commonly as fuel wood, forage/fodder, medicinal, edible, shelter making, vegetables, timber wood, furniture wood etc. It is expected that this effort will also serve as an educational tool for students, researchers and plant taxonomists. Key words: Traditional knowledge, economically important plants, Kaghan Valley.