Abstract

ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY AND FLORISTIC DIVERSITY OF WESTERN HARYANA OF NORTH INDIA

P.K. Pilania*, Nishtha and Shampa Choudhary

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to assess the ethnobotany and floristic diversity of western parts of Haryana. Sirsa, Hisar and Fatehabad were explored and 79 sepcies belonging to 72 genera and 43 families were identified with their medicinal importance. Out of 79 species 3 belong to monocot and 76 belong to dicotyledonous taxonomic category. Plant species were recorded consists of herbs (56.9%), shrubs (13.9%), trees (24%) and climbers (5%). Among all the families, Fabaceae (7 genera and 8 species), Asteraceae (5 genera and species each), Amaranthaceae (4 genera and 5 species) and Euphorbiaceae (4 genera and 6 species) were dominating the area. These plants are utilised for treating a range of ailments by local folk. Parts especially leaves are most commonly exploited for their medicinal uses. The present findings could be supportive in appropriate knowledge and in conservation of natural flora diversity for potential drug discovery.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Floristic Diversity, Conservation, Haryana.