Assessment of economically important floristic diversity of Kamrunag Sacred Grove and surroundings in Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya, India

Abstract

The Sacred Groves of the Indian Himalayan Region have not been explored for the ecosystem services provided by them. Therefore, present attempt has been made to assess the economically important floristic diversity of Kamrunag Sacred Grove. A total of 249 species of economical importance belonging to 74 families and 168 genera were recorded. Of these 165 species were, used as medicine and 37 species used as edible; fodder (23 spp.); fuel (11spp.); timber (06 spp.); religious (03spp.); Dye and miscellaneous (4 spp.). Different parts of the plants were utilized, of which Whole plant was used in majority of cases. Maximum number of native (134), non-native (115) and near endemic (68) species were found at an altitudinal range of 1800-2800m. Four species (i.e., Pimpinella acuminata, Goldfussia dalhousiana, Angelica glauca and Wikstroemia canescens) were found endemic to the Indian Himalayan Region. Management options for the conservation and sustainable utilization of the species have been suggested.