ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDIES OF SHRUBS AND TREES OF AGRA VALLEY PARACHINAR, UPPER KURRAM AGENCY, PAKISTAN

Authors

  • MUHAMMAD AJAIB GC University Lahore-Pakistan
  • SYED KHALIL HAIDER GC University Lahore-Pakistan
  • ANNAM ZIKREA GC University Lahore-Pakistan

Abstract

Aboriginal folks live diligently connected with nature and predominantly depend on it for their persistence. The present study conducted in 11 villages of Agra Valley, Parachinar and reported 18 Angiospermic shrubs belonging to 3 monocot (Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Typhaceae) and 10 dicot families (predominantly Apocyanaceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae); in addition to 27 trees of ethnobotanical importance including 1 Gymnosperm (Pinaceae) and 26 Angiosperms having single monocot (Arecaceae) and 18 dicot families (predominantly Moraceae, Salicaceae, Fabaceae). Nearly one-third species had single-usage. Two-usage and multi-usage shrubs were consumed for crafting (25%), medicinal (22.5%), culinary (11%) and miscellaneous other purposes. 11% singleusage, 30% two-usage and 59% multi-usage trees were employed for medicinal (22%), fuel (21%), crafting (19%) and for several other purposes. Different parts of plants were utilized either in powder form, decoction, infusion or whole plant extract to cure various diseases. Unfortunately, the knowledge of commercial and remedial possessions of many plants attained by methods of trial and error, gathered and supplemented through peers and delivered from one generation to another, was deprived of any written documentation. Therefore, the documentation of plants along with their important uses should be beneficial, not only for the indigenous people of the area but also for the country as a whole. Also, there is a need of sustainable use of the plants to preserve them for future generations and prevent their extinction.

Author Biographies

MUHAMMAD AJAIB, GC University Lahore-Pakistan

Department of Botany, 

SYED KHALIL HAIDER, GC University Lahore-Pakistan

Department of Botany, 

ANNAM ZIKREA, GC University Lahore-Pakistan

Department of Botany, 

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Published

2021-05-28

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