ETHNOBOTANY OF JUNIPERUS EXCELSA IN ZIARAT, BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Ethnobotanical data of Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb. in Balochistan is documented from various historical, literary, linguistic and pharmacological view points. Field trips were conducted to different habitats of J .excelsa in Balochistan during 2009-2010 to collect ethnobotanical information about this plant. The present study reveals that J. excelsa is considered as a multi-purpose tree use as medicine traditionally by indigenous people of Balochistan. Different parts such as fruits, leaves, stems and barks are used for curing of cough, cold, stomach cramps, asthma, diuretic, carminative, stimulant, dropsy, gonorrhea, gleets, leucorrhoea and skin diseases. Oil from Juniper berries is used in several pharmaceutical products, cosmetic industry and as a popular flavoring agent for gin. The second most used part of the tree is its wood as fuel as they need domestic energy during winter season. Data of hundreds of respondents depicted that 24% of people extracting timber from juniper forest for constructional purposes. Around 90% obtained fuel wood, 43% were grazers while 45% debarked the juniper trees for thatching the roofs. Almost 53% obtained medicinal plants. Similarly 15% obtained fencing material for agriculture field and hedges of sheepfolds, 15% were involved in collection of humus to increase soil fertility, 10% used young poles of juniper for graveyards while 7% enjoyed recreation and wild life of the forest. It is suggested that such indigenous practices on utilization of plant resources should be documented and preserved before they disappear for future generations and studies. The present study aims to know better understanding of the traditional knowledge of rural people of Balochistan about J. excelsa