Qualitative and quantitative ethnobotanical evaluation of plant resources of Kiwai, Kaghan valley, district Mansehra, Pakistan

Local plants of an area are highly valuable for people of that locality. Plant resources are actually part and parcel of traditions and culture of inhabitants due to their consumption in daily life. Aim of the present study was to explore the culturally significant floral diversity of a remote area with special reference to medicinal plants and quantification of local wisdom through statistical indices. The study was carried out in mountainous region of Kiwai located in Kaghan valley, district Mansehra, northern Pakistan. Questionnaire method was adopted and semi-structured interviews were also conducted for data collection. Two hundred informants were interviewed to report the ethnobotanical knowledge of targeted plants. Relative frequency citation (RFCs), consensus index (CI%) and use value (UVi) were calculated for results. Study reports 110 plants belonging to 98 genera and 53 families. Asteraceae was the dominant family with 10 plant species. Angiosperms (59%) were abundant in the study area followed by Gymnosperm (5%) and Pteridophytes (2%). Herbs (59%) were recorded abundant followed by trees (31%) and shrubs (10%). The most used parts were leaves (30%), stem (13%) and whole plant (11%). Common fever was the most cited disease by locals. RFC and CI% was highest for Bergenia ciliata and Silybum marianum. Use value of Pinus roxburghii was high with 0.045 value. Study area shows rich ethno-floral diversity. Peoples are not only using plants for medicinal purposes but also for a number of uses such as construction, fruit, vegetable, furniture and fodder.