Floristic diversity of Threatened medicinal plants at two major reservoirs associated regions in Lahaul Valley, Western Himalayas, India

Abstract

Agriculture is the leading sector in Ethiopia and its economy The present study emphasizes the quantitative estimation of plant species diversity and ecosystems at Lahaul-Spiti two lake reservoirs, Deepak tall (DT) and Suraj Tall (ST). These are the finest visiting spots in Keylong (Himachal Pradesh), India, during summer. Despite huge anthropogenic pressure and environmental disturbance, the reservoir-associated regions still harbor numerous angiosperm species, including various grasses and medicinal herbs. Two-year surveys were conducted in six-landscape elements at an altitude of 3752 m and 4890 m. Plant diversity assessment was based on their numbers in each Landscape element (LSEs) using a 2m² quadrant followed by random sampling methods for herbs, shrubs, and grasses. Within the total 32 specimens belonging to 17 families (most dominated by Asteraceae), 29 plants show medicinal importance. The east landscape of ST was observed with maximum species richness (Shannon wiener H =1.07), followed by the Northeast (H =1.05) dominated by Saxifraga mucronulata royle (35), Tussilago farfara (l), and T. farfara (26). The maximum species richness value was for Impatiens glandulifera (26 plants/m²), while Gentianella moorcroftiana (43 plants/m²) and categorized as vulnerable species. Highest population of the endangered plant was recorded in ST where Allardia tomentosa (9 plants/m²), Nepeta longibracteata (7 plants/m²), Pleurospermum candollei (6 plants/m²), and S. mucronulata (35 plants/m²) comparatively to DT enriched with five vulnerable species (G. moorcroftiana, Chamerion latifolium, Ranunculus hirtellus and Rheum emodii). Considering the floristic diversity value, effective attention towards conserving valuable plant bio-resources is suggested.