Abstract

A study on the economically important plants was carried during summer 2007 in various parts of Malam Jabba valley, Swat. The principal aim of the study was to prepare an enthnobotanical inventory of the plant resources of the area, as well as to evaluate the conservation status of important medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). The study documented 90 species of ethnobotanical importance, out of these 71 spp used as medicinal plants, 20 spp fodder plant, 10 spp vegetables,14 spp wild fruit, 18 spp fuel wood, 9 spp furniture and agricultural tools, 9 spp thatching, fencing and hedges, 4 spp honey bee, 2 spp evil eyes, 2 spp religious and 3 spp as poison. The current study suggests improvement in the ill effects of resources misuse especially of MAPs. This type of study may help in better understanding of local forest resources and potential MAPs.

Key words: Malam Jabba valley, medicinal and aromatic plants recourses, conservation, market study, traditional uses.