Abstract

A total of 205 recorded species had varied local uses for various purposes. These species included 166 herbs, 29 shrubs and 10 trees. The major bulk of 142 species (69.3%) was classified as fodder/forage. The next major utility of plant, that is 49 species (22.4%), was their medicinal uses. There were 36 species used as fuel wood and 11 species for timber purpose. There are 7 species (3.4%) used as edible fruits, 9 species (4.4%) as vegetables and 5 species (2.4%) as condiments. The leaves of Amaranthus viridis, Amaranthusspinosus, Amaranthus graecizans, Chenopodium morale and Allium sativum are used as vegetable and condiments. Twelve species (5.8%) were used as roof thatching and 3 species (1.5%) including Dalbergia sissoo were used for furniture making. Many plants had multiple uses such as Acacia modesta, Acacia nilotica ssp. nilotica and Zizyphus mauritiana, etc. which are used as fodder, timber wood, fire wood, medicinal and also had other varied uses. These plants are used in individual form or in combination with other species or other edible items. The major utility of this ecosystem could be pasture; therefore efforts should be directed to improve the area as a rangeland.

Key words: People plant interaction, ethnobotany, conservation, palatability, Pakistan.