SKUAST Journal of Research

The UT of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) harbours rich biodiversity, including a diverse array of medicinal flora, which are vital for ecological balance and rural livelihood. The present study was carried out to determine the medicinal flora extracted from various forest divisions of Kashmir. The documentation on diversity of medicinal flora extracted from various forest divisions of Kashmir can prove pivotal in the conservation of these ecologically and economically precious plant resources. The present study, based on extensive surveys carried out during 2022-2024 and verified records from the forest department, has developed a database on medicinal and aromatic plants found and extracted from various forest divisions of Kashmir. A total of 45 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 families, among which 83% were herbs, 7% shrubs, 4% trees, 2% fungi, 2% climber and 2% fern were recorded. Roots (of 25 species) were the most commonly harvested plant part, followed by leaves (of 23 species), flowers (of 9 species), and rhizomes (of 8 species). The number of species extracted varied across forest divisions, ranging from 4 species in Kamraj to 21 in Kulgam and Shopian divisions, with an overall mean of 13 species per division. Notably, Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers., Trillium govanianum Wall, and Saussurea costus Lipsch., were found in nearly all forest divisions and are under high extraction pressure. This baseline study not only highlights the significant pressure on high-value medicinal plant species but also provides critical data for policymakers and conservationists to frame effective conservation, sustainable harvesting, and trade regulation strategies for the MAPs of Kashmir valley.