PJB-2018-993
Grass flora, their composition and indigenous uses: A case study from Western Area of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
Muzafar Iqbal
Abstract
Premise of research Current paper presents the earliest grass flora quantitative study in western area of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan. The floristic composition and indigenous uses of grass flora in western area of D.G.KHAN had been lacking. Due to remoteness of area from the city, there is a well-built reliance by local inhabitants on grass species. Therefore, we endeavored to document the diversity, compositional structure and uses of grass flora by local folk the area. Materials and methods The field scrutinizes of western area of D.G.Khan were carried out to collect specimen of grasses during September, 2015 to September, 2017 in each season. Information in term of indigenous applications of grass flora was collected from 100 native residents via open ended and semi-structured questionnaires. The preliminary information was recorded into a synoptic chart assessing an indigenous list grass flora. Results Thirty six grass species belonged to 23 genera were identified. Result showed Aristida as being the most representative with 05 species (13.9%) followed in downward order by Cenchrus and Eragrostis with 04 species (11.11%) each and Panicum, Saccharum, Setaria and Tragus comprised of 02 species (5.6%) each. While the left over genera comprised of 01 species per genera collectively signifying 52.59% of family Poaceae. Therophyte was the most prolific life form comprised of 19 grass species (52.78%) followed by hemicryptophytes 14 species (38.89%), phanerophytes 02 species (5.56%) and chamaephyte 01 species (2.78%). Overall summary of grass flora showed 20 grass species (55.55%) as v.common, 09 species (25%) common and the only 07 grass species (19.45%) were categorized as rare. Life span of identified grass flora revealed 19 (52.78%) annual species and 16 (47.22%) perennial grass species. Furthermore, 31 grass species (86.11%) consumed as fodder for livestock, 5 grass species (13.89%) for roof thatching and 14 grass species (38.89%) were being utilized in curing various disorders such as fever, pain, skin and throat infections. Conclusion Systematic information about the diversity, floristic structure and indigenous application western area of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan reveals that the study area is affluent in grass species with fodder, roofing and ethno-medicinal potential. The native residents have noteworthy awareness concerning to use of grass species. This study will provide a valuable starting point for advance ecological, bio-prospective exploration and conservation of study area.
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