Pindari Valley, a part of the buffer zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, is situated in Uttarakhand and covers an area of about 339.36 km2. The genus Berberis L. comprises of ca 622 taxa distributed worldwide, 55 taxa in India out of which 32 taxa are reported from Uttarakhand. Ongoing studies on the floristic diversity of Pindari Valley in Uttarakhand revealed a total of 12 species of Berberis viz. B. affinis, B. asiatica, B. aristata, B. chitria, B. canadensis, B. floribunda, B. glaucocarpa, B. jaeschkeana, B. kunawurensis, B. lycium, B. pseudumbellata and B. umbellata from the Valley, which represents highest diversity in Uttarakhand. A brief description, updated nomenclature, key to the species, phenology, habitat, distribution, IUCN conservation status and representative photographs are provided in the present communication.

The present study deals with the systematic documentation of medicinal plants utilized by the indigenous inhabitants of Pangi valley to treat various skin problems. A total of 61 plant species belonging to 56 genera and 30 families have been found to be useful in the treatment of wounds (30 sp.), boils (27 sp.), cuts (24 sp.), burns (17 sp.), itching and pimples (05 sp. each), skin eruption, leukoderma and eczema (03 sp. each), pus removal, injuries (02 sp. each), skin pigmentation (01 sp.), etc. A table is provided including their botanical names, families, local names, habitat, altitude range, life form, nativity, threat status, uses, parts used and mode of preparation.