A comprehensive exploration of the floral wealth of Sarkaghat forest range of Mandi District Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

This study encompasses an investigation into the floral diversity and ethnobotanical insights within the Sarkaghat forest range of Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh. Within this region, a comprehensive botanical survey identified a total of 384 vascular plant species, which are further categorized into Angiosperms (comprising 100 families, 278 genera, and 374 species), Gymnosperms (1 family, 2 genera, and 3 species), and Pteridophytes (5 families, 5 genera, and 7 species). Among this diverse array of species, 71 are classified as trees, 97 as shrubs, 209 as herbs, and 7 as pteridophytes. This abundance underscores the significant biodiversity of the area and emphasizes the ethnobotanical relevance of these plants, particularly in their medicinal applications, which can greatly benefit the local population.