Population studies, habitat assessment and threat categorization of Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) Allioni in Kumaun Himalaya

Abstract

Natural populations of Polygonatum verticillatum in Kumaun Himalaya were surveyed for population studies, habitat assessment and threat status. This research reveals density of individuals and area occupied were low as compared to other species of the region, indicating habitat loss and heavy exploitation. Status was determined on a site-to-site basis for the entire Kumaun region. Based on species occurrence in selected areas, the species were identified as critically endangered to endangered in different areas. Frequency of P. verticillatum ranged between 50 and 80% at different population sites. Distribution of the species was between 50 and 80% indicating contiguous distributional range at most of the sites and random distributional range at Mukteshwer and Gagar. Density of P. verticillatum was highest (4.40 plant m-2) in way to Kafani and lowest (2.60 plant m-2) in Bhaman gupha. Total basal cover (TBC) was also found highest (0.91 cm 2 m-2) in way to Kafani and lowest (0.35 cm 2 m-2) in Bhaman gupha. Important value index (IVI) was found highest (51.68) in Munsyari and lowest (28.84) in Khati. Concentration of dominance (Cd) for the region showed a slight variation, with a range between 0.30 and 0.10. This may be attributed to the narrow range of distribution, habitat restriction and dominance of some species.

Organogenesis and Somatic Embryogenesis for Rapid Multiplication and Regeneration of Polygonatum Verticillatum (L.) : An Ashtavarga Medicinal Herb

“…Conventional propagation approaches of P. verticillatum, via seeds or rhizomes, is a lengthy process requiring about 5 months' time for sprouting of rhizomes in the field (Lohani et al, 2012). Hence, conventional method is not sufficient to fulfil the local and market demands.…”

Biodiversity Threat Assessment of Ethnomedicinal Plants

“…However, improvement in the status of the plant species in nature is very poor and the number of threatened plant species is increasing gradually (Wakdikar, 2004;Tripathi, 2008). Many of these medicinally important plant species are restricted to small pockets of habitat and their size of population is decreasing at an alarming rate (Lohani et al, 2013). They serves as sources and functions as integral parts of local agricultural production systems (Kumari et al, 2012).…”