| Abstract Detail
Economic Botany Section Jog, Suneeti [1], Patwardhan , Ankur [2], Chavan, Bhanudas [2], Mhaskar, Monali [2], Joglekar, Amruta [2]. Ethnobotany of the Northern Western Ghats of India. This study is an ethnobotanical survey of the villages of Amboli and Tillari located in the Northern Western Ghats of India. These villages are surrounded by natural forests and sacred groves which form a part of the few remaining biodiversity hotspots. Home to semi-evergreen and evergreen vegetation, the floristic diversity offers several uses to local dwellers. Field interviews of local plant healers called vaidus revealed various uses of indigenous plants. Although indigenous plants are used for purposes such as fodder, rope making, and insecticides, many uses are medicinal in nature. This survey shows the importance of plant resources and their need in the daily lives of villagers. Medicinal and household uses of 63 different species belonging to 43 different families have been documented. Local medicinal uses of plants range from treatment of skin conditions, digestive disorders, respiratory diseases, and wound dressing. Village dwellers still depend largely on traditional plant based medicines for primary healthcare. Traditional knowledge of plants is at risk of being lost due to modernization.
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1 - University of Texas at Tyler, Biology, 3900 University Blvd., Tyler, TX, 75799, USA
2 - Abasaheb Garware College, Biodiversity, Pune, MH, 411004, India
Keywords:
Western Ghats
ethnobotany
medicinal plants
India.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for BSA Sections
Session: 42
Location: Magpie B/Cliff Lodge - Level B
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
Time: 11:30 AM
Number: 42006
Abstract ID:203 |
