Medicinal Plants Diversity and their Utilization in Gilgit Region, Northern Pakistan

Abstract

The District Gilgit and surrounding areas of northern Pakistan are rich in floral diversity. The research surveys were conducted during 2011-2012 to identify medicinal plants being used and their uses. The continuous field visits during March to August to collect the indigenous knowledge was recorded. The paper encompasses 54 plant species distributed among 29 families out of them 18 species had traditional usage. Fast urbanization, habitat destruction over grazing and over harvesting of medicinal plants has result in loss of native species and traditional knowledge among the local communities. Efforts are required to conserve habitat as well as indigenous knowledge of the study area.