TITLE:
Diversity of Flowering Plants in Nubri Valley, Manaslu Conservation Area, Central Nepal
AUTHORS:
Shova Sapkota, Bikram Pandey, Krishna Kumar Shrestha
KEYWORDS:
Flowering Plants, Documentation, Economic Important Plants, Threatened, Endemic, Manaslu Conservation Area
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.8 No.6,
May
27,
2017
ABSTRACT: Central Nepal has long history
in the field of botanical investigation in contrast with different parts of the
nation. Nevertheless, the present study area (Manaslu Conservation Area) is still
under-explored. The present floristic study was carried out with the aim of fulfilling
this gap by giving particular attention on flowering plants and their documentation.
Two field visits were directed in May-June 2012 and September-October 2012 in two
unique seasons with a specific end goal to gather plant samples of both seasons.
On the contrary, herbarium specimens were prepared and later identified at Tribhuvan
University Central Herbarium (TUCH) and National Herbarium and Plant Laboratory
(KATH). The present study uncovers the presence of 276 species of flowering plants
belonging to 78 families and 200 genera of which 63 families belong to dicotyledons
and 15 families belong to monocotyledons. Among these, 17 species (6.15%) of climbers,
178 species (64.49%) of herbs, 58 species (21.01%) of shrubs and 23 species (8.33%)
of trees are found. Economically important flowering plants comprise about 156 species where 75
species are used as medicine, 29 species as fuel wood, 23 species as fodder, 29
species are edible, 6 species are for religious purpose, 5 specifically for construction
purpose, 10 for ornamental and 13 species reported to have miscellaneous uses. MCA
accounts to 9 flowering plant species for research and development and agro-technology
development and 12 species are listed under IUCN and CAMP threatened categories.
MCA and its affinity are likewise house to 10 endemic flowering plants. As from
the study it can be inferred that Manaslu
Conservation Area (MCA) is a treasure hub of flowering plants that not only represent
its economic importance rather it is also a house to threaten and endemic flowering
plants. Thus, proper management plans must be implemented for the conservation of
resources in MCA.