Ecological Studies and Uses of Valued Aquatic Plants in Kashmir Wetlands

The wetlands of Kashmir are highly productive life support systems and are of immense socio-economical value to the people. The present studies concern with wetlands viz., Khushalsar, Anchar, Ahansar, Waskursar, Mansbal and Wular lake, which fall on the flood plains of River Jhelum and enjoy typical rural environment. The littoral zones of all these wetlands are occupied by emergent aquatic plants like Typha angustata and Phragmites communis, followed by ischolar_mained floating leafy aquatic plants like Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea alba, Nymphoides peltata, and Trapa natans which are extensively used for fodder, food and medicinal purpose. In the present study survey of such valued aquatic plants, their density, frequency, phenology, dry weight and therapeutic values were recorded in order to assess their role in maintaining the health of their users. The distribution frequency and density of various aquatic plants varied from wetland to wetland which could be because of availability of nutrients and the nature of the bottom sediment. It has been observed that the local knowledge on such valued plants abounds and their use is an important link between the dwelling communities and the biodiversity of the area.