Conserved Patches of Ethnic Flora in Kumaon Himalaya

Ethnobotanical investigations, carried out in 6 sacred groves of Pithoragarh district in Kumaon Hiamlaya, during 2009-2010, revealed therapeutic application of 32 plant species representing 31 genera and 20 families. 18 species of herbs are used by the local people to cure various ailments (56.25%) followed by shrubs with 8 species (25%), climbers 3 species (9.37%) and trees 3 species (9.37%). Family Asteraceae is dominant over the others with 6 species followed by Rosaceae with 3 species, Amaranthaceae, Malvaceae, Cleomaceae, Menispermaceae with 2 species while many other families contribute one species.