ETHNOTAXONOMICAL STUDY OF GYMNOSPERMS OF RAZMAK NORTH WAZIRISTAN AGENCY (NWA)

The research work presented was initiated to get information and report the distribution of Gymnosperms and their indigenous uses by the local inhabitants of sub-division Razmak, North Waziristan Agency (NWA). As a whole 11 plants species belonging to 4 families of gymnosperms were collected, briefly documented with botanical name, occurrence along with ethno-botanical uses and are preserved in the Department of Botany, UST Bannu. These families were Pinaceae, Taxaceae, Ephedraceae and Cupressaceae. The indigenous knowledge of local people about the use of these native and cultivated plants was collected through interview during field visits by using questionnaire. During visits, it was found that the inhabitants of the concerned area use these plants for food fodder, shelters, construction and fuel purposes and also utilized as a medicine and detergents. As These species are under high biotic pressure like over grazing, browsing and other human activities e.g. cuttings for fire wood and construction. Ruthless collection of Gymnosperms had threatened their existence and more Gymnosperms are becoming vulnerable due to their habitat destruction. Abies pindrow, Cedrus deodara and Pinus roxburghi are threatened species. There is a dire need of attention to the conservation of Gymnosperms otherwise, these Gymnosperms will be lost very soon and become extinct in this area. In view of this fact, an attempt has been made in this research work, record Gymnosperms type and their uses in Razmak area.