Floristic Diversity, Ethnobotany and Traditional Recipes of Medicinal Plants of Maruk Nallah, Haramosh Valley, District Gilgit, Gilgit Baltistan: Traditional recipes of Maruk Nallah, Haramosh Valley, District Gilgit

Haramosh valley is one of the beautiful valleys located at 35°53’04” N latitude and 074°41’11” E longitude at elevation of 2500-5000 meters in district Gilgit. For the assessment of floristic diversity total 114 plant species were recorded at Maruk Nallah, out of which, 85 were herbs belonging to 34 families; 13 were shrubs belonging to 9 families; while 16 were trees belonging to 10 families. Results showed that, family Asteraceae was the most dominant family with 12 genera and 21 species while the genus Artemisia was the most dominant genera, with six species. Through semi structured questionnaire and interviews ethno botanical data was collected from the inhabitants of the area. Out of 114 plant species, People are habitual to use 65 plant species as a traditional medication for 45 different ailments. The plant parts used for medication include leaves (26%) followed by fruits (19.2%), seed and root 13.7%; aerial parts 12.3%; flower 5.48%, resin 4.11%; while the bulb contributes 2.74%. The inhabitants have a lot of cultural and mythical beliefs regarding some plant species. Some very important medicinal plants which have common use value as a local recipe include Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb, Betula utilis D. Don, Del phinium brononianum Royle., Saussurea simpsoniana Field & Garden, Primula macrophyla D. Don, Pegnum harmala L., Geranium Pretense L. Saussurea simpsoniana Field and Garden, and Thymus linearis Benth.. The natural resources are under pressure due to much grazing pressure, deforestation and over-exploitation need to conserve them for future generations.