Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh Latest
Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle
Family: Ranunculaceae
Taxonomic Status:Species
Vernacular names:
Lahaul & Spiti: Atish, Patish, Ativisha, Bonga
Kinnaur: Atishang
Habit: Perennial tuberous herbs upto 1 m high.
Habitat: Alpine to sub-alpine zones in open grassy meadows and along slopes.
Elevation Range (m asl): 2500-4500
Description: Erect simple or branched herbs up to 120 cm tall, with paired tubers. Leaves variable, orbicular-cordate to ovate-cordate in outline, usually deeply 5-lobed, coarsely toothed. Flowers greenish purple with dark veins and prominent rounded hood, borne in loose spikes. Fruits straight follicles. Seeds with almost winged angles.
Original Global Distribution: India, Nepal and Pakistan
Recorded Distribution in India: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
Threats: C (Climate), Hp (Harvest for parts), Lf (Loss of habitat fragmentation), D (Disease)
Trade: Names – Atis; Level (s): Local, Regional and National; Parts traded: Tubers and Seeds; Effect on population: Declining
Records of Cultivation: NMPB –Dept. Of Ayurveda sponsored project to promote cultivation of this species. Total area recorded under cultivation of this species is 2 ha. in Lahual & Kullu.
Red List Status and Criteria: CR & A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:43-44
Allium consanguineum Kunth
Synonym/Basonym: Allium stracheyi Baker
Family: Alliaceae
Taxonomic Status:Species
Vernacular names:
Spiti: Dimok
Lahaul & Spiti: Khawarniing
Kinnaur: Khome, Farna
Habit: Herb – perennial.
Habitat: Alpine dry slopes of Trans-Himalaya
Elevation Range (m asl): 3500-5000
Description: Plants up to 35 cm tall. Bulbs cylindrical to ovoid; outer coats coriaceous, brown, striate. Leaves 3-5, linear, flattened. Umbels hemispherical, dense flowered. Tepals 5-6 mm long, oblong, acute to obtuse, yellow or pink; filaments exserted, style as long as longer than the filaments.
Original Global Distribution: Central Asia, Himalaya, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China
Recorded Distribution in India: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
Threats: Over collection
Trade: Names: Jambo & Pharma; Level: Regional; Parts Traded: Aerial (Leaves, flower); Effect on Population: Declining
Records of Cultivation: Limited cultivation in Johar & Malari (UK)
Red List Status and Criteria: VU & A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:49-50
Arnebia benthamii (Wall. ex G. Don) I. M. Johnst.
Synonym/Basonym: Macrotomia benthamii (Wall.) A. DC.
Family: Boraginaceae
Taxonomic Status: Species
Habit: herb – perennial.
Habitat: Open moist slopes, alpine slopes & meadows in moist temperature & alpine regions
Elevation Range (m asl): 3000-4300 Temperate-subalpine
Description: Erect hairy perennial herbs up to 75 cm tall. Roots thick, purplish. Basal leaves lanceolate, strigosely hairy; nerves impressed above, prominent on the under surface. Flowers red-purple, borne in long, cylindrical spikes. Bracts long, linear, grey hairy and drooping.
Original Global Distribution: India, Pakistan, Nepal
Recorded Distribution in India: Kashmir to Nepal
Threats: Lf (Loss of habitat-fragmentation), Lp (Loss of habitat-quality), Hm (Harvest for medicine), Tp (Trade for parts)
Trade:Level: Local, Regional, National; Parts traded: Root; Effect on population: Declining
Red List Status and Criteria: EN & A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:53-54.
Berberis aristata DC.
Family: Berberidaceae
Taxonomic Status: Species
Vernacular names:
Kangra: Kashmal
Lahaul: Kemali
Kinnaur: Khapacha
UK: Chotia Daruhaldi
Habit: Shrub.
Habitat: Temperate moist slopes.
Elevation Range (m asl): 1800-3000
Description: Large spiny shrubs up to 4 m tall. Stem pale yellow; spines stout, simple to 3-fid. Leaves thick, obovate/elliptic, with spiny margin and prominent veins. Flowers pale yellow in 15-25 flowered racemes, much longer than the leaves. Berries oblong-globose, dark red turning blue covered with white powdery bloom.
Original Global Distribution: India Nepal, Bhutan
Recorded Distribution in India: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
Threats: Over exploitation, Habitat degradation
Trade: Name: Daru haridra; Levels: Local, Regional, National; Parts Traded: Root, Stem; Effect on population: Declining
Red List Status and Criteria: EN & A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:59-60
Dioscorea deltoidea Wall. ex Griseb
Family: Dioscoreaceae
Taxonomic Status: Species
Vernacular names:
G: Harish
H: Keerish, Tarur
Punjabi: Kriss
Others: Shingli-Mingli, Ganj, Kins
Habit: Extensive tuberous climber.
Habitat: Temperature & Sub-alpine forests
Elevation Range (m asl): 1000-3000
Description: Slender twining herbs with ligneous, irregular tuberous roots. Stems glabrous, twining clockwise. Leaves alternate, sub-deltoid to ovate, cordate, basal lobes rounded, 7-9-nerved, acuminate. Male solitary, axillary, at times branched; female spikes solitary, few-flowered. Capsule 2 cm long, broadly rounded, winged.
Original Global Distribution: Himalaya: Afghanistan to Indo China
Recorded Distribution in India: J & K. H. P., U. K
Threats: Lf (Loss of habitat-fragmentation), T (Trade), Hm (Harvest for medicine), Tp (Traded for parts)
Trade: Names: Dioscorea, Shingli-Mingli; Levels (s): Local, Regional and National; Parts traded: Tubers; Effect on population: Declining
Records of Cultivation: Dept. of Ayurveda, (NMPB) promoting cultivation
Red List Status and Criteria: EN & A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:75-76.
Gentiana kurroo Royle
Family: Gentianaceae
Taxonomic Status:Species
Vernacular names:
-: Karu, Kutki, Indian Genitan
Habit: Perennial Herb.
Habitat: Moist places, rock cervices
Elevation Range (m asl): 900-2800
Description: Spreading perennial herbs with thick rootstock. Stem leafy, branched from base. Basal leaves rosulate and oblong-linear, cauline leaves smaller, linear, connate at base forming a tube. Flowers solitary, pedicellate, showy blue, funnel shaped, borne in terminal clusters. Fruit a stalked, lanceolate capsule.
Original Global Distribution:Indian, Nepal, Pakistan
Recorded Distribution in India: Western Himalayas from J & K to Dehradun in Uttarakhand
Threats: Lf (Loss of habitat-fragmentation)
Trade: Name: Tryaman; Level: Local, Regional and National; Parts Traded: Whole plants (Roots); Effect on population: Declining
Red List Status and Criteria: CR & A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:81-82.
Juniperus communis L.
Synonym/Basonym: Juniperus communis L. var. saxatilis Pallas
Family: Cupresaceae
Taxonomic Status: Species
Vernacular names:
Lahual: Shur
Kinnaur: Jheleru
Spiti: Shukpa
Kumaon: Bhethal
Garhwal: Chil
Habit: Stunted/prostrate shrub.
Habitat: Alpine dry scrub
Elevation Range (m asl): 3000-4000
Description: Dense thicket forming aromatic shrubs up to 75 cm tall. Leaves needle-like, in whorls of threes, spreading at right angles from the branchlets. Male cones small, ovoid. Female cones solitaty, globose, bluish-black when ripe.
Original Global Distribution: Europe, North Africa, North America, Central Asia, Himalaya, India, Nepal, China, Bhutan
Recorded Distribution in India: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim
Threats: Over collection for fuel-wood
Trade: Names: Hauber; Levels: National; Parts traded: Fruits-Seeds; Effect on population: Declining
Red List Status and Criteria: VU & A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:93-94
Onosma hispidum Wall. ex G. Do
Family: Boraginaceae
Taxonomic Status: Species
Vernacular names:
Kinnaur: Ratanjot, Khome
Habit: Herb – perennial.
Habitat: Dry rocky slopes in Trans Himalaya
Elevation Range (m asl): 2400-4000
Description: Perennial bristly hairy herbs with branches up to 70 cm long. Basal leaves long, linear to oblanceolate; stem leaves broader and shorter. Flowers creamish-white to pale-yellow, long tubular in forked elongated clusters with leaf-like bracts.
Original Global Distribution: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India
Recorded Distribution in India: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh
Threats: Habitat loss, Over collection
Trade: Names: Gajwan; Level: National; Parts traded: Leaves (Aerial parts); Effect on population: Declining
Red List Status and Criteria: NT & A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:107-108
Saussurea obvallata (DC.) Edgew
Family: Asteraceae
Taxonomic Status: Species
Vernacular names:
Kinnaur: Dongar
Kangra: Brahma Kamal
Habit: Herb-perennial.
Habitat: Apline moist rocky slopes, snow-bed areas
Elevation Range (m asl): 3500-4500
Description: Perennial unbranched highly aromatic herbs up to 45 cm tall. Uppermost stem leaves elliptic or ovate, boat-shaped, membranous, pale yellow with prominent dark red midrib, enclosing purplish flower heads. Receptacle bristly.
Original Global Distribution: Central Asia, Himalaya, Afghanistan, India, Burma, China, Bhutan, Nepal
Recorded Distribution in India: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh
Threats: Over – collection
Trade: Names: Brahma – kamal; Level (s): Local; Parts traded: Flower, Roots; Effect on population: Decline due to local harvest
Red List Status and Criteria: EN & A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:137-138
Selinum vaginatum (Edgew.) C. B. Clarke
Synonym/Basonym: Cortia vaginata Edgew
Family: Apiaceae
Taxonomic Status:Species
Vernacular names:
-: Bhutkeshi, Mathosla, Moor, Pushwari
Habit: Stout Herb; upto 1.5 m tall.
Habitat: Grows in moist Apline slopes
Elevation Range (m asl): 2700-4200
Description: Erect, glabrous herbs up to 1.5 m tall. Rootstock aromatic. Lower leaves long petioled with oblong sheathing base; 1-2 pinnate, segments lanceolate, toothed. Flowers white, in long stalked compound umbels; rays ca. 30. Fruits winged, with lateral wings broader.
Original Global Distribution: India, Pakistan
Recorded Distribution in India: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
Threats: Lp (Loss of habitat), HP (Harvest for parts)
Trade: Level (s): Local, Regional; Parts trades: Roots; Effect on population: Declining
Red List Status and Criteria: VU & A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:141-142
Skimmia laureola (DC.) Siebold & Zucc. ex Walp
Synonym/Basonym: Sikimmia anqetilia Taylor & Airy Shaw
Family: Rutaceae
Taxonomic Status: Species
Vernacular names:
J & K: Ner, Patar, Nera
Sikkim: Timburnyok
UK: Barru, Shalangli, Patrang, Kasturi, Kathur-chara, Gurlpata, Nair, Nihar, Niyal Pati
Habit: Aromatic shrub.
Habitat: Temperate to Sub-Alpine
Elevation Range (m asl): 1800-3000
Description: Strongly aromatic evergreen shrubs up to 1 m tall. Leaves crowded towards end of branches, oblong lanceolate, thick, gland dotted. Flowers greenish-yellow, borne in terminal clusters. Fruit ovoid drupe, turning bright red on ripening.
Original Global Distribution: India, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Myanmar
Recorded Distribution in India: Himachal Pradesh, J & K, Uttrakhand, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram
Threats: Hf (Loss of habitat-fragmentation), Lp (Loss of habitat-quality), Hp (Harvest for parts)
Trade: Names- Ner; Level : Local; Parts traded: Leaves; Effect on population: Declining
Records of Cultivation: Wealth of India Vol 1, M & AP of HP. Dr. N.S. Chauhan
Red List Status and Criteria: VU & A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:143-144.
Taxus wallichiana Zucc
Synonym/Basonym: Taxus baccata L. spp. wallichiana (Zucc.) Pilger
Family: Taxaceae
Taxonomic Status: Species
Vernacular names:
-: Thuna/ Birmi/ Rakhal/ Nemdal; Yew
Habit: Tree.
Habitat: Fir-Spruce mixed forest of Temperate Himalaya.
Elevation Range (m asl): 2100-3300
Description: Tree up to 20 m tall; bark reddish-brown, scaly. Leaves spirally arranged, linear; upper surface green, shiny. Staminate cone solitary, globose, axillary on the underside of branches. Female flowers solitary, axillary, green, with 3 pairs of scales, decussate. Seed olive-green, when young partially surrounded by red fleshy aril.
Original Global Distribution: Afghanistan to S.W. China, Burma, S. E. Asia
Recorded Distribution in India: H.P, J & K, U. K., N. E. states in Arunachal Pradesh & Meghalaya
Threats: Lf (Loss of habitat-fragmentation). Lp (Loss of habitat quality), Hm (Harvest for medicine), Tp (Trade for parts)
Trade: Names: Talispatra; Level (s) Local, Regional and National; Effect of population: Declining
Records of Cultivation: A very small extent
Red List Status and Criteria: EN A 2 c, d
Citation: Goraya G. S., Jishtu V., Rawat G. S. & Ved D. K. (2013). Wild Medicinal Plants of Himachal Pradesh: An Assessment of their Conservation Status and Management Prioritisation. Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla. Pp:149-150
