Assessment of availability and habitat: preference of Jatamansi - a critically endangered medicinal plant of west Himalaya

摘要

Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC., a critically endangered rhizome-bearing medicinal plant, is restricted to specialized habitats in high altitudes of the Himalaya, ranging from 3000 to 5000 m asl, The plant is collected from natural habitats for local consumption and trade. The existing status of the species and variations in its performance in different habitats were studied in selected sites in Kumaun, west Himalaya. Dripping moss-laden rocks (frequency 40.7%, density 15.9 individual/m(2)) and moist boulders (frequency 25.9% and density 16.8 individual/m(2)) are the most preferred habitats of this plant. Generally, density and frequency had significant (P < 0.05) positive relationship with altitude. The mean density in two contrasting slopes differed significantly (P < 0.05), showing relatively higher density on west-facing slopes. Several biological and environmental features of the individual plants contributing towards wholesome below-ground biomass were identified. For example, among biological parameters, plant density (P < 0.01), plant height (P < 0.01) and above ground biomass (P < 0.01) were positively correlated. So were soil nitrogen (P < 0.05) and moisture content (P < 0.01) with below ground biomass. [References: 31]