Ethnobotanical study and conservation status of trees in the district Sargodha , Punjab , Pakistan

Resumen. El distrito de Sargodha es uno de los menos estudiados de Pakistán en lo que se refiere a sus valores etnobotánicos. Este paper es el primer informe con respecto a la documentación y estado de conservación de las especies arbóreas en el Distrito de Sargodha, y sus usos etnológicos vulgares. En el área de estudio se condujo un estudio de entrevistas durante 2010-2013. Los datos etnobotánicos revelevaron el uso de 100 especies de árboles (6 gimnospermas, 94 angiospermas) pertenecientes a 77 géneros (6 gimnospermas, 71 angiospermas) y 39 familias (4 gimnospermas, 35 angiospermas). Las Fabaceae fueron primeras con 19 especies de árboles, seguidas por las Moraceae con 12 especies. Especies arbóreas como Aegle marmelos, Butea monosperma, Diospyrus malabárica, Gmelina arbórea, Kigelia africana, Manilkara hexandra, Manilkara zapota, Mimusops elengi, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Putranjiva roxburghii, Terminalia arjuna y Terminalia bellerica no son solo únicas en su valor medicinal sino también interesantes debido a su ocurrencia inusual en el Distrito. Thevetia peruviana, Cassia fistula, Celtis australis, Delonix regia, Diospyrus malabárica, Grevillea robusta, Haplophragma adenophylum, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Plumeria rubra, Pteeospermum acerifolium, Roystonea regia, Taxodium distichum y Tectona grandis están incluidas dentro de las especies leñosas ornamentales que vale la pena tener. Otros usos etnobotánicos comunes de estos árboles incluyen su utilidad como cobertura, combustible o usos agrícolas. La falta de conocimiento acerca de los usos potenciales de estas especies, y especialmente la ignorancia de las autoridades involucradas, han conducido a una reducción en las poblaciones de esta valiosa flora arbórea. La documentación de esta flora arbórea, y Abstract. Sargodha district is one of the least studied regions of Pakistan regarding its ethnobotanical values. This paper is the first report related to the documentation and conservation status of the tree species in the Sargodha district, and their folk ethnobotanical uses. An interview base survey was conducted in the study area in 2010-2013. The ethnobotanical data revealed the use of 100 tree species (6 gymnosperms, 94 angiosperms) belonging to 77 genera (6 gymnosperms, 71 angiosperms) and 39 families (4 gymnosperms, 35 angiosperms), with the Fabaceae ranking first with 19 tree species, followed by the Moraceae (12 species). Tree species like Aegle marmelos, Butea monosperma, Diospyrus malabarica, Gmelina arborea, Kigelia africana, Manilkara hexandra, Manilkara zapota, Mimusops elengi, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Putranjiva roxburghii, Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia bellerica are not only unique in their medicinal value but also interesting because of their unusual occurrence here. Thevetia peruviana, Cassia fistula, Celtis australis, Delonix regia, Diospyrus malabarica, Grevillea robusta, Haplophragma adenophylum, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Plumeria rubra, Pterospermum acerifolium, Roystonea regia, Taxodium distichum and Tectona grandis are included among the worth looking ornamental tree species. Capparis decidua, Dalbergia sissoo, Tamarix aphylla, Tamarix dioica, Prosopis cineraria and Ziziphus mauritiana are the most commonly used timber species. Other common ethnobotanical utilization of these trees includes either sheltering or fuel or agricultural uses. Lack of awareness about the potential uses of these species, and particularly ignorance of the concerned authorities, have led to a decline in the population of this precious tree flora. Documentation of this tree flora, and as-


INTRODUCTION
Trees are an important source of wood for timber and lumber, but also provide non-timber forest products (e.g., medicines, fuel, fodder, and ornamental and agricultural uses).The prosperity of any country might be partially determined by its forest and tree resources.In addition to their productive and protective benefits, tree species might play a vital role in ecosystem stability, providing of habitat to a large number of faunal diversity (Sheikh, 1993;Shah, 2005).Systematic explorations of the traditional use of plants are urgently needed to unravel the botanical species richness of an area.Pakistan is endowed with a rich plant biodiversity due to its unique geographic and climatic conditions, and the Sargodha District is one of such regions.Ethnobotany is a very important area of study all over the world (Singh & Singh, 2009).It is the study of how the people of a particular region and culture make use of indigenous plants.Ethnobotanists explore how plants might be used in medicine, food, fodder, timber, shelter and religious ceremonies (Badshah et al., 2012).In the context of a complex ethnobotany, there are people who identify plants that are used simultaneously with both food and therapeutic purposes (Hurrell & Albuquerque, 2012).This science provides the possibility of finding new medicines derived from plants (Heinrich, 2000).Ethnobotanical information is necessary to document plant life in any area, especially those which are unexplored.This preliminary taxonomic documentation, and the folk knowledge of indigenous people about the native flora, will serve as a guide for the next coming generations.
Sargodha district is one of the least studied regions of Pakistan regarding its ethnobotanical values.The objective of this study was to document the indigenous use of cultivated and wild trees of the study region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sargodha district lies between 32° 51' N and 72° 40' 16 E in the northern part of Punjab, an east-central province of Pakistan.The climate is extreme; very hot in summer and very cold in winter.The hottest months are May, June and July when temperatures reach 50 °C.Most of its area consists of smooth land, except some hilly areas (known as Kirana Hills) with an altitude of approximately 187 m.a.s.l.Two main rivers of Pakistan touch Sargodha, and make the land fertile.The River Jhelum flows on the western and northern sides, and the River Chenab flows on the eastern side of the city.The district includes villages and towns inhabited by a number of castes and ethnic groups (namely: Jats, Rajputs, Arayein, Qureshi, Cheenas, Awans, Tiwanas, Ranjhas, Sials, Gondals, Bhattis, Khokhar, Balochs, Kumhars, Naaii, etc.), each with its own religious, cultural and social traditions.The Sargodha district and its surrounding areas mainly constitute fertile and irrigated land.There is a rich diversity of cultivated and wild trees throughout the area.Local inhabitants of the area are very much close to this natural tree richness for their daily uses.There are diverse ethnic groups in the area having rich indigenous knowledge about the use of trees especially for medicines, non-timber forest products (NTFPs), fuel wood, timber, thatching and roofing, etc.In other parts of the country a lot of work has been reported by many other workers, particularly the documentation of indigenous uses of plants.In the Sargodha District, some studies have been conducted on trees, but their ethnobotanical importance has been neglected so far.
Field work was carried out in 2010-2013, working plan was prepared according to the life forms of the plants, and season of utilization of plant products by the local people.Several field trips were arranged for collecting the trees, especially the wild ones.Ethnobotanical information was collected through semi-structured interviews as described by Cotton (1996).Collected plants were dried, pressed and mounted properly following Carter et al. (2007).Plants were identified with help of the Flora of Pakistan (Nasir & Ali, 1970-1995;Stewart, 1972) and available literature.The voucher specimens were prepared and deposited in the Herbarium of the Department of Botany, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan for future reference.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In the study, 100 tree species (6 gymnosperms, 94 angiosperms) belonging to 77 genera (6 gymnosperms, 71 angio-sperms) and 39 families (4 gymnosperms, 35 angiosperms) were documented.Out of the 39 families, the Fabaceae ranked first with 19 tree species, followed by the Moraceae (12 species), Arecaceae (5 species) and Bignonicaeae & Apocynaceae (4 species each).The flourishing of exotic tree species from the families Bignoniaceae, Boraginaceae, Cupressaceae, Ebenaceae, Platanaceae, Proteaceae, Putranjivaceae and Sapotaceae, although represented by a single or a few trees, was quite interesting.This is because they acclimated in the study region in spite of their strange habitat.
Most tree species were of exotic origin and showed multiple uses.An inventory of the ethnobotanical use of these tree species was prepared, and it is shown in Table 1 together with their family name, voucher number (collected by Erum), vernacular name and their traditional uses.
Ethnobotanical knowledge is transmitted from one generation to next.However, this knowledge is liable to be lost under the influence of modernization and rapid urbanization, expansion of agriculture and acculturation of indigenous people (Dixit & Pandey, 1984).Life on planet earth is possible due to plants.Plants play a vital role in the behavior and mental resurgence of people.In Pakistan, there are about 1500 species of medicinal plants that are vital to cure various human ailments (Chaudhary, 1961).In Pakistan, there are more than 430 tree species, distributed over 82 families and 226 genera.Out of these tree species, 22 belong to gymnosperms, distributed over 5 families and 11 genera (Stewart, 1972).Present data are the general results of the ethnobotanical survey conducted from March 2010 to September 2013.Recorded data reveal that there were a great diversity of life forms regarding tree species of the prevailing flora, represented by 100 tree species distributed over 39 families.Out of these tree species, 6 belong to gymnosperms, distributed over 4 families and 6 genera.Because of adverse climatic conditions and especially Fruit is anti-diabetic.Infusion of leaves is used against chronic malaria.Fruits along with water are taken to cure piles.Smoke of leaves is effective against chicken pox; ornamental.Ethnobotanical study of trees of Sargodha, Pakistan Most tree species of Moraceae are flourishing here as ornamentals like Ficus benjamina, Ficus virens, Ficus religiosa etc., but species like Ficus benghalensis, Morus alba and Morus nigra are known for their best medicinal value (Table 1).
The genus Kigelia belongs to the family Bignoniaceae with about 120 genera and 800 species, mostly native to tropical Africa (Ali & Nasir, 1990-1991).Kigelia africana (Gul-e-Fanoos) is included among those tree species that are quite rare in Pakistan.However, trees here are waiting for their extinction due to cutting and misuse despite they are useful to treat various human ailments (e.g., leprosy, skin cancer, diabetes, pneumonia, malaria and rheumatism).Kigelia africana (Gul-e-Fanoos) is a worth looking ornamental species because of having charming chandelier-like inflorescences, and it also provides fruits up to 2 ½ kg/ fruit; additionally, it is a medicinal plant species.
In the family Euphorbiaceae, tree species are uncommon (Ali & Qaiser, 1993-2009), and a representative of this family in this study is Putranjiva roxburghii ( Jia puta), now placed in the family Putranjivaceae (Table 1).This evergreen tree species not only makes the eyes look greenish, but also its seeds are ethnobotanically used as a best treatment against male impotency; this is why it is named as Jia Puta in Hindi.This tree species is also of exotic origin, and was brought here by the Hindus and English plant lovers, becoming fully acclimated.These tree species were once the sign of beauty of the area; they are now struggling for their survival, and waiting for the day when their name is recognized in papers (Sheikh, 1993).
Sacred tree species here are Aegle marmelos (Pathar Bael) and Ficus religiosa (Peepal) near Hindus and Muslims.The Sapotaceae family is represented by three tree species: Manilkara hexan- Shah A et al., FYTON 84 (2015) dra (Khirni), Manilkara zapota (Chikoo) and Mimusops elengi (Maulsari).This is considered a rare plant family in Pakistan (Ali & Qaiser, 1993-2009).These tree species not only have fragrant flowers and are grown as ornamentals, but also known for their delicious fruits.See Table 1 for medicinal value of these species.The family Combretaceae is represented by three tree species [i.e., Conocarpus erectus, Terminalia arjuna (Arjun) and Terminalia bellerica (Baherra)], which are included among the most adapted and flourishing tree species here.Conocarpus erectus is a beautiful evergreen hedge tree.The bark of Terminalia arjuna (Arjun) is used as the best treatment of all sorts of cardiac problems.Terminalia bellerica (Baherra) is included among the gigantic trees whose fruits are eaten as an alternative of Juglan regia (Akhrot) and is a beautiful ornamental tree; its fruit pulp is a useful treatment of throat and hest infections.The Meliaceae family contributes to the richness of the flora of the region by three tree species.Sargodha soil and habitat are perhaps the most suitable for Azadirachta indica (neem) in whole Pakistan.Lush green trees can be seen throughout the district.This tree species is not only ornamental, but it may be included among the most medicinallydemanded tree species.If proper amount of work is concentrated in this species, a huge amount of money can be earned.
Topographic and demographic conditions of Sargodha district are not suitable for Gymnosperms.Only six gymnosperm species occur here.Among them, Taxodium distichum is unique because of its unusual occurrence here.Pinus longifolia is the representative of gymnosperms that is flourishing here as an ornamental tree.
Salvadora oleoides, Tamarix aphylla, Tamarix dioica, Prosopis cineraria, Kigelia africana, Butea monosperma, Ficus recemosa, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Manilkara zapota and Terminalia bellerica are included among those valuable tree species whose populations are rapidly declining.This is because of their misuse and over-exploitation.Proper management and strategies are urgently needed to conserve this unique flora.The documentation of knowledge is necessary for sustainable use of plants.The results of this ethnobotanical research will further serve as a guide to study biodiversity, conservation and community development (see Martin, 1995).This paper will contribute to the awareness among the people about the importance of conserving the flora shown in Table 1.Therefore, suitable conservation strategies can be made in this regard, and plant species which are at the verge of extinction due to misuse of people can be conserved.So that next coming generations can use these plants to fulfill their basic needs.
Lack of people awareness about the botanical use of this precious tree flora led to a decline in their population.Many workers also reported ethnobotanical documentation of plant resources in various parts of the country including Punjab salt range, Himalayan and temperate ranges.Trees included in Table 1 could be cultivated along road sides, railway tracks and barren lands.A well-organized management is an urgent need to conserve and/or restore this natural resource of the area.
The populations of those tree species should be promoted because they have an immense medicinal and timber value, and their appropriate use will contribute to alleviate poverty and improve the socio-economic status of the area.

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Bauhinia purpurea L. / Fabaceae / 60567 Gulabi kachnar Root is carminative; bark is astringent and flowers are laxative in nature.Decoction of root is useful to wash ulcers.Floral buds along with minced meat are cooked as delicious dish that is effective to lower the blood sugar level; ornamental.10 Bauhinia variegata L. / Fabaceae / 60568 Safaid Kachnar Bark is alterative.Root and flower are used as an antidote to snake bite.Juice of flowers is used for diarrhoea and dysentery.Root decoction of is used to treat dyspepsia.Infusion of flower is used as best laxative; ornamental.

Table 1 .
Documentation and ethnobotanical use of trees of Sargodha District, Pakistan.Gum is used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery.Infusion or decoction of gum is effective against rectal anemia.Powdered seeds mixed in lemon juice are used to treat skin disorders like pimples, ring worm and even piles.Seeds powder is also used to cure chronic wounds.Infusion or decoction of leaves is effective against leucorrhea.Leaves are useful to cure diabetes.flora of the region with the family Fabaceae at the top with 19 tree species.Plants of this family have ethnobotanical uses in all aspects of life, e.g., Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia modesta, Acacia nilotica and Albizia lebbeck are used as best timber plant and contributes to a huge income of the area.Delonix regia, Cassia fistula, Erythrina subrosa, Butea monosperma, Bauhinia variegta and Bauhinia purpurea of this family are included among the tree species that are unique in their ornamental value.Fabaceae trees species like Albizia lebbeck (cure diabetes), Cassia fistula (cure constipation), Butea monosperma (diarrhea, dysentery, diabetes, leucorrhea, skin disorders, piles and healing of chronic wounds) and Millettia pinnata (cure whooping cough) have immense medicinal value as well (Table1).The Moraceae family ranks second in the area with representation of 12 tree species, all tree species of this family are very well acclimated to Sargodha district.
Tabla 1. Documentación y uso etnobotánico de los árboles en el Distrito de Sargodha, Pakistán.Bombax ceiba L. / Malvaceae / 60563 SimbalGum is aphrodisiac in nature as well as has cooling effect and is effective against malaria and acute dysentery.Decoction of flowers is used to treat hemorrhoids.Bark is tonic.Seeds are used as a treatment of gonorrhoea.Decoction of young fruit is effective to remove kidney calculus; fuel; ornamental.Bark's decoction is effective against bronchitis.Fruit is astringent in nature and un-ripened fruit is frequently used in pickles; fuel; timber; best apicultural plant; best fuel; wood is used to make agricultural tools.16 Caryota urens L. / Arecaceae / 60637 Sago palm Young leaves are sweet and have cooling effect and are useful to treat gall bladder stones.The pulp of the fruit is good remedy of hyperplasia and fatigue.A paste made from the nut is good for migraine; ornamental.17 Cassia fistula L. / Fabaceae / 60570 Gurr di nail Fruit pulp is laxative and purgative and useful treatment of infant's constipation, colic, nausea and flatulence.Root smoke is inhaled to treat cold.Leaves decoction is effective remedy of cold and bronchitis; ornamental.Tahli Powdered bark is used to cure gonorrhea.Leaf juice for eye ailments.Wood is used to cure scabies.It is useful against acne; best timber plant; fuel.27 Delonix regia (Bojer) Raf./ 28 Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees & Arn ex.Munro / Poaceae / 60594 Bans Used in thatching, different domestic utility articles are formed it; ornamental.Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.)Fruit is laxative.Kernel decoction and powder are used as vermifuge and as astringent in diarrhea.Decoction of root is considered diuretic.Hot decoction is used as mouthwash.Juice of leaves for dysentery.Powdered dried leaves are useful for diabetes; ornamental.Leaves are anthelmintic and diuretic in nature.Leaves are used as insect repellant in wheat.Seed oil is antiseptic and is used for malaria fever and leprosy.Seed pulp is used as an ointment for destroying lice.Fruit pulp is an excellent worm repellant; ornamental.Peelo Fruit extract is used to cure enlarge spleen; leaves decoction is used to treat cough; root bark is vesicant but used as best teeth cleaner; fuel; fodder.86 Schinus molle L. / Anacardiaceae / 60553 False pepper Leaf decoction is useful for cold, hypertension, depression and irregular heart beat.Bark tea is laxative, bark and leaf tea is stimulant and antidepressant.Decoction of dried leaves is useful for menstrual disorders; ornamental.Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich./ Stem extract is antibacterial.Bark is cardio-tonic.Flower is used to treat hepatitis, seeds are used against abscesses.Bark is used for the treatment of syphilis, urinary disorders, and enlargement of spleen, gonorrhea, leucorrhea and liver diseases.FYTON ISSN 0031 9457 (2015) 84: 34-44