Flowering Plants of Nubri Valley, Manaslu Conservation Area, Gorkha District, Nepal

Abstract

Central Nepal has the long history in the field of floral exploration in comparison to other parts of the country. However, the present study area (Manaslu Conservation area and adjoining areas) is still under explored. The present floristic study was carried out with the aim of fulfilling this gap by giving particular attention on flowering plants. Plant specimens for the present study were collected in two seasons. Record of species was done both within the plots and outside the plots. First collection was done in May 2012 and second collection was done in October 2012. Beside collections, listing of flowering plants was done from Arughat to Larke Pass. Within plots, a total of 286 species were enumerated taxonomically. Outside the plots, 120 species of flowering plants were listed from Arughat to Jagat, 24 species from Jagat to Gap, and 7 species from Samagaun to Larke Pass. Among 286 enumerated species, 8 genera and 9 species belong to gymnosperms, 37 genera and 48 species belong to monocotyledons and 161 genera and 229 species belong to dicotyledons. The most dominant family is found to be Asteraceae with 21 genera and 30 species, followed by Liliaceae with 11 genera and 15 species, and Orchidaceae with 10 genera and 12 species. Rhododendron and Senecio are the largest genera each having six species. The flora of Nubri Valley of Manaslu Conservation Area was dominated by herbaceous plants. Among 286 species, 48 species were found to be new addition to flora of Manaslu conservation Area, 79 species are new addition to Kitamura (1953) from Arughat to Jagat, 11 species are new addition from Jagat to Gap and 4 species are new addition from Samagaun to Larke Pass. Thus, a total of 63 species, are new addition to flora of Manaslu Conservation Area. The highest number of species was recorded at an altitude between 2200-2800m. Among the collected species, seven species are found to be threatened, 165 species has been reported to be of economic values from MCA and adjoining areas. Among them, 81 species are used for medicinal purpose, 34 species for fuel wood, 22 species for fodder, 29 species are edible, 9 species are for religious purpose, 9 species for construction purpose, 10 for ornamental and 14 species are for miscellaneous uses.