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Documentation of Wetland Diversity with Indigenous Uses in - a Case Study of Some Wetlands of Two Valleys (Kathmandu and Pokhara) English

Ananda R. Joshi and Kunjani Joshi

SchEMS, Pokhara University, Kathmandu, Nepal Department of Botany, Patan Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal Email: joshi_ananda @yahoo.com, [email protected]

Download at: http://www.lyonia.org/downloadPDF.php?pdfID=.525.1 Documentation of Wetland Plant Diversity with Indigenous Uses in Nepal - a Case Study of Some Wetlands of Two Valleys (Kathmandu and Pokhara)

The paper enumerates the traditional uses of 55 plant species belonging to 47 genera representing 36 families, which are used by the local communities of some wetlands of two valleys (Kathmandu and Pokhara) of Nepal for the treatment diseases and other uses. Some of useful species are under serious threat due to unsustainable activities and land-use changes. In the paper, some recommendations have been made to integrate conservation measures for the habitat preservation and documentation and sustainable managenet of the useful wetland with indigenous etheno-knowledge and practices before some of these are eliminated.

Documentation of Wetland Plant Diversity with Indigenous Uses in Nepal - A Case Study of Some Wetlands of Two Valleys (Kathmandu and Pokhara) Ananda R. Joshi and Kunjani Joshi* SchEMS, Pokhara University, Kathmandu, Nepal *Department of Botany, Patan Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal Email: joshi_ananda @yahoo.com, [email protected] Abstract The paper enumerates the traditional uses of 55 plant species belonging to 47 genera representing 36 families, which are used by the local communities of some wetlands of two valleys (Kathmandu and Pokhara) of Nepal for the treatment diseases and other uses. Some of useful species are under serious threat due to unsustainable activities and land-use changes. In the paper, some recommendations have been made to integrate conservation measures for the habitat preservation and documentation and sustainable managenet of the

useful wetland plants with indigenous etheno-knowledge and practices before some of these

are eliminated. Key words: Wetlands, plant biodiversity, ethnobotany, conservation, sustainable management, Nepal

Introduction Nepal’s position at the junction of the Indo-Malayan and Palaearctic biogeographic realms along with its diverse physiography and varying climatic zones has contributed to the occurrence of over 240 ecologically important wetland ecosystems with diverse flora and fauna (Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, 1995). Some of the major dominant wetland angiospermic plants are Hydrilla verticillata, aurea, Vallisneria nataus, Ceratophyllum demursum, Azolla imbricate, Eichhornia crassipes, ipomea aquatica, Lemna minor, Trapa spp., Pistia stratiotes, Sagitaria guyanensis, Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphoides indica etc. Besides these, algae, aquatic fungi, bryophytes and pteridophytes are also major parts of the wetland ecosystem. This remarkable diversity has made Nepal a variable gene bank for a number of valuable species. The local communities are dependent on the wetland plant resources for their various basic needs. At present, wild and useful plants as well as their habitats are under serious threat due to habitat destruction, loss of ecosystem integrity, over-exploitation of resources, introduction of alien invasive species, unplanned land use and application of inappropriate technologies. The ethnobotanical knowledge and practices are also in danger of being lost in country. The loss of traditional knowledge in a culture that is undergoing a rapid change is as irreversible as the loss of plant species (Joshi and Joshi, 2005). Therefore effort should be made to document the useful plants and their ethnobotanical uses before much of this is eliminated. Documentation of the useful species and indigenous knowkedge and practices relating to the utilization of the species are very mearged (Shrestha, 1994; Joshi et al, 2001; Joshi, Shrestha and Joshi, 2003; IUCN, Nepal, 2004; Joshi and Joshi, 2005). During the ethnobotanical survey, an attempt has been made to collect ethnobotanical information with the documentation of the useful species from the wetlands of Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys.

Lyonia, Volume #, Pages [ # - # ], Indigenous uses of plants of some wetlands of two valleys - a case study The wetlands of two valleys : Kathmandu Valley of the Central Development Region and Pokhara valley of the Eastern Development Region have been selected for the case study. Kathmandu Valley, a tectonic basin, is almost circular and bowl-shaped with the highest peak of Phulchoki on the southeast. The ecosystems of the area are diverse with alluvial plains, fans, river terraces, moderate to steeply sloping terrain and water bodies with complex geomorphology and diverse climatic conditions. The main vegetation types prevalent in the valley are Schima-Castanopsis on the valley floor and hill slopes, Pinus roxburghii on lower hill slopes and on the southern aspects, and oak (Quercus spp.) and rhododerndron (Rhododendron spp.) on the upper reaches of valley hills. Various forms of aquatic life are dominantly found in the rivers, ponds, lakes etc. The area is inhabited by different ethnic groups (brahmin, chhetri, newar, tamang, gurung, damai, kami etc.), with rich in traditional knowledge and practices. Pokhara Valley, a popular tourist distination, has moderately steep to very steep mountain terrain with many attractive lakes (Phewa, Begnas and Rupa lakes). The area surrounding the Pokhara valley consists of tropical to subtropical forests. The valley at its lower limit (especially 900 - 1700m) embraces natural belt of Shorea robusta mixed with Pinus spp., Schima wallichii, Castaropsis indica and patches of Alnus nepalensis. Among the aquatic species, species of Lemna, Echhorina, Hydrillla, Utriculatia, Ceratophyllum, Nymphaea, Nelumbo, Sagittaria are mainly distributed in the water bodies. The valley is inhabited by different ethnic tribes, which are rich in folk - lore. For the study of wetland plant wealth in and around the wetlands (ponds, lakes, rivers) survey tours were conducted during different seasons (2004- 2007) and ethnobotanical information and useful species were gathered during the field trips. Interviews and discussions were performed with local informants, that include traditional healers / -jkankri", teachers, fisherman, and experienced village elders (Joshi and Edington, 1990). During the field survey, a series of questions concerning the various uses of plants, parts of medicinal plants used for treatment, indigenous knowledge and people’s believes were explored and recorded. Plant materials were taxonomically identified with the help of related botanical references. Voucher herbariums and specimens have been deposited in SchEMS, Pokhara University, Kathmandu, Nepal. Results and Discussion The local communities of the both study areas have a long tradition of using the plant resources of wetlands for their various basic needs such as food, medicine, fodder, green manure, rawmaterials and other miscellaneous uses. The results of the field study are presented in Table 1, where species are listed alphabetically by -species and family and their local name, growth-form and uses. TABLE 1. Ethnobotanical uses of aquatic species and wetland dependent plants of two valleys (Kathmandu and Pokhara) (E= Emergent; FF= Free floating; FLR= Floating leaved rooted aquatics; S = submerged)

Scientific Name/Family Local name Growth Uses Form

Ageratum conyzoides L. Ganmane E -- Root and leaf are pounded and paste (Asteraceae) Ghans is applied on cuts and wounds for rapid healing. -- Plant is used as fodder.

Ageratum Nilo E -- Plant decoction is drunk about three houstonianum Mill. Gandhe teaspoonsful three times a day to treat (Asteraceae) irregular mensuration. -- Fresh leaves are chewed to treat gastritis. -- Juice of fresh leaves is rubbed on the forehead to releave headach.

Alternanthera sessilis Saranchi sag; E -- Tender parts are used as vegetable. -- (L.) DC. Bhirangijhar Root is pounded and infused in hot water (Amaranthaceae) and infusion is drunk to treat dysentery. -- Juice of the plant is also applied to cure scabies.

Lyonia, Volume #, Pages [ # - # ], Amaranthus spinosus L. Kande lundo, E -- Tender parts are eaten as vegetable. -- (Amaranthaceae) Latte Cushed leaves are rubbed on affected parts to treat skin disease. -- Plant is used as fodder

Amaranthus viridis L. Lunde sag, E -- Tender shoot is used as vegetable (Amaranthaceae) Latte sag

Argemone maxicana L. Thakal E -- Root is used in skin diseases. -- (Papaveraceae) Pounded seeds mixed in oil is Applied in eczema and in itcing

Artemisia indica Willd. Titepati E -- Juice of leaves is taken to treat cough (Asteraceae) and fever. -- Leaf paste is applied in the affected parts to treat skin diseases. -- Leaves have insecticidal properties and place in the mouth of grain bags to protect entrance of pests.

Azolla imbricate (Roxb. Pani uneu FF -- Whole plant are used as green manure. ex Griff.) ) Nakai -- Food for fishes and ducks (Azollaceae)

Cannabis sativa L. Gaanja, E -- Seeds are chewed and shallowed to (Cannabaceae) Bhang relieve pain and disorder of the stomach. — Crushed fresh leaves are rubbed on the affected area for treatment of skin infection,

Centella asiatica (L.) Ghodtapre E -- Infusion of plant is used in leprosy. -- Urb. (Apiaceae) Leaf juice s given to cure sensation of internal heat and treat fever. -- Vegetative tender parts are used as food

Capsella bursa-pastoris Tori ghans E -- Tender parts are eaten as vegetable. -- (L) Medikus Dcoction of plant is drunk to lower blood (Brassicaceae) pressure

Ceratophyllum Patai S -- Plants are a source of food for fishes demursum L. and ducks. -- Plant is also used as green (Ceratophyllaceae) manure

Ceratopteris Dhaniyajhar; E -- Tender parts are used as vegetable thalictroides (L) Brongn Pani dhaniya (Parkeriaceae)

Chenopodium album L. Bethe; E -- Tender shoot is used as vegetable. -- (Chenopodiaceae) Batuwa Plant juice istaken orally for treatment of pain of joints and as health tonic .

Colocasia esculenta (L) Karkalo E -- Corm is taken as vegetable Schott (Araceae)

Cyperus esculentus L. Mothe E -- Herb is used as fodder (Cyperaceae)

Lyonia, Volume #, Pages [ # - # ], Cyperus rotundus L. Mothe E -- Root juice is drunk as an alithelmintic (Cyperaceae) medicine to treat \intestinal worms. -- Plant paste is applied to cure rheumatic problems. -- Plant is used as fodder

Eclipta prostrata (L.) Bangearaj, E -- Root juice is taken to cure fever. -- Roxb. (Asteraceae) Bhangeree, Plant paste or juice is applied in cuts Samo ghans and wounds. -- Seed paste is applied on the affected areas to relieve rheumatic pain. -- Plant is used as fodder

Eleocharis dulcis Suire E -- Vegetative parts are eaten. -- Plant is (Burm.f.) Trin. ex used as fodder Henschet (Cyperaceae)

Eichhornia crassipes Jalkumbhee FF Plant is used as food for pigs and sheep (Mart.) Solms. and also used as green manure (Pontederiaceae)

Equisetum debeli Roxb. Kurkure E -- Plants are used as green manure. -- ex Vaucher Juice of leaf is drunk for curing fever. -- (Equisetaceae) Plants are pounded and paste then applied for curing bone fracture

Eupatorium Banmara E Freshly crushed tender shoots and leaves adenophorum Spreng. are applied externally on cuts and (Asteraceae) wounds for rapid healing

Floscopa scandens Kane E Plant used as fodder Lour. (Commelinaceae)

Hydrilla verticillata (L.f) Pani jhyau, S -- Whole plants are used as green Royle Sewar, manure. -- Plant used as fodder. -- Food (Hydrocharitaceae) Khasi for fish and ducks

Hygrorhyza aristata Navo dhan FF -- Tender parts are eaten. -- Plant is used (Retz.) Nees ex Wight & as fodder Arn. (Poaceae)

Ipomea aquatica Kalami sag FF -- Young shoots are used as vegetable. -- Forssk. Plant is pounded and infusion is drunk to (Convolvulaceae) cure jaundice. -- Plant paste is applied to cure piles. -- Plants is used as food for fish and duck

Justicia diffusa Willd. Ghyuru puju E -- Whole plant are pounded and juice is (Acanthaceae) drunk twice a day for five conscutive days to treat bronchitis. -- Leaves are used as insect repellent and disinfectant

Leersia hexandra Karaute E Plant used as fodder Swartz. (Poaceae) Jhar. Navo dhan

Lemna minor L. Leu FF Plants are used as green manure and as (Lemnaceae) food for fish and duck

Lyonia, Volume #, Pages [ # - # ], Marsilea quadrifolia L. Charpate E Tender vegetative parts are eaten as (Marsileaceae) Behuli vegetables

Mentha spicata L. Pudina E Tender parts are used in preparing pickle (Lamiaceae)

Monochoria vaginalis Karkale jhar E Tender parts are eaten as vegetable (Burm.f.) C. Presl. (Pontederiaceae)

Nelumbo nucifera Rato kamal FLR -- Flower is taken to relieve diharrhea and Gaertn. dysentrea, -- Flower and seeds are boiled (Nelumbonaceae) and taken to control high fever. -- Seeds are used as tonic. -- Plant is also used as fodder

Nymphoides indica (L) Pyakute FLR -- Decoction of the plant is drunk three Kuntze teaspoonful every morning to treat (Menyanthaceae) jaundice. -- Root power is used in dysentery

Oxalis corniculata L. Chariamilo E -- Plant juice is used to cure (Oxalidaceae) gastrointestinal disorder and dysentery. -- Leaves are eaten.

Persicaria barbata (L.) Pirre jhar E -- Young leaves are used to poison fish. H. Hara (Polygonaceae) -- Root powder is applied on scabies

Persicaria hydropiper ( Pire jhar E -- Crushed plants are used to kill fish. -- L.) Spach. Plant is also employed as fleas repellent. (Polygonaceae) -- Juice of root is drunk for treatment of removing stone from urinary bladder.

Persicaria lapathifolia Pirre E -- Crushed plants are used to kill fish (L.) Gray (Polygonaceae)

Plantago major L. Isabgol E -- Ponded leaves are applied to cuts and (Plantaginaceae) wounds. -- Decoction of seeds, roots, and leaves are taken to treat stomach disorder. -- Root paste is applied to cure piles

Ranunculus scleratus L. Jal dhaniya, E Plant is powdered, then applied to the (Ranunculaceae) Nakakore affected parts to treat skin diseases

Rorippa nasturtium - Sim rayo E Tender parts are eaten as vegetable aquaticum (L.) Hayek after proper boiling (Brassicaceae)

Rubia wallichina Decne. Mangitho E Whole plant is used as tonic (Rubiaceae)

Rumex nepalensis Halhale E -- Tender shoots are cooked as Spreng.. vegetable. (Polygonaceae) -- Crushed leaf extract is applied externally on cuts, wounds, boils and blisters

Lyonia, Volume #, Pages [ # - # ], Sagittaria guyanensis Karkale jhar FLR Plant juice is drunk to cure fever Kunth. (Alismataceae)

Schoenoplectus Gud mothe E Plant used as fodder juncoides (Roxb.)Palla (Cyperaceae)

Schoenoplectus Gud mothe E Plant used as fodder and for mat Making mucronatus (L) Palla (Cyperaceae)

Solanum nigram L. Jungali E Fruit is used to cure headache and body (Solanaceae) Bihi, pain Kaalo bihin

Spirodela polyrrhiza (L) Leu FF Food for fish and ducks Schleider (Lemnaceae)

Trapa bispinosa Roxb. Simalkande, FF -- Nuts are edible. -- Nuts are used to (Trapaceae) Bhaise kanda; treat diarrheria Singada

Trapa quadrispinosa Simalkande, FF -- Nuts are used as food. -- Powder of Roxb. (Trapaceae) Gai kanda, nuts is given in nervous diseases Singada

Trifolium repens L. Beuli, Pyauli, E Plant is used as fodder (Fabaceae) Beulee

Urena lobata L. Nalukuro, E Root paste is applied externally on the (Malvaceae) Thulobolu affected areas to treat rheumatic pain

Urticularia aurea Lour. Simghans S Plant power is used to cure cuts and () wounds and as green manure

Utricularia bifida L. Simghans S Plants is used as green manure and also (Lentibulariaceae) used in treatment of urinary diseases

Vallisneria nataus Phulke S Plants is used as green manure (Lour.) H. Hara (Hydrocharitaceae)

During the field survey, ethnobotanical data of 55 species of plants belonging to 36 families have been collected. Among the documented useful species, the families Asteraceae and Cyperaceae were most frequently represented with a total of 5 species each, followed by Polygonaceae 4, Amaranthaceae 3 and others with less than 3 species. The data also indicate that 31 species were used to treat various alignments, 20 for human food, 14 for fodder, 9 for manure, 7 for animal foods, 3 as piscicidal agents, 3 as insectisides and 1 for mat making (Table 1). The data on the medicinally important plants indicate that 11 species were used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, 9 for fever, cough, headache and respiratory ailgments, 8 for dermatological illnesses, 5 for genito-urinary complains, 6 for illness of skeleto-muscular, 6 for cuts and wounds, 1 for cardiovascular complaints and diseases of blood, and 2 for other diseases (Table 2). TABLE 2 Disease Categories of Medicinal Plants

Lyonia, Volume #, Pages [ # - # ], Disease Medicinal Plants category

Cardiovascular complaints and Capsella bursa-pastoris diseases of blood

Cough, fever, headache and Ageratum houstonianum, Artemisia indica, Centella asiatica, respiratory ailgment Eclipta prostrata, Equisetum debeli, Justicia diffusa, Nelumbo nucifera, Sagittaria gyanensis, Solanum nigram,

Dermatological illnesses Alternanthera sessilis, Amaranthus spinosus, Artemisia indica,Cannabis sativa, Centella asiatica, Persicaria barbata, Ranunculus scleratus, Rumex nepalensis,

Gastrointestinal disorders Ageratum houstonianum, Alternanthera sessilis, Argemone maxicana, Cannabis sativa, Cyperus rotundus, Ipomea aquatica, Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphoides indica, Oxalis corniculata , Plantago major, Trapa bispinosa,

Genito-urinary complains Ageratum houstonianum,Ipomea aquatica, Persicaria hydropiper, Plantago major,Utricularia bifida

Illness of skeleto-muscular Chenopodium album, Cyperus rotundus, Eclipta prostrata, Equisetum debeli, Trapa quadrispinosa, Urena lobata,

cuts, wounds Ageratum conyzoides, Eclipta prostrata, Eupatorium adenophorum, Plantago major, Rumex nepalensis,Urticularia aurea

Other uses ( pain etc) Cannabis sativa, Solanum nigram,

The present study indicates that the studied areas are very rich in wetland plant biodiversity and indigenous knowledge. The local people are dependent on these species not only for domestic uses (especially food, manure, raw-materials), but also to cure various diseases. According to collected information, only small quantities of some species are collected and sell in market. However, there is possibilities to enhance the income of the local communities, if properly managed the habitats and potential species in an integrated manner with the involvement of local people in planning and management of the resources. So it is recommended to initiate the activities, such as inventory of useful species, habitat characteristics, identification of potential species for various economic uses and formulation and implementation of plan of actions taking consideration of the needs of people and sustainable management of the wetlands.

When questioned about the changing status of the existing plants, our respondents mentioned that the alien and invasive species are spreding very fast in the water bodies impacting on the growth of the native species. Some species, especially species of Nelumbo, Nymploides and Trapa are declined in abundance during the last decade. Siwakoti (2006) has also reported similar encroachment and spreading in the wetland sites of the Terai by alien and invasive species. Priority should be focused on the conservation of the valuable native species and their habitats with the integrated management measures.

Another interesting findings of the present study also revealed that knowledge related to the therapetic uses of plants were richly prevelent than other used categories (Table 2). The uses of plants for treatment of physical ailments are benificial and effective as claimed by both the practitioners and users. Enquiries in the studied areas also revealed a number of negative impacts such as abdominal pain, vomiting, suffocation and burning of stomach as a result of taking the plant or parts of the plant as drugs. However, screening of chemicals and pharmacological aspects of the medicinal plants is needed for the determination of effectiveness of the plants, Therefore, one of the strategies needs to emphasis is to implement the activities to conduct pharmacognostic and

Lyonia, Volume #, Pages [ # - # ], pharmacological studies of the useful species to ascertain their therapeutic properties. . Conclusion The present trend of uses of wetland plant diversity in the studied areas indicate that the uses of plants and traditional practices will continue to play a significant role in the socio-cultural life of these village communities. But the trend of decline of the abundance of some very useful native species, increase of unsustainable anthropogenic practices and enchrochment and spreading of invasive species show that action for conservation is urgently needed. Therefore, priority should be given to implement conservation activities with integrated approach for sustainable development. Acknowledgements We express our thanks to the inhabitants of the study areas who were willing to share with us the knowledge about their wetland plants. We would also like to thank Dr. John F. Edington, Former Director of Environment Studies, University of Wales, Cardiff, U.K., Dr. N. Ghandi, Harvard University Herbaria, USA, and Profs. P.K. Jha, R.P. Chaudhary and K. K. shrestha, Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal for constant encouragement. References Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation 1995. Biodiversity Assessment of Terai

Wetland.Biodiversity Profile Project Publication No.1., Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Nepal. IUCN Nepal 2004. A Review of the Status and Threats to Wetlands in Nepal, IUCN Nepal, Kathmandu. Joshi, A.R. and Edington, J.F. 1990. The uses of medicinal plants by two village communities in the Central Development Region of Nepal. Economic Botany, 44(1): 71-83. Joshi A.R. and Joshi, Kunjani 2005. Ethnobotany and Conservation of Plant Diversity in Nepal, RubRick, Kathmandu, Nepal. Joshi, A.R., Shrestha, S. L. and Joshi, Kunjani 2003. Environmental Management and Sustainable Development at the Crossroad, Ankus, Kathmandu, Nepal. Joshi, S.D., Chaudhary, R.P. and Shrestha, P. B. 2001. Wetlands of Kathmandu Valley: Inventory and management Strategy, Unpublished Report submitted to Ministry of Population and Environment, Kathmandu, Nepal. Shrestha, P. 1994. Wetland flora of Nepal. In: Bhandari, B., Shrestha, T. B. and McEschern, J., (eds.), Safeguarding Wetlands in Nepal, Proceedings of the National Workshop on Wetlands Management in Nepal, IUCN/Nepal. Siwakoti, M. 2006. An overview of floral diversity in wetlands of Terai region of Nepal. Our Nature 4 : 83-90.

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