Diversity, distribution pattern and traditional knowledge of sacred plants in Indian Himalayan region

Present study deals with the diversity, distribution and traditional knowledge of sacred plants of the Indian Himalayan Region. A total of 155 species belonging to 70 families and 125 genera have been recorded. Of these 59 species are trees, 30 species are shrubs and 66 species are herbs. Along an altitudinal gradient maximum number of sacred plants (i.e., 118) are distributed in the zone <1800 m; 33 species are native, one species, i.e., Pleurospermum densiflorum is endemic and 14 species are near endemic. Fifteen species have been categorized as Critically Endangered (5 spp.), Endangered (4 spp.), Vulnerable (3 spp.), Low Risk- Near Threatened (2 spp.), and Low Risk- Least Concern (1 sp.). Traditionally, various parts of the plants such as whole plants (78 spp.), flowers (27 spp.), leaves (19 spp.), seeds (8 spp.), roots/rhizomes (11 spp.), stems (7 spp.), wood (6 spp.), fibres (2 spp.), and inflorescence and twig (1 sp.) are used in different religious ceremonies and social rites. Development of an appropriate strategy for the conservation and sustainable utilization of sacred plants is suggested.