January 2019 Vol.7 No.1

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Original Research Article

Floristic composition and indigenous uses of grass flora of western areas of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

Muzafar Iqbal¹, Shagufta Jabeen², Saima Jamil¹, Shamim Umer^3* Iqra Nawaz⁴, Ume Habiba¹ and Naila Manzoor⁵

¹Department of Botany, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
²Department of Botany, Govt Degree College for Women Ahmedpur East
³Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad
⁴Department of Botany, Govt Degree College for Women Yazman
⁵Department of Botany, Women University, Multan, Pakistan

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: shameeemnoor111@gmail.com

Accepted December 13, 2018

Abstract

Floristic composition and indigenous uses of grass flora in western areas of D.G.KHAN had been lacking. Therefore, the study was designed for identification of grass species, their life form, life tendency, abundance and indigenous uses of grass flora. Thirty six grass species belonged to 23 genera were identified. Result showed Aristida as being the most representative with 05 species (13.9%) followed in downward order by Cenchrus and Eragrostis with 04 species (11.11%) each and Panicum, Saccharum, Setaria and Tragus comprised of 02 species (5.6%) each. While the left over genera comprised of 01 species per genera collectively signifying 52.59% of family Poaceae. Therophyte was the most prolific life form comprised of 19 grass species (52.78%) followed by hemicryptophytes 14 species (38.89%), phanerophytes 02 species (5.56%) and chamaephyte 01 species (2.78%). Overall summary of grass flora showed 20 grass species (55.55%) as v.common, 09 species (25%) common and the only 07 grass species (19.45%) were categorized as rare. Life span of identified grass flora revealed 19 (52.78%) annual species and 16 (47.22%) perennial grass species. Furthermore, 31 grass species (86.11%) consumed as fodder for livestock, 5 grass species (13.89%) for roof thatching and 14 grass species (38.89%) were being utilized in curing various disorders such as fever, pain, skin and throat infections. This study will provide a valuable starting point for advance ecological and bio-prospective exploration of study area.

Keywords: Grass flora, floristic composition, life form, Indigenous uses