ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDIES OF CHATROO AREA OF DISTRICT KISHTWAR (NORTH WESTERN HIMALAYAS), JAMMU AND KASHMIR

The present research documents the ethnobotanical wealth of Chatroo, District Kishtwar, located in the northwestern Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. Extensive field surveys were carried out to document the indigenous knowledge of medicinal and economic plants. A total of 89 species belonging to 52 families were identified, including herbs, shrubs, trees, climbers, gymnosperms, and pteridophytes. These plants are used for diverse purposes such as treating digestive, respiratory, and excretory disorders, as well as in religious practices, food, fodder, and fuel. The study highlights the vital role of ethnobotany in rural and tribal communities and emphasizes the urgent need for conservation and sustainable utilization of this biodiversity.