Plant Science Research, Vol. 37, 2015

Ethno-medicinal uses of some threatened medicinal plant species of Mahanadi Wildlife Division, Boudh-Nayagarh district, Odisha, India

Mahanadi Wildlife Division in Odisha harbours diversified vegetation mostly belonging to tropical moist deciduous forests and rich flora including a number of important and threatened medicinal plants. Due to habitat destruction and overexploitation, the wild populations of several medicinal plant species have declined considerably in recent years. In the present communication, firsthand information collected from local inhabitants on ethno-medicinal uses of 18 prioritized threatened medicinal plants of Odisha like Rauvolfia serpentina, Mesua ferrea, Oroxylum indicum, Gardenia gummifera, Gloriosa superba etc. have been provided. Needs for periodic threat assessment and strategy for conservation of these important species including reintroduction in natural habitats have been emphasized.