ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF PARIS POLYPHYLLA SM.

Abstract

Paris polyphylla Sm. (Satuwa) one of the medicinal plants listed as vulnerable under IUCN threat category was studied in midhills of Nepal with the objective to document its ecological information. The present study was undertaken to document the ecological status, distribution pattern and reproductive biology. The study was done in Ghandruk Village Development Committee. Five transects were laid out at 20-50m distance and six quadrats of 1m x 1m was laid out at an interval of 5m. Plant's density, coverage, associated species, litter coverage and thickness were noted. Soil test, seed's measurement, output, viability and germination, dry biomass of rhizome were also studied. The average population density of the plant in study area was found to be low (1.78 ind./m²). The plant was found growing in moist soil with high nutrient content. No commercial collection is done in the study area but the collection for domestic use was found to be done in an unsustainable manner. Seed viability was found low and the seeds did not germinate in laboratory conditions even under different chemical treatments. The plant was found to reproduce mainly by vegetative propagation in the field. There seems to be a need for raising awareness among the local people about the sustainable use of the rhizome and its cultivation practice for the conservation of this plant.

Key words: Ghandruk; Viability; Germination; Rhizome; Sustainable.

DOI: 10.3126/eco.v17i0.4121

Ecoprint
An International Journal of Ecology
Vol. 17, 2010
Page: 87-93
Uploaded date: 4 January, 2011