Plants biodiversity utilisation in Bardarash, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Abstract

Abstract Plants have been used as medicine by humans from the beginning of recorded history. WHO reports that between 65% and 80% of the population in developing nations uses only natural remedies. It should be noted that the research area was selected due to the rich traditional knowledge of its people and the wide range of flora and fauna found there. The goal of these studies is to strengthen local knowledge by compiling a list of valuable plants for traditional medicine. Expert sampling method was utilised in the study with aid of an in-depth interview guide. Fourty two informants were interviewed from the period of September 2021-June 2022. Dominance of men were observed in the study 73.8 %. Age range of 56-65 dominated the study with 38.1%. The current study uncovered 42 plants from 24: Laminaceae (19.2%), Composite (12.8%), Brassica (6.4%), and Leguminosae (6.4%) and the remaining families each (2.1 %). Leaves and fruits are the most frequent used part of the plant at 24.5 % respectively. For the first time, the ethno botanical application of plant species from Bardarash was documented. Illegal collection, trading, and marketing have jeopardized the quantity and distribution of some high-value medicinal plants. The significance of preserving floral diversity is essential.