Here is a comprehensive list of endemic plant species of Jammu & Kashmir, along with their uses and important points (for exams like JKSSB, UPSC, etc.):
🌿 Endemic Plant Species of Jammu & Kashmir (with Uses & Notes)
| Plant Name | Scientific Name | Uses | Important Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuth / Costus | Saussurea costus | Used in Ayurvedic & Unani medicine, treats respiratory & digestive issues | Endemic to Kashmir Himalayas; critically endangered; also used in perfumes & cosmetics |
| Trilokchanda | Arnebia benthamii | Used for skin diseases, coloring agent (natural dye) | Endemic to high-altitude areas of Kashmir Himalayas |
| Kashmir Geranium | Geranium wallichianum | Used in traditional medicine for wounds, fever, and diarrhea | Found in subalpine meadows of Kashmir |
| Himalayan Blue Poppy | Meconopsis aculeata | Pain relief, anti-inflammatory (used in local medicine) | Rare and endemic to Kashmir; protected species |
| Himalayan May Apple | Podophyllum hexandrum | Used in anti-cancer and antiviral drugs | Found in Kashmir Himalayas; Endangered; source of podophyllotoxin |
| Aconite / Monkshood | Aconitum chasmanthum | Used after detoxification for nerve pain, fever | Highly toxic; needs careful processing before use |
| Kashmir Iris | Iris kashmiriana | Used as ornamental plant, perfumes, and traditional medicine | Grows in grasslands of Kashmir; considered sacred in some cultures |
| Bergenia | Bergenia ciliata | Used in kidney stones and urinary tract infections | Common in forest slopes and valleys |
| Rheum emodi (Himalayan Rhubarb) | Rheum emodi | Purgative, used in constipation, liver problems | Endemic to Himalayan region; threatened species |
| Ephedra gerardiana | Ephedra gerardiana | Source of ephedrine, used in asthma, bronchitis | Found in Ladakh and cold desert regions |
📌 Important Points for Exams (JKSSB / UPSC / ACF etc.)
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Saussurea costus (Kuth) is critically endangered and listed in Appendix I of CITES.
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Many endemic species are found in subalpine and alpine zones (e.g., 2,500–4,000 meters).
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The Indian Himalayan Region is one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
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Himalayan Rhubarb is included in the IUCN Red List due to overharvesting.
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Traditional knowledge (Ayurveda, Unani) plays a major role in the usage of these endemic plants.
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Overgrazing, habitat loss, and climate change are the major threats to endemic flora in J&K.
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The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 protects endemic and endangered species.
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Kanwal (Saussurea spp.) species are found only in high-altitude glacial regions of Kashmir and Ladakh.
📝 MCQ Practice (for quick revision)
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Which plant is endemic to Kashmir and used in the treatment of respiratory diseases?
a) Bergenia
b) Saussurea costus ✅
c) Neem
d) Ephedra -
Which of the following endemic plants is a source of anti-cancer compound podophyllotoxin?
a) Aconitum
b) Rheum emodi
c) Podophyllum hexandrum ✅
d) Geranium wallichianum -
'Kuth' plant is categorized under which IUCN status?
a) Vulnerable
b) Critically Endangered ✅
c) Least Concern
d) Data Deficient -
Which act provides legal protection to endemic species in India?
a) Forest Act 1927
b) Wildlife Protection Act 1972
c) Biological Diversity Act 2002 ✅
d) Environmental Protection Act 1986