Role of multivariate approaches in floristic diversity of Manoor valley (Himalayan region) Pakistan

The main source of botanical information of a particular area is its floristic checklists. Floristic study of any given area helps to evaluate the plant wealth and its potential values. To assess floristic diversity of an unexplored remote valley (Manoor Valley), frequent field visits were arranged in different growing seasons during 2015 to 2018. The life form classes and leaf spectra of all plant species were determined and further classified according to the Raunkiaer classification. Plant species were identified and deposited to the Herbarium at Hazara University, Mansehra. The floristic diversity consisted of 354 plant species belonging to 93 families. Herbaceous was the most representative growth form, with 259 species, followed by shrubs with 52 species, trees with 42 species and parasitic plant with one species. Asteraceae was the leading family with 36 species, followed by Lamiaceae species. Furthermore, results indicated the dominancy of Therophytic plants and Nanophyllous and Microphyllous leaves. July marked the peak of flowering period and September the peak of fruiting period. This study provided the first insight of the floristic inventory in relation to multivariate approaches in this unexplored area. This regional novel launched list may serve as a vital resource for all future endeavors in the field of phytosociological, pharmacological and conservational studies of natural resources.