Flora of Nepal



The flora of Nepal is one of the richest in the world due to the diverse climate, topology and geography of the country. Research undertaken in the late 1970s and early 1980s documented 5067 species of which 5041 were angiosperms and the remaining 26 species were gymnosperms. The Terai area has hardwood, bamboo, palm, and sal trees. Notable plants include the garden angelica, Luculia gratissima, Meconopsis villosa, and Persicaria affinis. However, according to ICOMOS checklist (as of 2006), in the protected sites, there are 2,532 species of vascular plants under 1,034 genera and 199 families. The variation in figures is attributed to inadequate floral coverage filed studies. Some of the plants contain medicinal values. It contains certain chemical which is used to heal wound by There are 400 species of vascular plants which are endemic to Nepal. Of these, two in particular are orchids Pleione coronaria and Oreorchis porphyranthes. The most popular endemic plant of Nepal is rhododendron (arboreum) which in Nepali language is called lali guras.

Human consumption
93% of human diet depend upon plants and remaining 7% of food rely on animals that directly or indirectly depends upon plants. Nepalese people consume plants according to the geographical structure of Nepal. Human consume seed, root, whole plants, flower as their food.

Seeds
Seeds consumed in Nepal usually are:
 * Wheat
 * Rice
 * Barley
 * Buckwheat
 * Oats
 * Maize
 * Chickpea
 * Pumpkin seed
 * Millet

Leaves
Leaves consumed in Nepal usually includes:


 * Cabbage
 * Spinach
 * Mustard leaves
 * Lettuce
 * Mint

Fruits
Fruits of Nepal usually includes:
 * Banana
 * Apple
 * Mango
 * Guava
 * Tomato

Roots
Some of the roots consumed as food in Nepal are:
 * Potato
 * Carrot
 * Turnip
 * Radish
 * Beetroot

Medical usage
Plants were the main source of therapy till the middle of the 19th century. More than 50% of world population depends on traditional medicine. There are between 1600 and 1900 plant species present in Nepal, and a large variety of them are frequently used in traditional medical practices. These plants are used for their medical benefits and have a profound cultural impact on the nation. The oldest repository that is known to record the medicinal plants used in the Himalayas is known as Rigveda (4500 BC and 1600 BC), which explained the medical usage of 67 plants. The Ayurveda (the foundation of science of life and the art of healing of Hindu culture) explain the therapeutic properties of 1200 plants.

Spices
Herbs and spices are food additives used to enhance taste, color, aroma and to preserve food. Most of the spices have health benefits and are used as traditional medicine. Following are the list of plants used as spices