Ethnobotanical perspective on medicinal plant utilization and assessment of floristic diversity in Duskhel valley DIR lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study explores the floristic and ethnobotanical diversity of Bagh Valley, highlighting the significance of local plant species in traditional medicine. Over two years (2019-2020), we documented 88 plant species from 44 families, with 29 trees, 48 herbs, and 11 shrubs. Notably, most of these plants are wild and freely available, yet play a vital role in treating various ailments, including cough, malaria, kidney disease, and diabetes, among others.Our research reveals that local communities rely heavily on these plants, utilizing different parts, such as leaves (14.77%), fruits (21.59%), seeds (5.68%), and whole plants (20.45%), to harness their medicinal properties. Key medicinal plants include _Myrtus communis_, _Carolluma tuberculata_, _Justicia adhatoda L_, _Olea ferrugina Royle_, and _Ocimum bascillicum_. This study underscores the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and promoting sustainable use of these valuable plant resources.