Floristic Diversity and Ethno-botanical uses of Tree Species in the Campus of SKUAST-Jammu, India

Abstract

A comprehensive field survey was conducted from January 2023 to January 2024 to document the floristic diversity and ethno-botanical significance of tree species within the SKUAST-Jammu campus. A total of 58 tree species belonging to 26 families were recorded. Fabaceae (15 species, 25.9%) and Moraceae (5 species, 8.6%) were the most species-rich families. Ethnobotanical analysis revealed that 55.2% of species had medicinal uses, followed by timber (31.0%), ornamental (25.9%), and fuelwood (19.0%). Species such as Aegle marmelos, Terminalia arjuna, and Elaeocarpus sphaericus exhibited high cultural and religious significance. The campus represents an important repository of tree diversity with substantial ethnobotanical value, functioning as a living laboratory and conservation site. This inventory provides a baseline for future educational and conservation initiatives.