Status and Ethnobotanical Uses of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. in Hariyali Community Forest, Kapilvastu

Abstract

Pterocarpus marsupium, Roxb., locally known as Bijaysal, is a medium to a large-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 33 m height. Confined to an altitude of 100-500 m is naturally distributed at the foothills of Siwalik. The study was carried out in the Hariyali community forest, Kapilvastu. The field data were collected from the study area through direct field observation, household survey, key informant interview, and focus group discussion whereas secondary data were collected from relevant published and unpublished materials. Out of 116 individuals found in the study area, 4 were trees, 79 were poles and 33 were saplings. The species were mostly distributed in North, North East, and North West aspects, within elevation from 97-139 m elevation, flat and undulating slope mainly in Calcaricphaeozems soil order. Generally, local people were using the species for fodder, firewood, medicines, dyes, timbers, utensils, agricultural tools, etc. Cutting for fodder was the main human-induced threat followed by grazing, fire, medicinal use, and illegal felling. The major natural threat for the species was low germination and slow growth rate thus awareness for plantation, protection, conservation, proper utilization, and management of Bijaysal were mandatory for the long term to benefit from this valuable species.