Floristic composition and indigenous uses of grass flora of western areas of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

Floristic composition and indigenous uses of grass flora in western areas of D.G.KHAN had been lacking. Therefore, the study was designed for identification of grass species, their life form, life tendency, abundance and indigenous uses of grass flora. Thirty six grass species belonged to 23 genera were identified. Result showed Aristida as being the most representative with 05 species (13.9%) followed in downward order by Cenchrus and Eragrostis with 04 species (11.11%) each and Panicum, Saccharum, Setaria and Tragus comprised of 02 species (5.6%) each. While the left over genera comprised of 01 species per genera collectively signifying 52.59% of family Poaceae. Therophyte was the most prolific life form comprised of 19 grass species (52.78%) followed by hemicryptophytes 14 species (38.89%), phanerophytes 02 species (5.56%) and  chamaephyte 01 species (2.78%). Overall summary of grass flora showed 20 grass species (55.55%) as v.common, 09 species (25%) common and the only 07 grass species (19.45%) were categorized as rare. Life span of identified grass flora revealed 19 (52.78%) annual species and 16 (47.22%) perennial grass species. Furthermore, 31 grass species (86.11%) consumed as fodder for livestock, 5 grass species (13.89%) for roof thatching and 14 grass species (38.89%) were being utilized in curing various disorders such as fever, pain, skin and throat infections. This study will provide a valuable starting point for advance ecological and bio-prospective exploration of study area.