Plants fulfill the basic needs of human with materials for existence, which is medicinal, economic and fodder values [1]. From a region plant species is lost, the knowledge enclosed in and also destroyed slowly until become disappear forever [2]. In Pakistan, more than 10% of the flora is endangered [3]. The data is limited on the conservation status of indigenous plant species; however, there is a lot of argument in the presented information. In Pakistan 709 plants are reported as threatened and endangered [4]. Among them about 580 are flowering plants [5]. In contrast, more recently reports represent only 21 flowering plants that are threatened in Pakistan [6]. Conservation of a plant species are initially hot problem [2]. Due to over harvesting, medicinal plant population are become severally reduced [7-9]. In Pakistan, more than 10% endangered flora is present [3]. In this review efforts are made to document the conservation status of important medicinal plant G. wallichianum. At local level this plant is used G. wallichianum , is most threatened species and need special attention. Overexploitation of plant resources combined with improper harvesting and post harvesting techniques are increases pressure on this plant.

Geographical distribution

In Pakistan its distribution is Swat, Murree hills, Baluchistan, Hazara, Chitral, Dir, Gilgit, Shogran valley and Lowari top. While in world distribution is East Asia-Himalayas from Nepal, Afghanistan to Bhutan [10]. It’s very common in mountainous areas of Pakistan like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu Kashmir and Murree (Figure 1) [11].

Figure 1: Geograpical Distribution of Geranium wallichianum.

Occurrence

Commonly found in Forests, shrubberies and open slopes, 2400-3600 m [10]. It is found in moist damp places [12]. Indian Himalaya region the altitude range of G. wallichianum is 2500-4000 m [13]. In Azad Kashmir, its altitude range is 6000-8000 [12].

Taxonomy and morphology

Geranium wallichianum D. Don ex sweet usually named as “Shepherd’s needles” and locally as “Ratanjot” [14]. It’s commonly called Wallach cranes bill [15]. Its English name is Buxton's blue and in Tib it is known as Rus Jot [10]. It is also known as Sra zeal [16]. It is also called as mamekh [17]. It also known srazela [18]. It is also known as ratinloog and rattenjot [19].

Morphological and taxonomic features

Geranium wallichianum D. Don ex-sweet belongs to Family Geraniaceae. It comprises 5 genera and 750 species, it is worldwide in distribution but commonly in mild areas [15]. It comprises 4 genera and 26 native species in Pakistan [20]. There are two tribes in family i.e., Geraniaceae and Pelargonieae [21]. The length of plant is 45 cm or more. Stem ascending, adolescent and 1-4 ft. length. Leaves palmate partite, reniform, 5.5-7 cm wide, lamina pubescent-villous, 5-angled lobes rhomboid cuneate; stipules 0. 9-1.4 cm in length, pubescent to lightly villous, widelance late, sometimes apex 2-fid. Size of Petiole is 7 cm, at the base of lamina dense villous. Peduncles 18.5 cm long, 2-flowered, lance late, bracts 0.7-1.4 cm in length, appressed pubescentglandular, Size of Sepals is 10-12 mm long, glandular hairy, elliptic ovate, awn 1 mm long; base villous 1.4-2 cm long Petals [13]. It is a perennial herb, blue-colored flowers ranges from 3-8. 5 cm in diameter [22]. March to April is its flowering period [10]. It is observed that its flowering period is June to September [23]. It is reported that its flowering period is August-September [14].

Conservation status

G. wallichianum D. Don ex sweet is endemic to Pakistan [24]. In Kalam it is rare [25]. It is endangered in AJK [26]. In swat, it is rare [27]. It is rare in poonch valley [14]. In Dir Kohistan valley it is fall in most threatened species and need special attention [28]. It is near endemic in Nanda Devi [13].

Market value

G. wallichianum (Figure 2A) is commonly brought to the market as medicinal plant, from the mountain zone, mainly collected (2500-3100 m.) under Picea smithiana (Figure 2B) and Abies pindrow forest; a few species are collected from (sub-) alpine areas [29]. At altitude between 2,800-3,800 m, the vegetation is subalpine type represented by G. wallichianum. Mostly rhizome is sold at national and international market from 500-1000 Rs/kg (Figure 3) [30].

Figure 2: A: G. wallichianum B: Picea smithiana .

Figure 3: Supply routes from collection sites and other areas to local, national and international markets.

Ethanomedicinal uses

For primary health care 75-80% of the world’s population are used herbal medicines because of superior traditional adequacy, better compatibility with human body and minor side effects.

In Pakistan, this species is endemic. More than 75% population is reduced. Unsustainable assembly of the rhizome and over exploitation is its main threats. As medicinal plant, there must be bane on the unsustainable collection and over exploitation of this species. Owing to over harvesting and extreme use of this plant, it needs to be conserved before it is vanish [24]. This plant need to be preserved before they disappear because of excessive commercial harvest and local uses. The major factors which take part in plant diversity loss found are grazing of pasture, forest encroachment, soil-slope erosion, collection of medicinal plant, agro-system threats, poverty, forest fire and invasive species intensify the environment. Further research is needed in extensive field conservation. Climate variations are strongly influences the dispersal and richness of plant variety margins of equally in latitude and altitude [38,39]. Deforestation, illegal trade, habitat loss, invasive species, growing demand for natural resources, industrial pollution, and the lack of adequate training are major threats of this plant [40]. Through illicit means collection of this plant continues from the forest (Table 1) [41,42].

Table 1: Medicinal uses of Ethanomedicinal plants.

Conservation strategies39

The cultivation of G. wallichianum , ex-situ management is ignored in the past [43]. An ex-situ conservation effort was carried out by cultivating threatened and medicinally important plant species. G. wallichianum survived in the new habitat. Similar ex-Situ conservation effort was carried out by Ahmad [44]. An ex-situ conservation effort was made by cultivating medicinal plant G. wallichianum [17]. In 2002, an ex-situ conservation effort was made and plant is shifted from Swat to Tindodog for cultivation but it is failed [27]. The most effective route to conserve plants in their homeland and confirm use of plant resources sustainable, it is necessary to educate the people, give concept about sustainability and provide the chances for well settlement. In this way, the misuse of the native flora might be reduced. Excessive use of G. wallichianum and due to overgrazing plants gets threatened, endemic or vulnerable. Some steps are taken to reduce the negative effects of misuse and mismanagement of this plant like revolving greasing method introduced, cultivation increases, sustainable use, public awareness through media and stop illegal trade and don’t up root the plant. G. wallichianum is an important plant with respect to its ethnobotanical importance. It is reduced more than 75% population it is listed as endangered plant. Few of the problems that arise during various conservation activities include; poverty, lack of education and awareness, lack of marketing opportunity, heavy human and animal pressure on plant resources. Communities should be given exposure and awareness that they start working for the environment and all the plant biodiversity that needs to be protected. They can join institutions to support this purpose and play their role in conserving these massive endangered plant species. Furthermore, government should ensure provision and promotion of advanced facilities for research and study in different aspects of plant conservation and should also promote and arrange courses, conferences, lectures and training courses at different levels for those already engaged in this field as well as general public.

Several conservation studies and efforts are make to conserve it, but a more comprehensive and multiple-approach conservation policies are required to ensure its conservation. Indirect methods like callogenesis and somatic embryogenesis can be applied for production of plantlets helping in establishment of large scale plant nurseries [45-47]. Ali et al. established a protocol for synthetic seed production by using artificial coating material (sodium alginate) and complexing agent (calcium chloride) [48]. This synthetic seed technology can also be very helpful for medicinal plants such as G. wallichianum species. These seeds can be stored and viable for comparatively longer period if provided suitable conditions. Germination of seeds can be enhanced by treating seeds with exogenous hormone like chemicals dissolved in water [49].

Long term monitoring programs and propagation studies may prove fruitful in conserving such critically endemic species. There recommendations are suggested for further research in future are biodiversity conservation awareness and information must be provided by people, anthropogenic activities should be avoided, for plant conservation protected area should be formed and afforestation plan should be introduced. Efforts must be made to ensure public participation in conservation programs and awareness through training or utilization of mass media coupled with permanent monitoring programs. Permanent monitoring programs should be developed and conservation strategies should be planned to maintain threatened species [50-53].

G. wallichianum is an important plant with respect to its ethno botanical importance. It is reduced more than 75% population it is listed as endangered plant. Number of factors is present for declining of their population. The plant is used to cure a wide range of disorders from simple toothache to complex illnesses of blood pressure and diabetes. Although the plant is recorded as endemic, due to insufficient information, there is no organization strategy for conservation of this plant. So, this plant need to conserve by long term monitoring, reducing man made pressure on plant resources, proper documentation is best method for its conservation. Proper conservation also demands of extinction actions and education about the significance of plants as well as planned cultivation initiatives.