Floristic diversity and Ethnobotany of Family Asteraceae of District Bhiwani (Haryana), India

The present paper deals with floristic diversityof plants belonging to family Asteraceae growing in districtBhiwani, Haryana, India. A sum of 36 species belonging to 26 genera of family Asteraceae was identified. Exploration was carried out in different seasons from 2014 to 2019. Local inhabitants were interviewed regarding ethnobotanical aspects of collected plants. Out of 36 species identified, 29 species have medicinal value used to treat various diseases and health issues. Ageratum conyzoides, Bidenspilosa, Ecliptaalba,ErigeroncanadensisandTridaxprocumbenshave pharmacological value. The generaBlumea, GnaphaliumandSonchuswere found dominating followed by Erigeron, Bidens, Ageratum and Launaea. Most of the species were seen in wild statebut few occurred as common crop weeds like Ageratum, Cichorium, and Cirsiumetc. while Glossocardia, Dicoma, Blainvillea etc. were found rarely and occurredmainly on hilly slopes. Partheniumhysterophorus was found to bethe strongest weed followed by Verbesina in the areas under investigation. Nearly all the memberswere herbaceous and grow abundantly throughout the year in the area studied.