Floristic Diversity

VASCULAR PLANTS

Although the Flora of RNP is not yet documented or published, it has been estimated that the park may comprise 1070 species of vascular plants (BPP 1995, Bhuju et al. 2007). The pteridophytes (fern and fern alliles) are also not reported from this area.

ENDEMIC PLANTS

So far, 16 species of endemic flowering plants have been reported from RNP (Shrestha & Joshi, 1996). The endemic species of flowering plants in and around RNP  are: Cirsium flavisquatum Kitam. (Asteraceae), Impatiens williamsii H. Hara (Balsaminaceae), Berberis hamiltoniana Ahrendt (Berberida-ceae), Diplotaxis nepalensis H. Hara (Brassicaceae), Stellaria congestiflora H. Hara (Caryophyllaceae), Oxytropis arenae-ripariae Vass. (Fabaceae), Meconopsis regia G. Taylor (Papaveraceae), Duthiea nepalensis Bor, Elymus nepalensis (Melderis) Melderis (Poaceae), Primula poluninii Fletcher (Primulaceae), Aconitum amplexicaule Lauener, Clematis phlebantha L.H.J. Willams, Delphinium himalayai Munz (Ranunculaceae), Cotoneaster virgatus Klotz (Rosaceae), Saxifraga hypostoma H. Smith (Saxifragaceae), and Roscoea nepalensis Cowley (Zingiberaceae).

FOREST PRODUCTS

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)

Guchi Chyau (Morchella conica), Jatamasi (Nardostachys grandiflora), Satuwa (Paris polyphylla), Chiraito (Swertia chirayita), Panchaaunle (Dactylorhiza hatagirea), Atis (Aconitum heterophyllum), Padamchal (Rheum australe), and Pakhanbed (Bergenia ciliata) are the important medicial herbs of RNPBZ. The harvested herbs are collected in Nepalgunj and exported to India.
Other NTFPs available in RNP and BZ area include Sugandhawal (Valeriana wallichii), Kankarsigi (Pistacia chinensis), Chyau (edible mushrooms), Kutkijara (Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora), Khoto (resin of Pinus wallichiana), and Dhupipat (leaves of Juniperus spp.). Yarsa gumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), one of the most costliest NTFPs, occur in the pastureland or patans of northern part of Mugu district such as Rimar, Thulokokhi, Sano Kokhi, Chhapakhola, Dolphu, and Mugu. However, collection of Yarsa gumba from the Park and BZ is not yet reported (DNPWC 2010).
Above 108,500 kg of various types of herbs, including expensive Morchella (Gucchi chyau) were exported annually in the early to mid 1990s paying revenue to the government of Nepal from Mugu and Jumla districts (DNPWC 2010). This had added about Rs 2 million for government as revenue. Herbs production is declining because of over harvesting. Local people receives nominal benefit whereas middleman enjoy handsome money from the marketing of herbs from this area. Exploration of the market and local value addition is important for increasing the income of the people from NTFPs.