Saussurea lappa

The Saussurea lappa is a tall, robust perennial Herb; leaves simple, large pubescent, heart shaped, radical leaves with long petiole while cauline leaves are short stalk or half stem clasping. Inflorescence, capitulum or flowering head. Each capitulum surrounded by involucral bracts. Flowering heads are born in the top of the stem. Fruits, achene's. The roots have a pungent taste and a characteristic fragrant aromatic odour.

The species grow on moist, open slopes between the altitude of 2,600 to 3,600m, surrounding the valleys at the upper limits of tree growth. Its seedlings seem to prefer steep slopes with rich porous soil and a cool humid climate, but low rainfall. The genus Saussurea has many endemic species in Hindukush, Himalayan region. The species is mainly confined to Kashmir. In the Northern Areas it is confined to Astore and Minimerg forest ranges. The most important locations where these species grow wild include Kalapani, Kamari and Thanknala, Mapno and Kilshai where this species is found growing in betula forests on hill slopes. 2438-3657 meters in Himalayas. In Pakistan this species is found in Kaghan and Azad Kashmir.

Roots is tonic, stomachic, stimulant, carminative, used for asthama, diuretic, antiseptic, cough, cholera, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic and also used to insecticide, pesticide. The roots are highly aromatic used in perfumeries. Roots are used for skin diseases.

Locally it is used against the heart diseases of cattle and for toothache. The powdered roots are sprinkled over crops as insecticides. Externally the roots are used as an ointment or powder for the treatment of maggot-infested wound.