Changing pattern of plant species utilization in relation to altitude and their relative prevalence in homegardens of Kumaun Himalaya, India

The aim of the present study was to analyse species utilization pattern and their relative prevalence in homegardens varying size altitude. Four sites were selected along an altitudinal gradient viz., very low (up 350 m), (350-700 mid (700-1500 m) high altitudes (above 2000 Kumaun Himalaya, India. At each altitude, categorized into three classes large 0.007 ha), medium (0.004-0.006 ha) small 0.003 ha). Maximum richness recorded sized homegarden at all except altitude where maximum observed homegardens. Across altitudes, plant (39) whereas minimum (24) Amaryllidaceae most important family followed by Oxalidaceae across altitudes. In case pattern, utilized as a medicine (44.23 %) vegetables (26.66 %), fodder (18.1 miscellaneous (15.97 spices (13.97 fruits (12.34 %). Among species, <i>A. cepa</i> (1380) <i>C. annuum</i> (1026) showed <i>S. cumini</i> (278) least prevalent species. gradient, (2341, 1330) (876, 0) for <i>M. indica</i>, respectively. Management practices conventional activity could show higher effect on composition improve food security conserving genetic diversity