Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol.16 (4), October 2017, pp. 626-637
Ethnobotanical appraisal on wild edible plants used by the Monpa community of Arunachal Pradesh
Jambey Tsering1,2, BJ Gogoi3, Pallabi K Hui4, N Tam5 & Hui Tag1* 1Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh- 791 112, Arunachal Pradesh, India; 2Orchid Research Centre, Tipi, Bhalukpong- 790 114, Arunachal Pradesh, India; 3Defence Research Laboratory, Post Bag No.2, Tezpur- 784001, Assam, India; 4National Institute of Technology, District Papum Pare, Yupia- 791 112, Arunachal Pradesh, India; 5State Forest Research Institute, Van Vihar, P B No-159, Itanagar- 791 111, Arunachal Pradesh, India E-mail: [email protected] Received 16 August 2016, revised 15 September 2016
The present study based on ethnobotanical exploration deals with such aspects as documentation of traditional uses, diversity, distribution, threat status and marketing potentialities of wild edible plants consumed by the Monpa community of Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 187 wild edible species belonging to 137 genera of 76 families were documented, of which almost 82.88 % were recorded from subtropical to temperate region, 11.23 % from tropical areas and 5.88 % of the alpine meadows. Rosaceae (19 species) was the most dominant family distributed in high Montane slopes and temperate to sub-tropical forests of Tawang and West Kameng districts. Among genera, Berberis and Rubus were the most widely consumed genera with 06 species each. Fruits (77 species) happen to be the most common edible plant organ getting consumed mostly raw (81.81 %) whereas leaves and shoots are mostly cooked. As many as 48 wild edible species were found to be extensively exploited by the local residents from wild habitat for food, medicines, rituals, traditional paper making, firewood and construction work. Thirty-two species were found to have local market value and 08 species were identified to be facing high degree of threat in the study area. Twenty two plants are reporting for the first time as edible and many other plant uses are novel.
Keywords: Wild edible plants, Monpa community, Arunachal Pradesh
IPC Int. Cl.8: A61K 36/00, A47G 19/26, A47J 39/02
Arunachal Himalaya is a part of the East Himalayan variety of wild plants in their diet as food, including biodiversity hotspot where hundreds of wild plants are vegetable, beverage, spice and oil. The Monpas are well collected daily by the native people and consumed versed with native flora and have developed various along with staple crops1. Arunachal Himalaya is innovative practices on wild plant utilization6. Pertinent particularly rich in biodiversity due to prevalence of literature being inadequate and preliminary, the present varied physiographical, climatic and ecological zones. study seeks to appraise ethnobotanical uses and the The Arunachal Himalayan region is the hub of wild diversity of wild edible plants consumed by the Monpa food and medicinal plants. The region is rich in both community of Arunachal Pradesh. the biodiversity as well as the traditional knowledge associated with it. It is the home of 26 major and Study area 110 minor tribes, making it world’s largest abode of The study was conducted in Tawang and West variety of ethnic tribal groups2-3. The Monpa is one such Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh (India) which major tribal groups found in Tawang and West Kameng represents 11.35 % of the total geographical area of districts of Arunachal Pradesh with a population of the state (83,743 km2). Study site is located between approximately 1 lac as per the 2011 Census4. The 26°55' to 27°52′ N latitudes and between 91°32′ to Monpas are good agriculturists and practice both 92°55' to E longitudes (Fig. 1) covering an area of shifting and settled farming systems. They also practice 9,507 km2 with elevations ranging from 200 m in the animal rearing, particularly sheep and yak (locally called foothill region, which gradually ascends to about as Brokpa) for living5. Besides these, the Monpas use a 7,750 m in the upper northern region. The entire ______region is steep mountainous terrain bounded by two *Corresponding author international borders, China (Tibet) in the North and TSERING et al.: WILD EDIBLE PLANTS USED BY THE MONPA COMMUNITY OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 627
Bhutan in the West. The vegetation can be broadly classified into 6 types: tropical semi-evergreen forest (300–800 m), sub-tropical broad-leaved forest (800–1800), pine forest (1200–2400 m), temperate broad-leaved forest (1800–2800 m), temperate coniferous forest (2800–3500 m) and alpine forest (above 3500 m)7. The overall climatic condition of the study area is moderate and pleasant during the summer and extreme chill and biting cold are experienced during the winter. At altitude above 2500 m, chilling cold climate starts from early November and continues up to late February during which no agricultural crops are grown. Five major tribal communities inhibit the study area (the Monpa, Sherdukpen, Sajolang, Hrusso and Bugun). Among these tribes, the Monpa is the largest community in 5,8 terms of population and area of inhabitance . Fig. 1Location of study area Materials and methods Regular field trips in different rural areas of Tawang collected from wild habitats linked with the Monpa and West Kameng districts were conducted during the community of Arunachal Pradesh (Table 1). The list years 2010–2015 to investigate the ethnobotany of wild of species includes 78 species of herbs, 48 species of edible plants following the methods suggested by trees, 47 species of shrubs, 12 species of climbers and Martin9 and Stepp10. A total of 240 informants of 2 species of fungi (Auricularia auricula-judae and different age groups were interviewed during field Ophiocordyceps sinensis). These two edible fungi exploration in 96 villages and visits to 140 forest sites. species were included in our study due to their high The local markets were also visited to draw food values market and cultural values. Rosaceae with 19 species of wild plants. The key informants during the study was the most dominant family getting consumed in were the farmers, village heads, herders and traditional high mountain slopes and in temperate to sub-tropical hunters. Semi-structured questionnaire set was used to forests. Some other dominant families were record the abundance and harvesting frequency of wild Asteraceae, Berberidaceae and Urticaceae (8 sp edible plants. Observance of abundance was measured p. each), Polygonaceae (7 spp.), Brassicaceae and at 05 levels (DAFOR scale), i.e., dominant, abundant, Rutaceae (6 spp. each), Ericaceae and Lamiaceae frequent, occasional and rare11, whereas, harvesting (5 spp. each). Berberis and Rubus represented the two frequency was identified at 03 levels (frequent, largest genera with 06 species each. Almost 83 % of moderate and rare). The natural habitat of each species wild edible plants were traced from areas of was visited and one or two voucher specimens were subtropical (800–1800 m) to temperate forests collected for Herbarium preservation following the (1800–3500 m) and nearly 11 % of wild edible plants method of Maden12. The plants were identified with the were of tropical origin (300–800 m). At the altitude help of specialists, relevant taxonomic literatures and above 3500 m, which forms subalpine to alpine e-flora websites. The plants were authenticated at the forests, only 06 % of wild edible plants received Botanical Survey of India (ARUN), Itanagar and support out of a total 187 species. Among different deposited at Plant Systematic and Pharmacognosy plant parts used, fruit-diversity consumed was the Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, Rajiv highest with 77 species (41.18 %). Leaves, shoots and Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. flowers of a good number of species were also recorded as edible. Stems, seeds, roots, tubers, nuts Results and barks were rarely reported as edible. Majority of fruits were raw edible (63 spp.). Leaves and shoots Diversity of wild edible plants were mostly cooked for consumption. In case of A total of 187 edible species belonging to 137 flowers, approximately 50 % species were seen to be genera of 76 families have been identified which were eaten raw and 50 % cooked (Fig. 2). 628 INDIAN J TRADIT KNOWLE, VOL. 16, No. 4, OCTOBER 2017
Table 1 Current status and traditional uses of wild edible plants used by the Monpa community
S No Botanical name & family Local name; Family Elevation OA HF Traditional uses Vchr. Spm. No. (m) 1 Acer campbellii Hook.f. & Shoblela (T) Sapindaceae 2000-2400 A Fermented tender leaves used as tea Thomson ex Hiern** JT/HT/047/2011 beverage (butter tea) 2 Achyranthes aspera L. – Amaranthaceae 2300 F Tender leaves used as ingredient in JT/HT/380/2012 curries 3 Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Marsang (W) Asteraceae 1600 F Young shoots eaten boiled, mostly Jansen JT/HT/277/2012 preferred to gastritis patient 4 Actinidia callosa Lindl. Thum-mrep (T) Actinidiaceae 2400-3000 F Fruits edible JT/HT/066/2011 5 Allium cepa L. Tschong (T) Amaryllidaceae 4400 R Bulb eaten cooked JT/HT/435/2013 6 Allium hookeri Thwaites Maan (T) Amaryllidaceae 2050 O Whole plant eaten raw as salad or JT/HT/439/2013 cooked 7 Alnus nepalensis D. Don** Mhu-sheng (T) Betulaceae 1800-2600 D Fermented tender leaves used as tea JT/HT/011/2011 beverage 8 Amaranthus spinosus L. Khutuka (H) Amaranthaceae 1200-1600 O Tender shoots used as vegetable JT/HT/355/2012 9 Amaranthus viridis L. Fara (T) Amaranthaceae 1300-1600 F Tender shoots used as vegetable JT/HT/077/2011 10 Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Khoebi (H) Araceae 800-900 O Tender leaves used as ingredient in (Dennst.) Nicolson JT/HT/357/2012 curries 11 Ardisia macrocarpa Wall. – Primulaceae 2100-2400 F Berries eaten raw JT/HT/110/2011 12 Arisaema concinnum Wange (T) Araceae 2100-2400 F Leached (boil) tubers serve as food Schott JT/HT/045/2011 13 Asparagus racemosus Ngalangma (T) Asparagaceae 1400-1600 O Fermented leaf used as tea beverage Willd.* JT/HT/418/2013 14 Aspidocarya uvifera Hook.f. – Menispermaceae 1000-1100 O Ripen fruits edible & Thomson JT/HT/160/2012 15 Auricularia auricula-judae Morddu (T) Auriculariaceae 3600-4100 O Mycelium used as vegetable (Bull.) J.Schrot. JT/HT/383/2012 16 Averrhoa carambola L. – Oxalidaceae 900-1000 O Fruits edible JT/HT/188/2012 17 Bauhinia variegata L. – Fabaceae 1000-1500 O Tender leaves and flowers eaten JT/HT/205/2012 cooked 18 Berberis angulosa Wall. Lae-kanchan (T) Berberidaceae 3600-3800 F Tender twigs and flowers eaten raw ex Hook.f. & Thomson* JT/HT/196/2012 19 Berberis aristata DC.* Kanchan (T) Berberidaceae 1900 F Flowers and tender twigs raw edible JT/HT/384/2012 20 Berberis asiatica Roxb. Kanchan (T) Berberidaceae 2100 F Flowers and berries eaten raw ex DC.* JT/HT/164/2012 21 Berberis chitria Buch.-Ham. Kanchan (T) Berberidaceae 2800 F Ripen berries are raw edible ex Lindl. JT/HT/165/2012 22 Berberis insignis Hook.f. & Kanchan (T) Berberidaceae 2000-2200 F Tender shoots eaten raw Thomson** JT/HT/166/2012 23 Berberis macrosepala Kanchan (T) Berberidaceae 2400-2500 F Flowers raw edible Hook.f. & Thomson ** JT/HT/167/2012 24 Betula cylindrostachya Lindl. Kokla (T) Betulaceae 2600-3200 O Potable water can be extracted from ex Wall.* JT/HT/064/2011 trunk 25 Bidens pilosa L. Rhobashing (W) Asteraceae 1800-2000 A Tender shoots eaten boiled JT/HT/499/2014 26 Bombax ceiba L. Pemagesar (B) Malvaceae 600 F Young petals cooked as vegetable JT/HT/417/2013 27 Calamus tenuis Roxb. Sha (H) Arecaceae 900 F Tender stem cooked as vegetable JT/HT/360/2012 28 Cannabis sativa L. Nam-khuye (T) Cannabaceae 1600-2500 A Seeds raw edible JT/HT/139/2011 29 Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Sog-karpu (B) Brassicaceae 2500-2900 F Whole plant is raw edible Medik. JT/HT/177/2012
(Contd.) TSERING et al.: WILD EDIBLE PLANTS USED BY THE MONPA COMMUNITY OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 629
Table 1 Current status and traditional uses of wild edible plants used by the Monpa community (Contd.)
Botanical name & family Local name; Family Elevation OA HF Traditional uses
Vchr. Spm. No. (m)
30 Cardamine hirsuta L. – Brassicaceae 1900-2500 A Leaves eaten raw or cooked JT/HT/178/2012 31 Cardamine macrophylla Wang-hru (T) Brassicaceae 3500 -4000 R Tender shoots and leaves cooked as Willd. JT/HT/058/2012 vegetable 32 Castanopsis indica Khe-shing (W) Fagaceae 1200 O Nuts edible (Roxb. ex Lindl.) A.DC. JT/HT/256/2012 33 Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Tselagorgor (S) Apiaceae 2000-2200 O Leaves eaten as salad or curries JT/HT/098/2011 34 Chenopodium album L. Blamon (T) Amaranthaceae 1800-2400 F Tender shoots eaten raw or cooked JT/HT/023/2011 35 Chlorophytum nepalense Taaprong (T) Asparagaceae 1700-2500 O Young leaves eaten boiled (Lindl.) Baker JT/HT/014/2011 36 Cinnamomum tamala (Buc h.- Shing-tsa (T) Lauraceae 1900-2100 O Bark used as condiment Ham.) T.Nees & Eberm. JT/HT/144/2012 37 Cirsium verutum (D.Don) Brongzom (T) Asteraceae 2200-3100 F Inflorescence edible and chewed Spreng.* JT/HT/090/2011 during severe stomachache 38 Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Chulukzapa (W) Rutaceae 2100 R Fruits are raw edible Swingle JT/HT/350/2012 39 Clausena excavata Burm.f. Hrila-sheng (T) Rutaceae 1500 O Ripen fruits are edible JT/HT/084/2011 40 Clerodendrum glandulosum Shingebum (Sa) Lamiaceae 1200-1700 O Leaves eaten as vegetable Lindl. JT/HT/257/2012 41 Colocasia esculenta (L.) Ngaglin (T,W) Araceae 1700-3100 D Whole part of the plant consumed Schott JT/HT/076/2011 cooked 42 Coriaria nepalensis Wall. Wamdong (T) Coriariaceae 1600-1900 F Fruits edible, excess eating may cause JT/HT/025/2011 dizziness 43 Cornus capitata Wall. Namet (T) Cornaceae 2000- 2500 F Ripen fruits edible JT/HT/035/2011 44 Crassocephalum crepidioides Tamkahru, Asteraceae 1800- 2000 F Fleshy leaves and tender stems eaten (Benth.) S.Moore Chopogon (T) cooked JT/HT/028/2011 45 Cymbidium hookerianum – Orchidaceae 4300 R Flowers cooked as vegetable Rchb.f. JT/HT/106/2011 46 Cynoglossum lanceolatum Sancharik (S) Boraginaceae 2000-2500 A Leaves eaten raw or cooked. Roots Forssk.* JT/HT/008/2011 chewed as mouth freshener 47 Daphne papyracea Wall. Shugu-sheng (T) Thymelaeaceae 2500-2800 A Ripen fruits edible. Bark used for ex G. Don** JT/HT/089/2011 making paper 48 Debregeasia longifolia Yangyangpa (T) Urticaceae 2000-2500 A Ripen fruits edible (Burm.f.) Wedd. JT/HT/038/2011 49 Decaisnea insignis (Griff.) – Lardizabalaceae 1800-2000 O Fruits raw edible Hook.f. & Thomson JT/HT/171/2012 50 Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Schee (S) Poaceae 500-600 F Young shoots fermented and made Nees & Arn. ex Munro JT/HT/359/2012 into vegetable, condiment or pickles 51 Dillenia indica L. – Dilleniaceae 600 O Fruit pulp edible, used as ingredient in JT/HT/155/2012 curries and pickles 52 Dillenia scabrella (D.Don) – Dilleniaceae 350-400 O Fruits raw edible Roxb. ex Wall. JT/HT/156/2012 53 Dioscorea alata L. Sumchen (W) Dioscoreaceae 1600-1800 O Tubers used as food, consumed either JT/HT/397/2012 roasted or cooked 54 Dioscorea bulbifera L. Peng-khe (T) Dioscoreaceae 1200-1400 O Tubers used as food JT/HT/385/2012 55 Dioscorea deltoidea Wall. Peng-khe (T) Dioscoreaceae 2300 F Tubers used as food ex Griseb. JT/HT/398/2012 56 Diospyros malabarica Ambre (T) Ebenaceae 1600-2000 O Fruits edible (Desr.) Kostel. JT/HT/086/2011 57 Diplazium esculentum Kukuling (T) Athyriaceae 300-3700 A Young frond used as vegetable (Retz.) Sw. JT/HT/043/2011 58 Diploknema butyracea Finsheng (T) Sapotaceae 1400-1600 R Ripen fruits edible. Seed oil used in (Roxb.) H.J.Lam JT/HT/033/2011 cooking (Contd.) 630 INDIAN J TRADIT KNOWLE, VOL. 16, No. 4, OCTOBER 2017
Table 1 Current status and traditional uses of wild edible plants used by the Monpa community(Contd.)
Botanical name & family Local name; Family Elevation OA HF Traditional uses
Vchr. Spm. No. (m)
59 Docynia indica (Wall.) Losu (W) Rosaceae 2100 O Fruits edible Decne. JT/HT/207/2012 60 Drynaria propinqua So (T) Polypodiaceae 2000-2800 D Fleshy rhizome is edible (Wall. ex Mett.) Bedd.** JT/HT/068/2011 61 Elaeagnus parvifolia Gyam-mrep (T) Elaeagnaceae 2700-2900 F Ripen fruits edible Wall. ex Royle** JT/HT/326/2012 62 Elaeagnus umbellata Da-mrep (T) Elaeagnaceae 2000-2700 D Ripen fruits edible Thunb. JT/HT/010/2011 63 Elatostema cuneatum Wight Chulukpa (T) Urticaceae 1600 A Tender leaves consumed as vegetable JT/HT/386/2012 after proper leaching 64 Elatostema laetevirens – Urticaceae 1700-2000 A Tender leaves cooked as vegetable Makino JT/HT/046/2011 65 Elatostema lineolatum Dambe-hru (T) Urticaceae 1700-2000 A Tender shoots and leaves used as Wight JT/HT/044/2011 vegetable 66 Elatostema sessile J.R.Forst. Fambe-che (Sa) Urticaceae 2000 O Tender leaves consumed as vegetable & G.Forst. JT/HT/387/2012 67 Euphorbia hirta L. Yowan (T) Euphorbiaceae 1200-1600 F Young shoots cooked as vegetable JT/HT/079/2011 68 Fagopyrum acutatum (Leh Temo (T) Polygonaceae 2200-2400 A Leaves used as vegetable m.) Mansf. ex K.Hammer JT/HT/022/2011 69 Fagopyrum esculentum Dongthe (W) Polygonaceae 2000-2400 A Leaves and seeds used as food Moench JT/HT/388/2012 70 Ficus auriculata Lour. Choma (T) Moraceae 1600-1800 F Hypanthodium edible JT/HT/024/2011 71 Ficus racemosa L. Konangsing (W) Moraceae 2000 O Hypanthodium raw edible JT/HT/259/2012 72 Ficus semicordata Buch.- Ridongsheng (T) Moraceae 1600-2100 F Ripen hypanthodium eaten raw, Ham. ex Sm. JT/HT/113/2011 unripe hypanthodium eaten cooked 73 Fragaria daltoniana J.Gay Sa-mrep (T) Rosaceae 2100-2800 F Ripen fruits edible JT/HT/208/2012 74 Fragaria nubicola (Lindl. Sa-mrep (T) Rosaceae 1800-3100 A Ripen fruits edible ex Hook.f.) Lacaita JT/HT/061/2011 75 Fragaria vesca L. Sa-mrep (T) Rosaceae 2600-3800 F Ripen fruits edible JT/HT/211/2012 76 Galinsoga quadriradiata Salugjang (W) Asteraceae 2200-2600 A Young shoots consumed as salad or Ruiz & Pav. JT/HT/395/2012 curries 77 Gaultheria fragrantissima Shagsinmrep (T) Ericaceae 2000-2800 A Fruits raw edible Wall. JT/HT/073/2011 78 Gaultheria trichophylla Aak-mrep (T) Ericaceae 3400-3800 F Ripen fruits edible Royle JT/HT/389/2012 79 Gentiana kurroo Royle** Panginmento (T) Gentianaceae 3800-3900 A Flowers cooked as vegetable JT/HT/441/2013 80 Gentiana ornata (D.Don) Panginmento (T) Gentianaceae 4000-4100 F Flowers cooked as vegetable Wall. ex Griseb.** JT/HT/454/2014 81 Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Oguma (H) Urticaceae 1200-2200 F Young shoots cooked as vegetable Friis JT/HT/099/2011 82 Gonostegia hirta (Blume ex Pinrapa (T) Urticaceae 1900-2200 F Young leaves cooked as vegetable Hassk.) Miq. JT/HT/007/2011 83 Herpetospermum pedunc- Prola-augun (T) Cucurbitaceae 1800-2100 A Fruits cooked as vegetable ulosum (Ser.) C.B. Clarke JT/HT/042/2011 84 Holboellia latifolia Wall. Shulumba (T) Berberidaceae 2000-2900 F Ripen fruits edible JT/HT/018/2011 85 Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Mreptang (T) Saururaceae 1500-2400 A Leaves and roots consumed raw or JT/HT/102/2011 cooked, also used as condiment 86 Hydrocotyle javanica Thunb. Othu (H) Araliaceae 1000-2200 F Shoots consumed either raw as salad JT/HT/367/2012 or cooked as vegetable 87 Hypericum uralum Buch.- Jasheng (T) Hypericaceae 2500-2800 F Fermented leaves used as tea beverage Ham. Ex. D.Don** JT/HT/501/2014
(Contd.) TSERING et al.: WILD EDIBLE PLANTS USED BY THE MONPA COMMUNITY OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 631
Table 1 Current status and traditional uses of wild edible plants used by the Monpa community(Contd.)
Botanical name & family Local name; Family Elevation OA HF Traditional uses
Vchr. Spm. No. (m)
88 Illicium griffithii Hook.f. & Munshing (W) Schisandraceae 2400-2500 D Fruits used as condiment in food and Thomson JT/HT/157/2012 tea 89 Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. Yengjoktang (W) Convolvulaceae 1500 O Tubers used as food JT/HT/264/2012 90 Juglans regia L. Kae (T, W) Juglandaceae 1600-2400 F Nut edible JT/HT/002/2011 91 Lepidium virginicum L. – Brassicaceae 1500 O Seeds used as condiment. Tender JT/HT/179/2012 leaves eaten as salad 92 Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link Neachetse (H) Lamiaceae 300-500 F Tender shoots consumed cooked JT/HT/265/2012 93 Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. Nge (T) Lauraceae 2200-2500 A Fruits raw edible and used as JT/HT/017/2011 condiment 94 Magnolia campbellii Hook.f. Wanggung (T) Magnoliaceae 2700-2900 A Flower buds boiled as vegetable & Thomson** JT/HT/105/2011 95 Magnolia champaca (L.) – Magnoliaceae 1200 O Fruits edible Baill. ex Pierre** JT/HT/159/2012 96 Mahonia napaulensis DC. Tsot-sheng (T) Berberidaceae 1200 – 2200 F Berries edible JT/HT/127/2011 97 Maianthemum purpureum Yoh (T) Asparagaceae 3500 -3700 A Fleshy tender shoots consumed as (Wall.) LaFrankie JT/HT/059/2011 vegetable 98 Malus sikkimensis (Wenz.) I-K-malang (S) Rosaceae 1900 – 2000 O Fruits edible Koehne ex C.K.Schneid. JT/HT/213/2012 99 Malva parviflora L. Boecham (B) Malvaceae 1200 – 1300 F Tender leaves eaten cooked JT/HT/343/2012 100 Malva verticillata L. Boecham (B) Malvaceae 2000 – 2800 F Tender leaves eaten cooked JT/HT/187/2012 101 Meconopsis paniculata – Papaveraceae 2800 – 3900 D Flowers, leaves and tender stems (D. Don) Prain** JT/HT/062/2011 eaten cooked. Seeds raw edible 102 Melastoma malabathricum L. – Melastomataceae 1200 – 1300 F Fruits are edible, excess eating may JT/HT/232/2012 cause irritation 103 Mentha arvensis L. – Lamiaceae 2000 R Leaves used as condiment or salad JT/HT/034/2011 104 Musa acuminata Colla Lamraep (T) Musaceae 1200-1600 F Ripen fruits and tender stem raw JT/HT/136/2011 edible. Flower bud used as vegetable 105 Musa balbisiana Colla Wegoin (H) Musaceae 1100-1300 A Inflorescence used in curries. Tender JT/HT/396/2012 stem raw edible 106 Mussaenda roxburghii Lebathu (H) Rubiaceae 1400-2800 A Young leaves eaten cooked, white Hook.f. JT/HT/244/2012 bracts are preferred 107 Nasturtium officinale R.Br. Silang-sag (W) Brassicaceae 1200-3000 A Shoots eaten cooked JT/HT/031/2011 108 Nepeta connata Royle ex – Lamiaceae 2300-3000 A Flowers and seeds raw edible Benth.* JT/HT/003/2011 109 Oenanthe javanica (Blume) Szhing-hru (T) Apiaceae 1900-3000 D Tender shoots eaten as salad or curries DC. JT/HT/140/2011 110 Onosma hookeri C.B. Clarke Grimakpa (T) Boraginaceae 3000-4000 O Edible red dye is obtained from dried- JT/HT/400/2012 roasted stem 111 Ophiocordyceps sinensis Yartsagunbu (T) Ophiocordycipitace 3800-3900 O Whole part is raw edible (Berk.) G.H. Sung, et al JT/HT/390/2012 ae 112 Ophiopogon intermedius D. Domseu (T) Asparagaceae 1800-2400 F Fruits and tubers are fleshy and sweet, Don** JT/HT/016/2011 eaten raw 113 Opuntia monacantha – Cactaceae 1600 F Flowers eaten cooked (Willd.) Haw.* JT/HT/235/2012 114 Oroxylum indicum (L.) Salsali (T) Bignoniaceae 500-1200 F Flowers and tender leaves eaten Kurz JT/HT/333/2012 cooked 115 Oxalis acetosella L. – Oxalidaceae 2000-2600 O Tender shoots is edible JT/HT/190/2012 116 Oxalis corniculata L. Pulungsukhu (H) Oxalidaceae 2000-2600 F Leaves eaten cooked or as salad JT/HT/100/2011
(Contd.) 632 INDIAN J TRADIT KNOWLE, VOL. 16, No. 4, OCTOBER 2017
Table 1 Current status and traditional uses of wild edible plants used by the Monpa community(Contd.)
Botanical name & family Local name; Family Elevation OA HF Traditional uses
Vchr. Spm. No. (m)
117 Oxalis debilis Kunth – Oxalidaceae 1300 F Whole plant is cooked as vegetable JT/HT/192/2012 118 Oxyria digyna (L.) Hill Lugsho (B) Polygonaceae 3600-4000 F Leaves eaten raw or cooked JT/HT/432/2013 119 Oxyspora paniculata – Melastomataceae 800-2200 O Tender stems just beneath the bark are (D. Don) DC. JT/HT/233/2012 edible 120 Paederia foetida L. Shejlaojneya (H) Rubiaceae 1200-1300 O Young leaves boiled as vegetable JT/HT/372/2012 121 Panax bipinnatifidus Seem. – Araliaceae 3000-4000 R Ripen fruits are edible JT/HT/240/2012 122 Persicaria chinensis (L.) Jampera (H) Polygonaceae 1400-2200 F Leaves boiled as vegetable H. Gross JT/HT/374/2012 123 Phyllanthus emblica L. Kyurba (T) Phyllanthaceae 1400-1600 O Fruits raw edible JT/HT/112/2011 124 Pinus merkusii Jungh. & de Hro-sheng (T) Pinaceae 2200-2500 D Tender layers of stem just beneath the Vriese* JT/HT/146/2012 bark is edible 125 Pinus wallichiana Hro-sheng (T) Pinaceae 1500-2200 D Same as Pinus merkusii A.B.Jacks.* JT/HT/145/2012 126 Piper longum L. Likadu (W) Piperaceae 300-600 A Fruits used as food or tea condiment, JT/HT/351/2012 leaves as vegetable 127 Plantago major L. Tharam (T) Plantaginaceae 1200-3000 A Leaves eaten as raw or cooked JT/HT/103/2011 128 Pogostemon amaranthoides – Lamiaceae 2300-2400 O Young shoots cooked as vegetable Benth. JT/HT/392/2012 129 Polygala arillata Buch.- – Polygalaceae 2000 R Leaves used as fermentation starter Ham. ex D. Don JT/HT/391/2012 during alcohol production 130 Polygonum molle D. Don Chomcha (T) Polygonaceae 2000-3600 D Stem edible JT/HT/065/2011 131 Polygonum perfoliatum L. Achajay (H) Polygonaceae 1700-1900 O Leaves used in chutney preparation JT/HT/375/2012 132 Potentilla lineata Trevir. Gyoumrep (T) Rosaceae 2400-3000 D Roots chewed as mouth freshener JT/HT/215/2012 133 Potentilla peduncularis Penma (T) Rosaceae 3500-4200 A Rhizomes edible and chewed as D.Don** JT/HT/141/2011 mouth freshener 134 Prunus domestica L. Plum (T) Rosaceae 2100 O Ripen fruits are edible JT/HT/001/2011 135 Prunus persica (L.) Batsch Glae (T) Rosaceae 2900 O Ripen fruits and seeds are edible JT/HT/216/2012 136 Prunus simonii (Decne.) Glae (T) Rosaceae 2100-2200 F Ripen fruits and seeds are edible Carrisre JT/HT/036/2011 137 Psidium guajava L. Baghanse (W) Myrtaceae 400 O Fruits edible JT/HT/492/2014 138 Pteridium esculentum Ta (T) Dennstaedtiaceae 1600-3200 D Tender shoots eaten as vegetable after (G. Forst.) Cockayne JT/HT/131/2011 prolonged boiling 139 Punica granatum L. Dalemshing (W) Lythraceae 1600 R Fruits edible JT/HT/226/2012 140 Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. Ja-toh (T) Rosaceae 1600-1800 A Fruits raw edible. Autumn leaves used ex D. Don JT/HT/057/2011 as tea beverage 141 Quercus griffithii Hook.f. & Pa-sheng (T) Fagaceae 1600-2500 D Seed flour adulterate with cereal flour Thomson ex Miq.** JT/HT/009/2011 and cooked 142 Quercus semecarpifolia Kethcheng (T) Fagaceae 2000-3000 D Same as Quercus griffithii Sm.** JT/HT/067/2011 143 Ranunculus cantoniensis DC. – Ranunculaceae 1500-2200 O Young leaves are boiled and JT/HT/154/2012 consumed 144 Rhamnus napalensis (Wall.) – Rhamnaceae 1600-1800 F Fruits are edible M.A. Lawson JT/HT/200/2012 145 Rhamnus virgata Roxb. – Rhamnaceae 800-900 O Leaves eaten cooked JT/HT/201/2012
(Contd.) TSERING et al.: WILD EDIBLE PLANTS USED BY THE MONPA COMMUNITY OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 633
Table 1 Current status and traditional uses of wild edible plants used by the Monpa community(Contd.)
Botanical name & family Local name; Family Elevation OA HF Traditional uses
Vchr. Spm. No. (m)
146 Rhododendron arboreum Samu (W) Ericaceae 2600-3300 D Flowers eaten raw or cooked. Tender Sm. JT/HT/005/2011 leaves consumed cooked 147 Rhododendron keysii Taam (T) Ericaceae 3200-3400 R Flowers raw edible, pollens are sweet Nutt.** JT/HT/063/2011 148 Rhus succedanea L. Woorsheng (T) Anacardiaceae 1400-1900 F Fruit oil used in cooking JT/HT/050/2011 149 Ribes orientale Desf. Saekod (T) Grossulariaceae 3400-3500 O Ripen fruits eaten raw JT/HT/070/2011 150 Ricinus communis L. Dantha (B) Euphorbiaceae 300-2000 A Seed oil used in curries JT/HT/366/2012 151 Rosa omeiensis Rolfe Sae (T) Rosaceae 3800 R Ripen fruits are eaten JT/HT/218/2012 152 Rosa sericea Wall. Sae (T) Rosaceae 3000-4000 A Fruits raw edible, used as digestive ex Lindl. JT/HT/052/2011 153 Rubus assamensis Focke Retsu (T) Rosaceae 2600 F Ripen fruits edible JT/HT/097/2012 154 Rubus biflorus Buch.-Ham. Bla-mrep (T) Rosaceae 3000 -3500 F Ripen fruits edible ex Sm. JT/HT/221/2012 155 Rubus buergeri Miq. Retsu (T) Rosaceae 1600 F Ripen fruits edible JT/HT/039/2011 156 Rubus ellipticus Sm. Kong-mrep (T) Rosaceae 2000-2800 F Fruits edible JT/HT/051/2011 157 Rubus niveus Thunb. Bla-mrep (T) Rosaceae 2000-2200 F Ripen fruits edible JT/HT/027/2011 158 Rubus pedunculosus Bla-mrep (T) Rosaceae 3200-3600 F Ripen fruits edible D.Don JT/HT/055/2011 159 Rumex nepalensis Spreng. Shomang (T) Polygonaceae 2000-3500 A Leaves consumed cooked JT/HT/126/2011 160 Salix sikkimensis Shibdu (T) Salicaceae 1900-2100 F Catkins are chewed, sweet in taste Andersson** JT/HT/393/2012 161 Salix sinica (K.S. Hao ex C.F. Shibdu (T) Salicaceae 2700-3000 F Catkins are chewed, sweet in taste Fang & A.K. Skvortsov) G.H. JT/HT/394/2012 Zhu** 162 Salix wallichiana Shibdu (T) Salicaceae 2400 F Catkins are chewed, sweet in taste Andersson** JT/HT/054/2011 163 Sambucus adnata Wall. Wamdong (T) Adoxaceae 2000-3000 A Ripen fruits edible ex DC.* JT/HT/092/2011 164 Saurauia roxburghii – Actinidiaceae 500 F Ripen fruits edible Wallich JT/HT/185/2012 165 Schisandra grandiflora Dhatik (T) Schisandraceae 2600 O Fruits raw edible (Wall.) Hook.f. & Thomson JT/HT/158/2012 166 Scurrula elata (Edgeworth) Nyenginmrep (T) Loranthaceae 2400-2800 F Fruits eaten raw. Tender shoots used Danser JT/HT/019/2011 as tea beverage 167 Senecio scandens Buch.- Serkiling (T) Asteraceae 2400-3000 F Flowers and young leaves used as Ham. ex D.Don** JT/HT/498/2014 vegetable 168 Solanum americanum Mill. Faysuk (H) Solanaceae 1200-1400 O Young fruits eaten fried or boiled JT/HT/377/2012 169 Solanum anguivi Lam. Kharangeh (W) Solanaceae 1800 O Fruits consumed cooked as vegetable JT/HT/275/2012 170 Solanum rudepannum Akapu (H) Solanaceae 600-800 R Fruits consumed cooked Dunal JT/HT/276/2012 171 Solanum torvum Sw. Kharangjeh (W) Solanaceae 2000-2100 F Fruits and flowers used as vegetable JT/HT/488/2014 172 Sonchus wightianus DC. – Asteraceae 2400 O Young leaves eaten raw JT/HT/339/2012 173 Spilanthes acmella (L.) L. Namlang (S) Asteraceae 800 F Shoots consumed cooked JT/HT/319/2012 174 Syzygium nervosum A.Cunn. – Myrtaceae 400 O Fruits edible ex DC. JT/HT/230/2012 (Contd.) 634 INDIAN J TRADIT KNOWLE, VOL. 16, No. 4, OCTOBER 2017
Table 1 Current status and traditional uses of wild edible plants used by the Monpa community(Contd.)
Botanical name & family Local name; Family Elevation OA HF Traditional uses
Vchr. Spm. No. (m)
175 Taxus wallichiana Zucc. Tae-sheng (T) Taxaceae 2400-3200 O Flowers raw edible JT/HT/147/2012 176 Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Baru (T) Combretaceae 1300-1400 O Fruits edible Roxb. JT/HT/229/2012 177 Terminalia catappa L. – Combretaceae 400 O Seed kernel is edible JT/HT/228/2012 178 Terminalia chebula Retz. Aru (T) Combretaceae 1200-1600 O Fruits edible JT/HT/210/2012 179 Thamnocalamus spathiflorus Rue (T) Poaceae 2200-2900 D Fermented tender shoots used as (Trin.) Munro JT/HT/138/2011 vegetable or spice 180 Thlaspi arvense L. – Brassicaceae 2000-2400 A Tender leaves used as spice JT/HT/180/2012 181 Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Wusu (T) Apiaceae 2600 O Fruits used as spice Sprague JT/HT/239/2012 182 Urtica dioica L. Shouzhe (T) Urticaceae 2000-3000 D Tender stems and leaves consumed JT/HT/111/2011 cooked as vegetable 183 Vaccinium glaucoalbum Shakshima (T) Ericaceae 2600-3200 A Ripen fruits edible Hook. f. ex C.B. Clarke JT/HT/219/2012 184 Zanthoxylum acanthopodium Yerchengma (T) Rutaceae 2100-2900 F Fruits raw edible. Tender leaves DC. JT/HT/074/2011 consumed cooked 185 Zanthoxylum armatum DC. Yer (T) Rutaceae 1800-2400 A Fruit raw edible. Dried fruits used as JT/HT/069/2011 condiment or spice 186 Zanthoxylum oxyphyllum Prayer (T) Rutaceae 2000-2800 F Fruits used as ingredients for smoking Edgew. JT/HT/094/2011 187 Zanthoxylum rhetsa DC. Mechme (H) Rutaceae 1600 -2000 F Leaves and seeds used as spice JT/HT/199/2012
Legend: Vchr. Spm. No.: Voucher specimen number; OA: Observance of Abundance; HF: Harvesting Frequency; *: Plants with new uses; **: New record of edible plant; T: Tawang Monpa; W: West Kameng Monpa; S: Sherdukpen; H: Hrusso; Sa: Sajolang; B: Brokpa; D: Dominant; A: Abundant; F: Frequent; O: Occasional; R: Rare; : Rare collection; : Moderate collection; : Frequent collection
common wild vegetables, e.g. Amaranthus viridis, Chenopodium album, Colocasia esculenta and Diplazium esculentum. 15 wild edible plants were seen to be extensively collected not for consumption but for other uses, such as for medicines, rituals, traditional papermaking, fire wood and for constructions.
Threat status Out of 187, no less than 8 wild edible species could be seen to face high degree of threat in the study area from irrational harvesting, high frequency of collection, habitat loss and high demand within and Fig. 2Mode of consumption of different plant parts outside the locality. This includes Asparagus Observance of abundance and harvesting frequency racemosus, Cinnamomum tamala, Daphne papyracea, Wild food plants were frequently sighted in all the Diploknema butyracea, Onosma hookeri, study sites. Based on respondent information and field Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Panax bipinnatifidus and observation 17 species were found to be dominant in Taxus wallichiana. As per the IUCN Red list of several forest areas, 37 were abundant, 69 frequent, 52 threatened species, only 03 plants (out of 187) were occasional and 12 rare (Table 1). 48 species were found categorized under the threat list, viz. Juglans regia to be extensively collected by local residents during (near threatened), Pinus merkusii (vulnerable) and harvesting season, another 48 species were reported to Taxus wallichiana (endangered). However, in the be moderately collected and 91 species were rarely study site, all these species were found abundantly collected. Extensively collected species include some distributed in different locations. TSERING et al.: WILD EDIBLE PLANTS USED BY THE MONPA COMMUNITY OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 635
Market potential semecarpifolia, Rhododendron keysii, Salix Market survey revealed that 32 species have local sikkimensis, Salix sinica, Salix wallichiana and market values getting sold as beverage (Pyrus Senecio scandens. Six species are presented in Fig. 3. pashia); spices (Litsea cubeba, Zanthoxylum armatum Further, 12 species with additional uses concerning and Z. rhetsa); fruits (Cornus capitata, Diospyros edibility are also reported. malabarica, Elaeagnus umbellata, Ficus auriculata, Discussion Phyllanthus emblica, Prunus domestica, P. simonii, The present study has revealed that wild edible Psidium guajava and Punica granatum), and plants play an important role as a supplementary diet vegetables (Amaranthus viridis, Auricularia auricula- for the local tribal communities of Tawang and West judae, Centella asiatica, Chenopodium album, Kameng Districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Wild edible Clerodendrum glandulosum, Colocasia esculenta, plants of the study area also support the local economy Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Dillenia indica, and livelihood since majority of the poor villagers and Dioscorea deltoidea, Diplazium esculentum, women earn their family income through selling of Elatostema lineolatum, Fagopyrum acutatum, wild vegetables and fruit products in the nearby local Gonostegia hirta, Houttuynia cordata, Maianthemum markets. It was observed that in recent years there has purpureum, Oenanthe javanica, Piper longum, been a considerable change in the tribal culture so that Solanum americanum and Spilanthes acmella). now a large section of them depend on imported crops. Novel findings However, the use of wild edible plant is still continued Through thorough scrutiny of literature it could be as and when they are available. confirmed that edible uses of 22 plant species The analysis reveals that out of 187 species, recorded in the present work are new reports which 41.18 % species harvested are consumable fruits includes Acer campbellii, Alnus nepalensis, Berberis while 22.99 % species harvested are leafy shoots. insignis, Berberis macrosepala, Daphne papyracea, Similar results were also reported from other regions Drynaria propinqua, Elaeagnus parvifolia, Gentiana of the Himalaya13-16. This indicates the rich gene kurroo, Gentiana ornata, Hypericum uralum, pool diversity of wild fruits and leaves in the region Magnolia campbellii, Magnolia champaca, that confers scopes for further agro-horticultural and Meconopsis paniculata, Ophiopogon intermedius, biotechnology research in the region by targeting Potentilla peduncularis, Quercus griffithii, Quercus commercially viable wild edible fruit and leaf plants
Fig. 3 Some novelty in use pattern of wild edible plants a. Hypericum uralum; b. Magnolia campbellii; c. Potentilla peduncularis; d. Meconopsis paniculata; e. Rhododendron keysii; f. Senecio scandens) 636 INDIAN J TRADIT KNOWLE, VOL. 16, No. 4, OCTOBER 2017
for ensuring sustainable economic and livelihood Acknowledgement security of the local residents. Several literature of The authors acknowledge local informants of relevance have also brought into light similar results Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal from the Himalayan regions17-21. Due to easy Pradesh for sharing traditional knowledge and their accessibility and availability of wild edible plants, active participation during the field study. The authors market potential within the locality had no boost till also acknowledge CPEB-II, Rajiv Gandhi University, date as people directly collect plants from the wild. Itanagar for providing laboratory facilities. The first However, awareness campaign on the commercial author is grateful to the University Grants significance of such valuable botanical resources is Commission, Delhi for providing National Fellowship likely to change in current demand and supply trends for Higher Education of ST Students and also to of wild edible plants in the local and regional PCCF-cum-Principle Secretary, Department of markets. Environment and Forests, Government of Arunachal No less than 8 wild edible species were identified Pradesh for providing encouragement and facilities as plants facing a high degree of threat perception. during the work. Apart from the food values, the locally threatened species possess medicinal as well as cultural values References for which they are collected in large amounts from 1 Mazhar F, Buckles D, Satheesh PV & Akhter F, Food wild habitats. Such plants, therefore, need urgent Sovereignty and Uncultivated Biodiversity in South Asia, prioritization for conservation for obtaining goods and (Academic Foundation, New Delhi), 2007. 2 Srivastava RC & Adi community, Traditional knowledge of services and ecological stability. However, IUCN is Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh on plants, Indian J Tradit yet to conduct a threat assessment on 7 out of the 8 Knowle, 8 (2) (2009) 146-153. locally threatened species identified. 3 Srivastava RC, Singh RK & Mukherjee TK, Indigenous biodiversity of Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh for The result of harvesting frequency indicates that at sustainable livelihoods, Indian J Tradit Knowle, 9 (3) (2010) least 25.67 % (48 out of total 187 species) are the 432-442. potential species that contribute to the sustenance of 4 Anonymous, CENSUS report: Arunachal Pradesh, (Ministry local economy and have potential to ensure livelihood of Home Affairs, Government of India), 2011. security to the local populace. 5 Tsering J & Tag H, High altitude ethnomedicinal plants of Western Arunachal Himalayan Landscape, Pleione, 9 (1) Finding 22 plant species for the first time as edible (2015) 18-25. is certainly inspiring to other researchers in carrying 6 Tsering J, Tag H, Gogoi BJ & Veer V, Traditional anti- ethnobotanical studies in unexplored areas. 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