Documentation of Tree Species Within Mizoram Science Centre, Berawtlang, Aizawl, India, with Notes on Their Ethnomedicinal Values

Volume 19, issue 3, pages 63–78 30 September 2019 https://doi.org/10.33493/scivis.19.03.01

ORIGINAL ARTICLE Documentation of tree species within Mizoram Science Centre, Berawtlang, Aizawl, India, with notes on their ethnomedicinal values

Lalrinkimi1*, R.K. Lallianthanga2

1Mizoram Science Centre, Berawtlang, 796017, India 2Directorate of Science and Technology, Mizoram New Capital Complex 796001, India

This study provides a first report of the various tree species prevailing in the Received 26 April 2019 Accepted 16 July 2019 tropical semi-evergreen forest within Mizoram Science Centre, Berawtlang, Aizawl in relation to their diversity; and also mentions traditional ethnomedicinal and *For correspondence: [email protected] economic uses of the species. A total number of 776 individual trees were assessed within the study site belonging to 74 different species representing 61 genera and Contact us: [email protected] 34 families. Among these, 55 tree species have been reported by previous workers to possess indigenous medicinal values. The most abundant tree species at the study site was found to be Callicarpa arborea (hnahkiah) of Verbenaceae comprising 14.30% of the total trees assessed, followed by Anogeissus acuminata (zairum) of Combretaceae with 12.62%, and Schima wallichii (khiang) of Theaceae with 10.56%. A concise list of the species recorded along with their ethnomedicinal and economic uses have been presented here. The prospect of in situ conservation of tree species is briefly highlighted.

Keywords: Tree species, ethnomedicinal trees, in situ conservation, Mizoram Science Centre, Documentation.

Introduction

Among the 36 biodiversity hotspots of the world, a wealth of medicinal plants as reported by various 2,4-6 Mizoram, one of the northeastern states of India workers. The natural forests of the tropical and forms a part of the Indo-Myanmar hotspot region. sub-tropical forests of Mizoram are highly These hotspots are characterized by highest levels of overexploited for medicinal plants, collection of fuel 7 endemism with corresponding high loss of natural wood and timber, and for shifting cultivation. habitats.1 It has been reported that Northeast India The study area, Mizoram Science Centre (MSC) has nearly 64% of its total geographical area under campus, which is under the jurisdiction of the forest cover, harboring approximately 7500 Government of Mizoram falls under tropical semi- angiospermic species.2 Mizoram shares international evergreen forest based on classification by 8 boundaries with Bangladesh in the West, and with Champion and Seth. The tropical forests have been Myanmar in the East and South. It also shares described to offer essential ecological services interstate borders with Assam, Tripura and Manipur. including habitat preservation and species The forest cover in Mizoram is 18,186 sq km conservation for both flora and fauna, and 9 accounting for 86.27% of its total geographical area.3 prevention of soil erosion. It was assumed that the The state has a rich diversity of flora and fauna with study site also harbors a diverse number of tree

ISSN 0975-6175 (print) /2229-6026 (online) | CODEN SVCIC9 © The Author(s) 2019 | Published by Mizo Academy of Sciences | CC BY-SA 4.0 Volume 19 | Issue 3 | July–September 2019 species in its tropical semi-evergreen forest which 43'55.09''N-23°43'53.01''N latitudes (Figure 1). may be associated with a wealth of fauna. To confirm Documentation of the tree species present within this assumption, a detailed documentation of the the study area was conducted out during March to tree species composition was accomplished as a first July 2018. During this period, frequent field surveys step towards understanding the floristic diversity of the site (Figure 2) were carried out for collection, within the area. identification and documentation. Trees having This paper presents the prevailing tree species of diameter at breast height (DBH) larger than 5 cm the area in relation to their diversity and indicates were selected for assessment. Photographs of the ethnomedicinal and traditional economic uses of the plants were taken in situ for multiple tree species, tree species. The area was found to harbor a number and for others, plant parts including branches with of traditionally important medicinal plants, and the leaves, flowers and fruits were collected and mode of utilization of these ethnomedicinal plants photographed for identification purposes. as reported by previous studies have been Photographs of the species were taken using Canon emphasized in this paper. The present study is 600D camera equipped with 18–135 STM lens. significant as it is highly anticipated to aid in Various local key informants and taxonomists from conservation and management of the area’s flora in Pachhunga University College, Aizawl, were the future, when plans for augmenting and employed and consulted in assigning the vernacular developing the infrastructure of MSC are designed names of plant specimens. Descriptions of species and formulated. Information generated from this were prepared using standard literatures including tree species inventory will contribute to enhance our the books of Flora of Mizoram Vol II,10 and The Book knowledge regarding tropical forest biodiversity of of Mizoram Plants.11 Threat assessment of the the state. species was made based on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.12 Materials and Methods Results The study site, Mizoram Science Centre, has an area of 23.057 sq km and lies in the eastern part of Species composition Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. It is located between 92°45'53.85''E-92°45'55.74''E longitudes and 23° In this study, a total number of 776 individual

Figure 1 | Location map of Mizoram Science Centre, Figure 2 | Satellite image of Mizoram Science Centre, Berawtlang. Berawtlang.

64 www.sciencevision.org Volume 19 | Issue 3 | July–September 2019 trees were assessed within the study site which Aporosa octandra (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) belongs to 74 different species representing 61 Vickery. Family: Euphorbiaceae. Mizo Name: genera and 34 families. Among these, 55 species Chhâwn-tual. Mode of Utilization: Stem-bark were previously reported by various workers to decoction is taken against stomach ulcer, gout, possess medicinal values. Table 1 provides a detailed rheumatism, diarrhea and dysentery. Young account of the different tree species documented leaves decoction is also taken for stomach from the study area with their economic uses. ailments. 2,5,6,11

Ethnomedicinal plants Areca catechu Linn. Family: Arecaceae. Mizo Name: Kuhva-kung. Mode of Utilization: Seeds The ethnomedicinal tree species with their are taken against intestinal worms. A powdered medicinal usage as reported by previous works are mixture of the nuts with bulb of Aginata indica L., as follows: root of Cissisrependa Vahl. and leaves of Piper betle L. are made into pills and taken during 2,11 Acer oblongum Wall. ex DC. Family: Aceraceae. menstrual periods by Bru people. Mizo Name: Thing-phing-phi-hlip. Mode of Use: Decoction of leaves and bark used against fever, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. Family: stomach problem, food poisoning and retained Moraceae. Mizo Name: Lâm-khuang. Mode of placenta.11 Utilization: Root decoction used against asthma, diarrhoea, fever and sterility in women. Leaves are Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms. Family: useful against fever, skin diseases, wounds, boils, etc. The milky juice is useful for herpes eruptions. Alangiaceae. Mizo Name: Ar-sa-rim-nam. Mode 4,11 of Utilization: Roots and stems are used as carminative and blood tonic, for treating wounds, rheumatism etc. 11 Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. Family: Moraceae. Mizo Name: Thei-tât. Mode of Utilization: Seed Albizia chinensis (Osb) Merr. Family: used as laxative. Crushed bark juice is applied on Mimosaceae. Mizo Name: Vang. Mode of pimples, face acne and crack skin. Bark powder is 2,4,11 Utilization: A brew of the bark is used in cuts, applied on sores to extract excretion. scabies and various dermal problems. 2,11 Bauhinia variegata L. Family: Caesalpiniaceae. Albizia odoratissima (L.f.) Benth. Family: Mizo Name: Vau-be. Mode of Utilization: Bark/ Mimosaceae. Mizo Name: Thing-ri. Mode of leaves decoction taken orally against diabetes, menstrual disorders, intestinal worms, diarrhoea, Utilization: Bark and leaves are used against 2,11 certain ailments. 11 piles and dysentery.

Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. Family: Bischofia javanica Blume. Family: Mimosaceae. Mizo Name: Kang-ṭêk. Mode of Euphorbiaceae. Mizo Name: Khuang-thli. Mode Utilization: Decoction of bark taken against of Utilization: Juice of tender leaves taken orally pinworms/threadworms etc. Poultices are against tonsillitis, cholera and sores. Its stem and prepared from leaves to treat ulcers. 2,4,11 bark has medicinal uses. Roots are used for 2,5,11 treating chronic rheumatic pain and malaria. Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. Family: Apocynaceae. Mizo Name: Ṭhuam-riat. Mode of Bombax insigne Wall. Family: Bombacaceae. Utilization: Decoction of the bark and leaves are Mizo Name: Pâng. Mode of Utilization: Bark taken to treat headache, influenza, bronchitis, and decoction with that of Mangifera indica (equal parts) is used for tonsillitis and other throat pneumonia. Bark decoction is used for treating 4,5,11 hypertension, asthma, fever, typhoid, malaria, infections. stomach ulcer, diarrhea and dysentery. Milky juice obtained from bark is applied to snake-bites, Callicarpa arborea Roxb. (Figure 3A). Family: cuts, sores and other skin diseases. 2,11 Verbenaceae. Mizo Name: Hnah-kiah. Mode of Utilization: Bark and leaves decoctions are used Anogeissus acuminata (Roxb. ex DC) Guill. against diabetes, and various forms of stomach Family: Combretaceae. Mizo Name: Zai-rum. ailments including internal bleeding. Decoction of Mode of Utilization: Decoction of bark taken as mixture of leaves with leaves of Byttneria pilosa, hemostatic agent, for stomach problems, stem-bark of Ficus semicordata and whole plant diarrhoea, fever, beriberi, also applied on skin of Phyllanthus fraternusis used for jaundice and 2,4,11 problems like measles, chicken-pox including hepatitis. sprains and burns. Leave infusion is used in hypertension. 2,4,5,11 Castanopsis tribuloides (Sm.) A. DC. (Figure 3B).

www.sciencevision.org 65 Volume 19 | Issue 3 | July–September 2019

A. Callicarpa arborea (hnahkiah) B. Castanopsis tribuloides (thingsia)

C. Flueggea virosa (saisiak) D. Haldina cordifolia (lungkhup)

66 www.sciencevision.org Volume 19 | Issue 3 | July–September 2019

E. Mesua ferrea (herhse) F. Milletia pachycarpa (rulei)

G. Oroxylum indicum (archangkâwm) H. Rhus chinensis (khawmhma)

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I. Schima wallichii (khiang) J. Sterculia villosa (khaupui)

Figure 3 | Interesting tree species (A–J) at Mizoram Science Centre Campus.

Family: Fagaceae. Mizo Name: Thing-sia. Mode decoction is used against stomach ulcer and of Utilization: Stem juice is applied in mouth kidney disorder. Powdered bark is used in infection in children. 11 snakebite, fever, asthma, nausea, rheumatism, skin irritation, leprosy, epilepsy and as an Cerasus cerasoides (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) S. Y. astringent. 2,11 Sokolov. Family: Rosaceae. Mizo Name: Tlai- zawng. Mode of Utilization: Bark decoction is Ficus hirta Vahl. Family: Moraceae. Mizo Name: used against fever. 2,11 Sazu- thei-pui. Parts Used: Roots are believed to have medicinal properties. 11 Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & Eber. Family: Lauraceae. Mizo Name: Tespata/ Ficus hispida L. f. Family: Moraceae. Mizo Name: Hnah-rimtui. Mode of Utilization: Grinded bark Paih-te-mai-an. Mode of Utilization: The bark, is mixed with water and used for diabetes. 2,6,11 fruit and seeds are used in cases of jaundice, anaemia and fever. Leave decoction is used for Cordia fragrantissima Kurz. Family: inflamed kidneys and urinary disorder. Juice Boraginaceae. Mizo Name: Muk. Mode of obtained from leaves heated on fire is used for Utilization: Decoction of the bark/leaves is eye ailments. 11 prescribed for expelling small pieces of retained placenta. 11 Ficus prostrate (Wall. ex Miq.) Buch.-Ham. ex Miq. Family: Moraceae. Mizo Name: Thei-tit. Derris robusta (Roxb. ex DC) Benth. Family: Mode of Utilization: Juice from roots the white Fabaceae. Mizo Name: Thing-kha. Mode of latex are used in snake bites. 4,11 Utilization: Bark decoction is taken against hypertension and diabetes. 11 Ficus retusa L. Family: Moraceae. Mizo Name: Ri -hnim. Mode of Utilization: Poultice of leaves Engelhardia spicata Lesch ex Blume. Family: and bark are used in rheumatism. Juice of leaves Juglandaceae. Mizo Name: Hnûm. Mode of is used for abdominal pain, and bark juice for Utilization: Root decoction is taken against hepatic diseases. 11 diarrhea and dysentery. 2,11 Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham ex Sm. Family: Moraceae. Mizo Name: Thei-pui. Mode of Erythrina stricta Roxb. Family: Fabaceae. Mizo Utilization: Leave decoction taken against Name: Far-ṭuah. Mode of Utilization: Bark jaundice and hepatitis. Boils are treated with

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white latex obtained from the tree. 2,5,11 Mizo Name: Thei-hai. Mode of Utilization: Young leaves decoction is taken orally for Firmiana colorata Roxb. Family: Sterculiaceae. diabetes and diarrhoea, ash of dried leaves is Mizo Name: Khau-khim. Mode of Utilization: used to treat hiccough. Fruit contains vitamins A, Infusion of the bark cooked with bark of Citrus B and C. 11 medica is taken against tonsillitis. 11 Mesua ferrea Linn. (Figure 3E). Family: Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Voigt. (Figure Clusiaceae. Mizo Name: Herh-se. Mode of 3C). Family: Euphorbiaceae. Mizo Name: Sai-siak. Utilization: Infusion of flowers used for Mode of Utilization: All plant parts are used as dysentery, bleeding piles and cough. Flowers and for eczema, rheumatoid arthritis etc. Leave leaves used as astringent and against snakebite decoction is used as bathing water for chicken- and scorpion sting. Fruit is crushed and applied pox, measles, scabies and skin itching. 2,4,11 on scabies and cuts. 2,4,6,11

Glochidion sphaerogynum (Müll. Arg.) Kurz. Millettia pachycarpa Benth. (Figure 3F). Family: Family: Euphorbiaceae. Mizo Name: Thing-pawn- Fabaceae. Mizo Name: Ru-lei/ Ru-zal. Mode of chhia/Dawn-dung. Mode of Utilization: Utilization: Root infusion applied on toothache, Branches and leaves are used as medicine for wounds, swellings and sprains, scabies and influenza, eczema, etc.11 itches.5,6

Gmelina arborea Roxb. Family: Verbenaceae. Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth. ex Kurz. (Figure Mizo Name: Thlan-vawng. Mode of Utilization: 3G). Family: Bignoniaceae. Mizo Name: Ar-chang Fruit pulp is roasted and applied on skin ailments -kâwm. Mode of Utilization: Seeds and bark are like rash, sores and itches. 4,11 used as analgesic and to reduce inflammation. Root bark decoction is used in fevers, various Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsdale. (Figure 3D). stomach disorders, cancer, asthma, cough, hiccup Family: Rubiaceae. Mizo Name: Lungkhup. Mode etc. Bark poultice is applied to bone and skin of Utilization: Bark is used against ulcers, fever, diseases. Leave decoction is used in headache, strangury, and dermal problems. Decoction of flatulence, ulcers, cancer etc. and the fruits for stem bark with that of Vitex peduncularis is taken cramp, pulmonary diseases, bronchitis, digestive orally against fever. Preparations from roots are disorders, leucoderma, piles, etc. Goiter is treated used in diarrhoea and dysentery. 2,11 with roasted pod. 2,6,11

Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. Synonym: Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. Family: Lagerstroemia flos-reginae Retz. Family: Mimosaceae. Mizo Name: Zawng-ṭah. Mode of Lythraceae. Mizo Name: Thla-do/Chawnpui. Utilization: Tender leaves and seeds are used Mode of Utilization: Stem-bark decoction is against food allergy, indigestion, dysentery and useful for diabetes, coronary diseases, dysentery diarrhea. The bark and fruits are taken during and diarrhoea. Root extract of the tree is used menstruation against excessive bleeding. The against jaundice. 2,4,11 green rind of the pod is juiced and applied to wounds and itches. 2,11 Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. Synonym: Lannea grandis Engler. Family: Anacardiaceae. Persea Americana Mill. Family: Lauraceae. Mizo Mizo Name: Tawi-taw-suak/Zawng-tawi-taw. Name: Butter thei. Mode of Utilization: Infusion Mode of Utilization: Juice both applied of leaves is used against stomach ulcer. The fruits, externally and taken orally as analgesic for flowers and seeds of Persea Americana are also bodyache and against fish allergy. 2,11 used as medicines. 11

Litsea monopetala (Roxb.) Pers. Family: Phyllanthus emblica L. Family: Phyllanthaceae. Lauraceae. Mizo Name: Nau-thak. Parts Used: Mizo Name: Sun-hlu. Mode of Utilization: The roots, bark and leaves of Litsea monopetala Crushed bark juice is used in pulmonary diseases, have medicinal uses. 11 diarrhea and dysentery. Bark infusion is applied on rash or sores. Water from soaked pounded Macaranga indica Wight. Family: Euphorbiaceae. fruits is taken for retained placenta and also on Mizo Name: Hnah-khâr/Khâr-paw. Mode of skin eruptions due to food allergy. Liquid Utilization: Gum is externally applied on sores. prepared from boiling of the fruits is taken for Different plant parts are used in numerous diabetes. Dried fruits are taken for queasiness, traditional medicines. 11 diarrhoea and dysentery. 2,4,6,11

Mangifera indica Linn. Family: Anacardiaceae. Polyalthia longifolia (Sonner.) Thwaites. Family:

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Volume 19 | Issue 3 | July–September 2019

Threat

Least concern

assessment

fruits and seeds

Uses

charcoal, housing

rodents

Furniture, firewood, fodder, edible fruits

Firewood, charcoal, vegetable, fodder

Firewood, plywood, edible fruits

Furniture, firewood, fodder, edible fruits

Furniture, housing, edible

Edible nuts and shoots, ornamental

Furnitures, various construction items

Firewood, edible leaves and fruits

Fuelwood,

Furniture, coffins, charcoal, firewood

birds and

Furniture, firewood, fodder, fruits eaten by

Furniture, firewood, charcoal, fodder

squirrels

Firewood, charcoal, fodder, fruits eaten by

Firewood, fruits eaten by bears and birds

Firewood, fodder

no.

0.25

0.51

0.25

3.09

6.31

0.25

% of

total

0.128

12.62

0.128

trees

Total

duals

no. of

indivi

Habit

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Tall palm

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Small tree

Deciduous tree

name

êk

ṭ

Vernacular

huamriat

Khuangthli

Vaube

Thingvawkpui

Theitât

Lamkhuang

Kuhva

Fârzârmawi

Chhâwntual

Zairum

Ṭ

Kang

Thingri

Vang

Arsarimnam

Thingphingphihlip

Lam.

Ham.

D.Don

(Roxb. ex DC)

Roxb.

(L.f.) Benth.

(Lour.) Harms

Blume

(Buch.

(Roxb.)

(L.) (L.) R. Br.

(Osb) Merr.

R.Br.

Wall. ex DC.

(Roxb.) Benth.

Linn.

cuminata

heterophyllus

slakoocha

chinense

javanicaI

baccata

octandra

scholaris

odoratissima

chinensis

aprocera

Scientific name (with family)

List of tree species documented from Mizoram Science Mizoram Centre. Science from documented oftree species List

(Euphorbiaceae)

Bischofia

(Caesalpiniaceae)

Bauhinia variegata

(Euphorbiaceae)

Balakata

(Moraceae)

Artocarpu

(Moraceae)

Artocarpus

(Arecaceae)

Areca catechuAreca

(Araucariaceae)

Araucaria cookii

(Euphorbiaceae)

D.Don) Vickery

Aporosa

(Combretaceae)

Guill.

Anogeissusa

(Apocynaceae)

Alstonia

(Mimosaceae)

Albizi

(Mimosaceae)

Albizia

(Mimosaceae)

Albizia

(Alangiaceae)

Alangium

(Aceraceae)

Acer oblongum

Sl.

No. Table 1 Table| 1

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Volume 19 | Issue 3 | July–September 2019

Least concern

some animals

fodder, fruits eaten by

stocks, edible young leaves,

charcoal, house posts, edible nuts

squirrels

fermenting cooked soyabean

Leaves taken as vegetable and used for

Fruits eaten by wild animals, fodder

Ornamental, leaves are used as fish poison

Fodder

birds and animals

Firewood, charcoal,

Fodder, fruitsFodder, eaten by birds

deer and

Fuelwood, charcoal, fodder, fruits eaten by

Ornamental, firewood

Firewood

fruits eaten byfruits bears and birds

Firewood, gun

Firewood, leaves eaten by

birds and bears

Leaves for flavouring, firewood, fruits eaten by

Edible firewood, fruits, fodder

Firewood,

Firewood, construction, edible seeds

used for fermenting cooked soyabean

Fencing, charcoal,Fencing, firewood, fodder, leaves

by squirrels

Packing cases, fodder, fruits and seeds eaten

0.90

0.25

0.51

0.25

5.54

0.64

0.25

5.41

0.25

0.51

0.38

0.128

14.30

111

deciduous tree

Small

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

chhun

reuh

bâl

uah

ṭ

Sazutheipui

Thei

Hnahsen

Far

Nghal

Hnâm

Thingkha

April

Bianghrei

Muk

Hnahthap

Tespata

Tlaizawng

Thingsia

Hnâm

Hnahkiah

Pâng

Ham.) Ham.)

Ham.

(Sm.) A.DC.

(Roxb.) Hook.f.

Kurz.

(Buch.

(Baker) Prain

Linn.

Lechen ex Blume

(Buch.

Roxb.

(Wall. ex Kurz)

Roxb.

Lour.

Wall.

(DC.) Benth.

(Hook.) (Hook.) Raf

Vahl.

(Moraceae)

Ficus hirta Ficus

(Moraceae)

Ficus auriculataFicus

(Euphorbiaceae)

Euphorbia cotinifolia

(Fabaceae)

Erythrina stricta

(Rosaceae)

Eriobotrya bengalensis

(Juglandaceae)

Engelhardia spicata

(Fabaceae)

Derris Derris robusta

(Caesalpiniaceae)

Delonix regia

(Fabaceae)

Dalbergia obtusifolia

(Boraginaceae)

Cordia fragrantissimaCordia

(Tiliaceae)

Craib

Colona floribunda

(Lauraceae)

T.Nees&Eberm.

Cinnamomum tamala

(Rosaceae)

exD.Don) S.Y.Sokolov

Cerasus cerasoidesCerasus

(Fagaceae)

Castanopsis tribuloides

(Juglandaceae)

Carya sp.

(Verbenaceae)

Callicarpa arborea

(Bombacaceae)

Bombax insigne

17 16

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Volume 19 | Issue 3 | July–September 2019

posts

posts, leaves as

posts, firewood, fodder

furniture, firewood etc.

animals

vegetables, fodder, fruits eaten by birds and

Furniture, firewood, house

Building,

Firewood, charcoal, building

Furniture, house

Furniture, flooring, firewood, charcoal

eaten by birds

House posts, leaves as vegetables, fruits

fruits andfruits flowers eaten by birds and animals

Furniture etc.,Furniture flowers as vegetables, fodder,

Firewood

Edible firewood, fruits, fence

Fodder, edibleFodder, seeds

Firewood, shade tree

ropemaking, edible young fruits

Shade tree, firewood, bark fibre used for

Ornamental, edible fruits, fodder

Firewood, edible fruits, fodder

leaves

Firewood, fodder, edible fruits and tender

2.83

0.25

0.51

0.25

1.16

0.51

0.38

0.90

0.77

0.25

0.128

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

large shrub large

Small tree or

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Tree

Zawngtawitaw

Thlado

Thinglung

Lungkhup

Silver oakSilver

Vawngthla

Thlanvawng

Thingpawnchhia

Saisiak

Khaukhim

Hmâwng

Theipui

Rihnim

Theitit

Paihtemaian

(Mull.Arg.)

Ham ex Sm.

(L.) Pers.

(Houtt.) Merr.

(Gardner)

Roxb.

Buch.

(Roxb.) Br. R.

(Roxb.) Ridsdale

A.Cunn. Br. ex R.

Roxb.

(Roxb. ex Willd.)

(Wall. Ex Miq.) Buch.

L.f.

(Anacardiaceae)

Lannea coromandelica

(Lythraceae)

Lagerstroemia speciosa

(Samydaceae)

Mitra.

Benth.subsp.minutiflorum (Kurtz.)

Homalium ceylanicum

(Rubiaceae)

Haldina Haldina cordifolia

(Proteaceae)

Grevillea robusta

(Verbenaceae)

Gmelina oblongifolia

(Verbenaceae)

Gmelina arborea

(Euphorbiaceae)

Kurz

Glochidion sphaerogynum

(Euphorbiaceae)

Royle

Flueggea virosa

(Sterculiaceae)

Firmiana colorataFirmiana

(Moraceae)

Ficus Ficus

(Moraceae)

Ficus semicordataFicus

(Moraceae)

Ficus retusaFicus

(Moraceae)

Ham. exHam. Miq.

Ficus prostrataFicus

(Moraceae)

Ficus hispidaFicus

34 33

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Volume 19 | Issue 3 | July–September 2019

Data deficient

lubricating,

tender leavestender as

packing cases etc.

Edible ripe fruits, ornamental, wood for drums,

Edible fruits eaten raw or preserved

animals

Furniture, building, fruits eaten by birds and

salad oil

Edible fruits, extracted oil for cosmetics and

and animals

vegetables, fruits and seeds eaten by birds

Firewood, pods and

and dyeing, fodder

Firewood, charcoal, bark and for fruit tanning

fibre for ropemaking

Seeds as insecticide, roots as fish poison, bark

State tree State of Mizoram

animals,

soapmaking and burning, seeds eaten by

Firewood, charcoal, seed oil for

eaten raw or pickled

Furniture, firewood, construction, edible fruits

Firewood, fruits eaten by birds

birds

Firewood, construction, fodder, fruits eaten by

fodder

Firewood, fruits eaten by bears and birds,

wild animals

Firewood, charcoal, building, fruits eaten by

Firewood, leaves as vegetable, edible fruits

1.80

0.25

1.16

0.25

1.54

0.38

0.64

1.54

0.38

0.128

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

deciduous tree

Small

climbing shrub

Deciduous

Evergreen tree

ṭ

Ashoka/Polyalthia

False False

Sunhlu

Buleng

Butterthei

Zawng

Archangkâwm

Rulei

Herhse

Theihai

Hnahkhâr

Hnahkhârpa

Nauthak

hnahhlai

Thingpuithing

Fah

(Blume)

(Hook.f. &

Benth.

(Sonner)

Brandis

Mill.

Wight

(Roxb.) Pers.

(L.) Kurz

Linn.

(DC.) Merr.

Linn.

(Annonaceae)

Thwaites

Polyalthia longifolia

(Phyllanthaceae)

Phyllanthus emblica

(Lauraceae)

Phoebe hainesiana

(Lauraceae)

Persea Americana

(Mimosaceae)

Parkia Parkia timoriana

(Bignoniaceae)

Oroxylum indicum

(Fabaceae)

Millettia pachycarpa

(Clusiaceae)

Mesua ferreaMesua

(Anacardiaceae)

Mangifera indica

(Euphorbiaceae)

Macaranga indica

(Euphorbiaceae)

Mull.Arg.

Macaranga denticulata

(Lauraceae)

Litsea monopetalaLitsea

(Fagaceae)

C.C.Huang&Y.T.Chang

Lithocarpus obscurus

(Fagaceae)

Thomson ex Rehder Miq.)

Lithocarpus dealbatus

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Least concern

posts, edible fruits

building etc., edible leaves, tender

edible flowers as vegetable

Gunpowder charcoal, firewood, fencing posts,

Firewood, buildings, fruits eaten by birds

Firewood, charcoal, edible fruits

birds and animals

Gunpowder charcoal, fodder, eaten byfruits

fodder

Furniture, boat building, housing, firewood,

Firewood, plywood etc., edible fruits

eaten by birds

Furniture, firewood, building, fodder, fruits

birds and animals, nectar sucked by birds

Seeds eaten roasted fried, or eaten byfruits

pickled and eaten by animals

Firewood, edible ripe fruit eaten or raw

fodder, seeds eaten by birds

Firewood,

fermenting cooked soyabean

Edible fruits, leaves as vegetables and

Charcoal, fence

Fuelwood, edible fruits

1.03

0.25

1.67

1.03

0.77

2.83

1.16

0.51

0.38

2.83

0.25

0.128

10.56

deciduous

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

Deciduous tree

Evergreen tree

undershrub

Erect Erect

Deciduous tree

tree

sub

Evergreen or

Batling

Thlengreng

Thingkhawilu

Belphuar

Tei

Lênhmui

Zihnghal

Khaupui

Tawitaw

Khiang

Tiarrep

Khawmhma

Kâwlthei

DC.

(Wall. ex

Wall. Ex

(L.f.) Kurz

(L.) Skeels

Linn.

(L.) Blume

Choisy

Roxb.

Mill.

R. Br.

(Lour.) F.N. Williams

M.Roem.

(Rubiaceae)

Wight & Arn.

Wendlandia budleioides

(Verbenaceae)

Vitex quinata

(Verbenaceae)

Vitex glabrata

(Ulmaceae)

Trema orientalis

(Meliaceae)

Toona ciliata

(Myrtaceae)

Syzygium Syzygium cumini

(Bignoniaceae)

Stereospermum tetragonum

(Sterculiaceae)

Sterculia villosa

(Anacardiaceae)

Spondia spinnata

(Theaceae)

Schima wallichii

(Gesneraceae)

D.Dietr.) DC. A.

Rhynchotechum ellipticum

(Anacardiaceae)

Rhus chinensisRhus

(Myrtaceae)

Psidium guajava

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Annonaceae. Mizo Name: Polyalthia. Mode of respiratory disorders and chronic dysentery. 2,11 Utilization: Bark is used to reduce fever (febrifuge). 11 Toona ciliata M. Roem. Family: Meliaceae. Mizo Name: Tei-pui. Mode of Utilization: Stem-bark Psidium guajava Linn. Family: Myrtaceae. Mizo decoction is taken against for fever, stomach Name: Kâwl-thei/Kawi-âm. Mode of Utilization: ailments, itching, etc. Extract from flowers are The bark and tender leaves are taken for used for treating female menstrual disorders. 2,11 diarrhoea and dysentery. The juice obtained from grinding bark, leaves and ripe fruits are useful for Trema orientalis (L.) Blume. Family: Ulmaceae. boils and sores. Toothache is treated with paste Mizo Name: Bel-phuar. Mode of Utilization: of bark. 11 Infusion of root-bark and leaves is used against muscle pain, epilepsy and diarrhea. 2,11 Rhus chinensis Mill. (Figure 3H). Family: Anacardiaceae. Mizo Name: Khawm-hma. Mode Vitex glabrata R. Br. Family: Verbenaceae. Mizo of Utilization: Fruit decoction is used for Name: Thing-khawi-lu-nu/Thing-ar-ek. Mode of indigestion, diarrhoea and dysentery. Water from Utilization: Bark and root has astringent boiled leaves is used as bathing water against properties. Extract from bark of Vitex glabrata is measles, crushed leaves juice is applied to rash or used against typhoid fever. 4,11 sores. 2,11 Discussion Rhynchotechum ellipticum (Wall. ex D. Dietr.) A. DC. Family: Gesneraceae. Mizo Name: Tiar-rep. The present study is the first botanical Mode of Utilization: Leave decoction is used in 11 exploration of the tropical semi-evergreen forest at cancer treatment. Mizoram Science Centre campus, Berawtlang, Aizawl. In this regard, there is no available record of a similar Schima wallichii Choisy. (Figure 3I). Family: type of study being undertaken in other science Theaceae. Mizo Name: Khiang. Mode of centres in the country. A total of 74 different tree Utilization: Fruit is powdered and applied on species representing 61 genera and 34 families were scorpion sting, centipede and spider bites, etc. recorded in this study, which is lower in comparison Sap of the bark is taken for chronic ulcer and to 125 tree species representing 90 genera and 34 applied on snake bites, cuts and wounds. Leave families recorded for tropical moist forest of Reiek, decoction is taken orally for intestinal tapeworms 2,4,11 Mizoram. However, it was found that the two sites and to relieve flatulence. have 29 tree species in common.7 Our results reveal that the most abundant tree species at the study site Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz. Family: is C. arborea (Hnahkiah) of Verbenaceae comprising Anacardiaceae. Mizo Name: Tawi-taw/Tei-taw. of 14.30% of the total trees assessed, followed by A. Mode of Utilization: Decoction of stem-bark and acuminata (zairum) of Combretaceae with 12.62%, S. leaves is taken for rheumatism, diarrhoea, wallichii (khiang) of Theaceae with 10.56%, A. dysentery and fish allergy. The bark if grinded 4,11 chinensis (vang) of Mimosaceae with 6.31%, D. and the juice is applied to cuts. robusta (thingkha) of Fabaceae with 5.54% and C. floribunda (hnahthap) of Tiliaceae with 5.41%. All Sterculia villosa Roxb. (Figure 3J). Family: these dominant species are characterized by edible Euphorbiaceae. Mizo Name: Khau-pui. Mode of fruits, seeds, leaves and flowers which form regular Utilization: Bark decoction is used in tonsillitis, food sources for various species of fauna as cholera, dysentery and diarrhoea. Bark fibre juice 11 recorded in Table 1, and thus can be attributed to is taken against threadworm infection. play a vital role in higher biodiversity and community stability in the area. Stereospermum tetragonum DC. Family: Moraceae family has the highest number of Bignoniaceae. Mizo Name: Zih-nghal. Mode of species type represented by 9 different species. Utilization: Tender leaves and bark are used Seven species of the genus Ficus of Moraceae family against fever, stomachache, etc. Decoctions of have been recorded in the study site, which is leaves and root are used as febrifuge and 2,4,6,11 comparable to eight Ficus spp. recorded for tropical anthelmintic, leave juice is useful for itches. moist forest of Reiek, Mizoram.7 In many tropical forests, the Ficus spp. are found to be key Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. Family: Myrtaceae. components with a variety of fauna feeding on their Mizo Name: Lên-hmui/Hmui-pui. Mode of fruits.7 Other studies have also reported the Utilization: Oral medicines include infusion of dominance of Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae in fruit and decoction of stem-bark and seeds. Seed tropical forests including Northern and Eastern is taken for diabetes and bark for fever, throat Ghats.7,13,14 The family Verbenaceae was found to infection, ulcers, jaundice, urinary disorder, contribute the maximum number of individuals with

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125 trees belonging to 5 species. Similar to the gardens and similar protected areas.17 findings of this study, the dominance of angiosperms was reported among the plant species Species protection and in situ conservation recorded within the Mizoram University Campus, Tanhril, Mizoram, followed by pteridophytes and 15 Green plants assume preeminence among all life gymnosperms. Angiosperms also accounted for forms owing to the indispensable role they play for 87% of the total species recorded in ‘The Book of 11 the sustenance of life on earth. Their unique capacity Mizoram Plants (Sawmliana, 2003)’. A floristic to capture and convert sunlight into chemical energy survey of tropical semi-evergreen forest of Reiek (10 remains the fundamental source of energy for other sq. km)in Mamit District of Mizoram has shown the higher groups of organisms. In essence, even the presence of 20 and 18 tree species in the canopy enormous reserves of non-renewable petroleum layers of the undisturbed zone and disturbed zone products can be attributed to past photosynthesis. respectively. However, the species composition of Since time immemorial, plants have been a source of this forest shows dissimilarity with our study site with various products including energy-giving foods and only three species in common, viz. C. tribuloides, S. 16 flavorings, medicines, coloring materials, cosmetics, wallichii and S. cumini. perfumes, fibres and fabrics, construction materials The top five most abundant tree species of the for housing and transportation, firewood and fuel study site were reported to have ethnomedicinal wood, and a wide range of other miscellaneous uses. Among the medicinal plants recorded, products.24 Even today in our modern world, plants Moraceae contributed the maximum number with 7 continue to provide us the three basic necessities of species and Euphorbiaceae family contributed 5 life - food, shelter and clothing, along with many species. The World Health Organization (WHO) has other life essentials.24 estimated that traditional medicinal practices are still On the other hand, forest and forest resources 17 utilized by around 80% of the global population. In have been drastically exploited by various Mizoram, documentation of traditional medicinal anthropogenic activities over the past centuries. This practices of the native tribal people started some 30 overexploitation of plant resources has grave impact 18,19,20 years back. Since then, other workers have on the natural ecosystem balance and also ushers in contributed with more comprehensive reports on global climate havoc parallel to it. It has, therefore, ethnomedicinal plants usage in different parts of the become a major agenda worldwide to safeguard and 2,4-6,11 region. A large percentage of the population conserve our natural resources. The 2017 assessment may still be using the traditional herbal medicine. A of forest cover in Mizoram by Forest Survey of India recent study documented 56 species of medicinal detected a net decrease of 531 sq km which was plants used by the local people residing within 6 mainly attributed to developmental activities and Aizawl City, the capital of Mizoram. In recent years, a shifting cultivation.3 Protected areas such as number of workers have pursued phytochemical biosphere reserves, parks and sanctuaries, in situ screening of the medicinal plants of Mizoram for gene banks and other restricted places provide identifying new drug sources from these 21-23 protection and in situ conservation to important phytochemicals. An analysis of the methanolic plant species but the existing protected areas alone extracts of the leaves of C. arborea Roxb revealed are not adequate for species conservation.2 that it could be a potential source of natural In Mizoram, the protected areas cover an area of 21 antioxidants. 1240.75 sq km which is 5.88% of its total Another study on twenty traditional medicinal geographical area, and include Dampa Tiger Reserve, plants used in Mizoram showed that the medicinal Murlen National Park, Phawngpui National Park, properties of these plants may be attributed to the Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Khawnglung Wildlife presence of several secondary metabolites such as Sanctuary, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Ṭawi Wildlife tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, Sanctuary, Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Pualreng cardioglucosides, phlobatannins and terpenoids in 25 22 Wildlife Sanctuary and Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary. varying degrees in the tested species. The The present study site can also be regarded as a phytochemicals present in the extracts of Solanum valuable conservation site, where the plant species khasianum, Dillenia pentagyna and Croton caudatus are not threatened with destructive anthropogenic used as traditional anticancer medicinal plants in activities. Additionally, these protected areas may Mizoram were found to show potent anticancer serve as a source for biotechnological interventions activity on Dalton’s lymphoma, MCF-7 and HeLa cell to promote micropropagation of selected species.2 23 lines. Conservation of the traditional medicinal Threat assessments12 in this study revealed that knowledge is, thus, particularly crucial for promoting majority of the species have not yet been assessed, the pharmacological applications of these plants. In while 9 species falls under the Least Concern order to prevent traditional knowledge from category. Judicious utilization and conservation of disappearing, a multilevel approach may be taken economically important species must therefore, including training of local practitioners, ex situ and in simultaneously be observed to prevent them from situ conservation of medicinal plants in botanical becoming endangered and rare.

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Further species diversity studies of other plant 7. Devi, N.L., Singha, D., Tripathi, S.K. (2018). Tree forms including herbs, grasses, climbers etc. are species composition and diversity in tropical moist crucial to be carried out within the site for enhanced forests of Mizoram, Northeast India. Indian Journal knowledge of the prevailing flora. This will provide a of Ecology, 45(3): 454–461. comprehensive backbone of valuable information for management and conservation of available plant 8. Champion, G.H., Seth, S.K. (1968). A Revised resources of the region as a whole. Survey of the Forest Types of India. Dehradun, India: Natraj Publishers, p. 404. Acknowledgement 9. Armenteras, D., Rodriguez, N., Retana, J. (2009). Are conservation strategies effective in avoiding The authors are grateful for funding received for the deforestation of the Colombian Guyana this study from Directorate of Science & Technology, Shield? Biological Conservation, 42, 1411–1419. Government of Mizoram under SRTIP 2017-2018 (No.B.13012/1/2017-DST). The authors are extremely 10. Sinha, G.P., Singh, D.K., Singh, K.P. (2012). Flora of thankful to H.S. Thapa and Vanlalhruaii Ralte, Mizoram, Vol II. Kolkata, India: Botanical Survey of Department of Botany, Pachhunga University India. Ministry of Environment and Forest. College, Aizawl for their help and support in species Government of India, pp. 469–471. identification. The authors also extend sincere 11. Sawmliana, M. (2003). The Book of Mizoram Plants. gratitude to key informant Lalhmunhluna, Aizawl, and all staff members of MSC for providing all Aizawl, India: Zakhuma P., pp. 12–262. necessary assistance and cooperation for the 12. IUCN. (2018). The IUCN Red List of Threatened completion of the work. The authors thank Mizoram Species. Version 2018-1 www.iucnredlist.org Remote Sensing Application Centre (MIRSAC), DST, 13. Panda, P.C., Mahapatra, A.K., Acharya, P.K., for preparing location map and satellite image of Mizoram Science Centre. Debata, A.K. (2013). Plant diversity in tropical deciduous forests of Eastern Ghats, India: A landscape level assessment. International Journal of References Biodiversity Conservation, 5, 625–639.

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1–27. 23. Rosangkima, G., Jagetia, G.C. (2015). In vitro 21. Lalawmpuii, R., Lalhriatpuii, T.C., Lalzikpuii, anticancer screening of medicinal plants of Lalengliani, K., Ghosh, S.K. (2015). Qualitative Mizoram state, India, against Dalton’s lymphoma, phytochemical screening and evaluation of in-vitro MCF-7 and HeLa cells. International Journal of antioxidant activity of Callicarpa arborea Roxb, an Scientific Research, 6(8), 5648–5653. ethnomedicinal plant of Mizoram, Northeast 24. Kochhar, S.L. (2011). Economic Botany in the Tropics India. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical (4th edition). New Delhi, India: Macmillan Research, 8(5), 202–205. Publishers India Ltd., pp. 1–5. 22. Lalrinzuali, K., Vabeiryureilai, M., Jagetia, G.C. 25. Anonymous. (2017). Protected Areas. Department (2015). Ethnomedicinal use and phytochemical of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, analysis of selected medicinal plants of Mizoram, Government of Mizoram. https:// India. Trends in Green Chemistry, 1, 1–9. https:// forest.mizoram.gov.in. (8/4/2019). doi.org/10.21767/2471-9889.100009

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