Ethnobotanical Identification of Echinopsis Pachanoi in Himachal Pradesh
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Ethnobotanical Identification of Echinopsis Pachanoi in Himachal Pradesh. A New Candidate for the Soma Plant? Abstract Ethnobotanical fieldwork identifies for the first time in literature the existence of the cactus Echinopsis Pachanoi in Himachal Pradesh, India. Given similarties to references to the soma plant found in vedic scriptures, the hypothesis is formulated that the plant could be a candidate for the Soma. Introduction Fieldwork carried out in Himachal Pradesh in 2013 [Di Maio] identifies a cactus plant producing a large white flower, which shares morphological traits and traditional usage with Echinopsis Pachanoi, a plant not identified by local botanical surveys carried out in the region and not recorded in scientific literature to grow in Asia. This paper reports preliminary findings and forumlates an hypotesis that if true, could mean that the identification of Echinopsis Pachanoi in this locality, or a very closely related plant would be documented for the first time. Given that Echinopsis Pachanoi is well known in the Andes for being used in divination and other shamanic rituals, and if the findings are confirmed, could this be the plant from which the Soma drink referenced in the vedic literature is extracted? Motivation Kamand Valley, Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh - India A survey was carried out om the Kamand, in Mandi District to assess the environmetal impact of a new IIT Mandi campus [Sawhey]. Among other species, the survey identified a plant with potential properties of value, Euphorbia Royleana. In comparing the survey results with notes from related fieldwork, it was noted that Euphorbia Royeleana produces small yellow flower, however visual inspections of the field had revealed sporadic presence of large white flowers on top of some of the cacti looking plants. These were not identified by the survey to the best of my knowledge. The white flower observed sporadically in the fields around Kamand grows on top of tall cactus- like plants, upon subsequent closer observation, and after comparison with data and images from online botanical databases, these have the same appearance of the flowers of Echinopsis Pachanoi, a cactus not recorded in botanical literature as present in this region. Taxonomic Gap and Ethnobotany The Latin name of a cactus characterized by a large white fragrant flower blooming after sunset, and well know in South and Central America as San Pedro cactus, has been 'Trichocereus pachanoi' for decades, but due to a recent taxonomical reclassification, the cactus is currently considered a subordinate to the much larger cacti family Echinopsis. The current and correct Latin name for the San Pedro is therefore ‘Echinopsis pachanoi'. 1 The taxonomic reclassification of the Trichocerus to Echinopsis has been objected to by some cactus experts, such as K. Trout, as generating possible confusion, and the old Trichocereus classification is still in use, especially in ethnobotanical research. The limitations of scientific literature and documentation, causing uncertainties in plant identification and classification are referred to as taxonomic gap (Dubois, 2010) and ascribed at least in part to the incompleteness of current scientific knowledge "Our knowledge of the living species of the earth is still dramatically incomplete. Actually, few domains of scientific knowledge are in such an unsatisfying situation. Taxonomists have so far described less than 2 million species, whereas, using various methods, the total number of species was estimated to at least 7–8 million, but perhaps 10, 50, 100 million or even more "(Groombridge; Heywood & Watson,; Reaka-Kudla et al., in Dubois, 2010). Ethnobotanical methods are a necessary complementary approach to knowledge acquisition which can help bridge taxonomic gaps, especially in regions where biodiversity knowledge is held verbally by local folks who speak only local dialects, and who have typically transmitted traditional knowledge orally. Method The outcomes of an ethnobotanical survey presented internally at a faculty meeting (Sawhaney), showed that an indigenous plant resembling a cactus is identified as Euphorbia Royleana, which produces tiny yellow flowers. Independent ethnobotanical observations carried out during fieldwork in preceding months, identified a tall cactus in the same locality which however sporadically presents a large white flower growing either on the top, or on the sides of the upper portion of the plant. Initially, two informants, natives of the region and with some degree of ethnobotanical knowledge, but no formal training in botanics, confirmed the existence of a cactus bearing a large white flower, and although they could not identify it conclusively, they described some of the characterics for the plant under observation: The cactus flowers sporadically but the flower only lasts a few days Blooms around full moon and is very fragrant in smell Is used ornamentally The latex it produces when cut is used topically to heal skin wounds The plant has medicinal properties and is traditionally given to cattle to cure some diseases An additional informant who speaks the local language as well as very good English and became involved in the research while assisting with translations, confirmed from their own experience that the white flower is commonly used as ornamental, and has been visually identified not only in the Kamand Valley, where the study is taking place, but also in the broader Mandi District, as well as in other regions of northern India, such as Uttar Pradesh. An larger pool of informants has been identified and is currently being interviewed independently both in the Kamand valley, as well a in adjacent localities to cross reference and validate the finding. Among the challenges for the research are: a) identifying reliable and knowledgeable informants, and b) communicating with them in English c) defining an research protocol which is broad enough to capture the unstructured, often anecdotal ethnobotanical knowledge of the plant.d) disambiguate information when its characteristics are shared by more than one plant under study. The assistance of bilingual representatives from local communities is required to act as translators. Given that the flower is 1http://www.zamnesia.com/mescaline-cactus/2315-san-pedro-echinopsis-pachanoi.html seasonal (it only appears once or twice a year) and the study started place after the flowering season, initial identification at this stage is taking place via the use of photographs. Photographs representing large white flowers from different cacti are shown to the informants, who are asked to identify among the set which is the flower they recognize as the one identified in the valley, among a group of similar ones. At least three informants so far have recognized visually from the set of images provided, the flower of plant known in literature as Echinopsis Pachanoi, as a plant growing wild in the habitat of Himachal Pradesh gardens. However there is currently ambiguity and some possible overlap between different plants possibly having similar medicinal properties and traditional applications. Illustration 1: One of the photographs Illustration 2: Woman in Kehnwal Village used in visual identification Near Mandi HP - Identifies \ photo Flower under investigation The Soma Plant in Vedic Literature A plant known as Soma, Somalata in Sanskrit is documented in hindu scriptures as associated with spiritual vedic traditions, however its morphology, habitat and distribution are not clearly established; although four plants in the Himalayas are associated with Soma the identity of the original Soma plant is still uncertain(Karayil et al). Some characteeristics of the soma plant excerpted from botanical and vedic literature, which match the characteristics of Echinopsis, and to some extent, also some Euphorbias: The Soma plant was a leafless creeper came from the mountains (RigVeda 9th Mandalam). The juice was extracted from the shoots or stalks, never from the fruits. A very important characteristic feauture of the Soma plant is that it was sweet-scented, (RV 9.97.19; 9.107.2 RV 9.61.9, RV 9.62.7, RV9.62.20, RV 9.67.8, 9.66.25, 26). The plant is a creeper semi shrub, leafless or reduced leaves with milky secretions (c.f. Hillebrant, 1891). In Rigveda it was clearly stated that the plant is green in colour (Haritha varnam) (RV 9.38.2, 6, RV9.37.2, RV 9.7.6) and Aruna Varnam (Red Colour) (RV9.40.2) The plant was Xerophyte as it grows in hills and mountain ranges (RV 9.62.4). (Karayil et al) The word is derived from an Indo-Iranian root *sav-(Sanskrit sav-/su) "to press", i.e.*sau-ma-is the drink prepared by pressing the stalks of a plant.described as "green-tinted" and "bright-shining" in the RigVeda. (R.V., 9.42.1 and 9.61.17)[Gelner]. In history, knowledge of the ingredient was lost altogether, and Indian ritual reflects this, in expiatory prayers apologizing to the gods for the use of a substitute plant (somalataa, e.g. the pūtīka) because Soma had become unavailable. In Hinduism, the god Soma evolved into a lunar deity. Full moon is the time to collect and press the divine drink. The moon is also the cup from which the gods drink Soma, thus identifying Soma with the moon god Chandra. A waxing moon meant Soma was recreating himself, ready to be drunk again. [Gelner] Some of the variations in the description of the soma drink in vedic literature can be ascribed to fact that throghout history, the original soma plant became unavailable or near extinct in some regions (possibly due to demand exceeding the supply) and different plants with similar and related properties were used to produce the soma drink at different times in history, with possible local variations due to the differences in local flora of different regions where the soma rituals were practiced. Soma Candidates in literature Possible Candidates for the Soma plant identified in scientific literature are Amanita muscaria [Oldenberg, Wasson] Ephedra [Falk ,Houben].