Gymnocladus Assamicus ) and Dekang (Gymnocladus Burmanicus ): Culturally Important and Endangered Trees of Eastern Himalayas-Conservation Perspectives

Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 9(3), July 2010, pp. 419-429

Minangmose (Gymnocladus assamicus ) and Dekang (Gymnocladus burmanicus ): Culturally important and endangered trees of eastern Himalayas-conservation perspectives

Ranjay K Singh 1, R C Srivastava 2, Adi tribe 1, Monpa tribe 1 , Khasi tribe 1, Manipuri Community 1 & T K Mukherjee 3 1College of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural University Pasighat 791102, Arunachal Pradesh; 2Botanical Survey of India, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh; 3 NISCAIR, CSIR, New Delhi110012 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Received 12 March 2009; revised 28 August 2009

The paper deals with different aspects of three species of a legume genus, viz. Gymnocladus Lamck. ( G. assamicus, G. burmanicus and G. chinensis ). The identity, taxonomic account, phenology, habit, habitat, distribution, indigenous uses, biocultural values among different tribes and communities of Northeastern India, affinities, regeneration potential, major threats and conservation strategies are discussed. Efforts made at grassroots level to collect primary data from community forest with Adi, Monpa, Khasi and Manipuri communities of Northeast India, are also presented. Conservation strategies are additional information with the paper. Keywords: Gymnocladus assamicus, Gymnocladus burmanicus, Gymnocladus chinensis, Biocultural value, Ethnomedicinal value, Conservation, Eastern Himalaya, Adi, Monpa, Khasi, Manipuri IPC Int. Cl. 8: A61K36/00, A61P1/02, A61P17/00, A61P17/08, A61P29/00, A61P31/02

Northeast region of India, covering parts of Eastern and ecosystems of eastern Himalayan region 3. Among Himalaya (Sikkim state, Darjeeling district of West these, species of Gymnocladus genus are considered Bengal and Upper ridges of Arunachal Pradesh), is one culturally and ethnomedicinally important legumes of of the hot-spots of biodiversity in the world 1 Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Manipur states. (Fig. 1). This region has been endowed with five This region has three species namely, Gymnocladus climatic conditions (tropical, sub-tropical, sub- assamicus, Gymnocladus burmanicus and temperate, temperate and alpine) that provide an array Gymnocladus chinensis . Gymnocladus assamicus is of habitats to wet evergreen, dry evergreen and known by different tribal communities of Northeastern deciduous forests 2. People of Northeastern regions still India by different local vernacular names or even depend on indigenous biodiversity, forests and dialects. In Tawang Monpa dialect (Tawang district, associated ecosystems to meet out their multifarious Arunachal Pradesh), it is known as Nyangbi ; while needs 3. The tribal communities of regions are rich in Dirang Monpa (West Kameng district, Arunachal traditional ecological knowledge required for Pradesh) call it Minangmose or Mirangma . In Khasi harvesting plant species for their sustainable management. However, in recent past some anthropogenic and biophysical factors have affected the conservation status of biodiversity of region 4. It is important to recognize their traditional ecological knowledge through which resource-poor and tribal communities have been conserving indigenous plant resources based on their location specific traditional practices of a particular ecosystem 5. Many unexplored indigenous species are found in the diverse climates

______*Corresponding author Fig.1 ―Location map of study area 420 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 9, No. 3, JULY 2010

language (Meghalaya), it is known as Pyrah whereas; respectively 18-20 . An exhaustive account of this Manipuri communities name it as Kekru. G. economically and biologically important legume burmanicus is known by Dikang among Adi tribe (East genus has been provided for the first time 10 . Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh); people of Galo tribe call it Dika . These two species are considered most Gymnocladus Lamarck. important bioculturally plants among local tribes, and Encycl. Méth. Bot. 1: 733 (in part). 1785: Tableau found in the wild conditions 6-8. However, now it is Encycl. Méth . II. 5(1): l. 823. 1703; Ibid. III. 412. being reported that G. assamicus and G. burmanicus 1796. Guilandina L. Sp. P1 . 381 (in part). are critically endangered species and facing threats 1753. Flyperanthera Vahl , Symb. Bot. 1: 30 (in part). from various sources and needs conservation 8,9 . 1790. Unarmed trees. Leaves deciduous, bipinnate, the In the paper, an attempt has been made to give an stipules lanceolate to obovate, or absent; leaflets insight into the identity, taxonomy habit, habitat, obovate, oblong to narrowly oblanceolate, the two phenology, distribution, various cultural and stipels small, awl-shaped and persistent, or absent. traditional uses among different tribal communities Inflorescence racemose to painculate, terminal or (Monpa, Adi, Khasi and Manipuri ) of Northeastern axillary. Flowers regular predominantly dioecious to India, and the conservational aspects of the different polygamous, pedicellate, the bracts and bracteoles species of Gymnocladus . Biocultural and traditional minute, pointed, deciduous or not; calyx tubular, values of G. chinensis are recorded from China 10 . The ridged, 5-lobed; petals 5 or 4, creamy white or basic objective of this study is to create awareness purplish; stamens 10, inserted on the calyx tube, with about the correct identity, importance and fertile anthers or not; ovary sessile, 4- to many- conservation of these critically endangered species of ovuled, rudimentary or absent in the staminate Gymnocladus , among the local communities, flowers. Fruits oblong to falcate, turgid to foresters, beaurocrats, researchers, students and compressed, woody, pulpy inside, 1- to several- teachers, leading to better monitoring of the seeded, dehiscent along the placental suture. Seeds conservation strategies of these critically endangered ovoid to subglobose, with stout funicles and thick, species which have been associated with the culture bony, dark brown testa; endosperm present. of the local tribal communities since remote epoch. Type species : Gymnocladus canadensis Lam. = (L.) The genus Gymnocladus was established in 1785 K. Koch by Lamarck, with reference to the naked branches of 11 The original description of the genus includes both the trees in winter . Lamarck cited two species under Gymnocladus canadensis and G. arabica , but later the genus, G. canadensis from eastern Canada and G. exclusion of G. arabica leaves G. canadensis (G. arabicus from Egypt. The plant which Lamarck called dioicus ) as the type of the genus. G. canadensis was known by some earlier botanists. It was mentioned by Linnaeusas Guilandina dioica 12,13 . Key to the species of Gymnocladus Lamck. in India In Traite’ des Arbres the plant is described and 1a. Leaflets oblanceolate to lanceolate, acute to illustrated under the generic name Bonduc . Both pointed; pinnae usually in 3 pairs…………… Guilandina dioica and Gynnocladus canadensis were 14 ………. G. burmanicus also referred as Hyperanthera dioica . Later 1b. Leaflets oblong, obtuse to slightly retuse; pinnae Guilandina dioica was transferred to Gymnocladus in 3-7 pair…………………….…….2. and recognized as an earlier name for Gymnocladus 15 2a. Fruit falcate, the pericarp with apparent ridges canadensis . On the other hand, Gymnocladus and grooves showing seeds within……………… arabicus , the second species of the genus described ……………G. assamicus by Lamarck, is now considered to be synonymous 2b. Fruit oblong to subfalcate, the pericarp more or with Moringa aptera of the Moringaceae. G. 16 less smooth…………………………G. chinensis chinensis from Shanghai, China was described . Gymnocladus williamsii , described from Peking, Gymnocladus assamicus U.N. Kanjilal ex P.C. China, has been placed in synonymy with Gleditsia Kanjilal, Assam For. Rec. Bot. 1:t .1. 1934 & Fl sinensis Lam 17 . Two other species viz., Gymnocladus Assam 3:125. 1934; Lee in J. Arn. Arb. 57:91- burmanicus and G. assamicus , have been described 112.1976; Hu in Fl. Reipub. Pop. Sin. 39:79-80.1988. from Burma (Myanmar) and from Assam region, (Figs. 2 to 13) SINGH et al .: CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED TREES OF EASTERN HIMALAYAS 421

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Type: INDIA: Assam. Meghalaya Khasi Hills, nepalensis, Illicum griffithii, Rhododendron Laitkesh, Marngor, 1800 m, 1922 (1920), U.N. arboretum, colocassia sp, timbur, ferns and wild Kanjilal 7624 (Holotype: DD; Isotype: ASSAM, strawberry are the most common species associates CAL, K). (Fig. 16). A specimen collected in southeastern Trees, up to 17m tall, the bark yellowish to reddish Yunnan also also found to belong to this species, brown, reticulate. The rachis of the leaves 30-40 cm suggesting a wider distribution than previously long, glabrate to obscurely glandular, with 6-7 pairs indicated 10 . of pinnae 11-22.5 cm long; pinnae 12-14-jugate; Notes: Gymnocladus assamicus is closely related to leaflets oblong to obovate-oblong, 2-3×0.6-1.5 cm, other Asiatic species of the genus. It is characterized glabrate above, minutely pubescent beneath on the by its more or less falcate fruit, which is transversely midrib, the apex rounded to obtusely mucronate, the ridged and grooved on the surface. base rounded to coneate, slightly oblique, the stipel 1, ca. 1 mm long, awl-shaped and persistent. Biocultural value Inflorescence racemose, 11-17 cm long, densely gray, Monpa tribe densely pubescent, the bracts and bracteoles minute or The dry ripe pod is used as soap for bathing new absent. Flowers pedicellate, the pedicels ca. 4mm born babies because it does not harm even the soft long; calyx-tube 6-9 mm long villous outside, skin and does not cause burning sensation to the eyes. 5- lobed, the lobes 4-6 mm long, lanceolate to The fleshy ripe pods are also used for washing cloths. subulate; petals 5, oblong-obovate, 7-9 mm long, The ripe pod is warmed and applied on the swelling. purplish gray; stamens with densely pilose filaments After soaking the pods in water, the water is used as a ca 3 mm long, the oblong-ovoid ; pistil not seen. disinfectant, for cleaning the wounds. The extract Fruit oblong, subfalcate, compressed, 14-18 3-4 cm from ripe pod is used to remove leeches from animals. 1.5 cm thick shortly beaked, with a stalk ca 8 mm For this, they crush the pods in to small pieces and long, reddish brown, pulp present, the pericarp rather soak overnight in water. In the next morning the thick, woody, transversely ridged and grooved decoction is applied on legs and lower body parts of (showing the seeds within). Seeds 6-8, obovoid to their animals and allowed for grazing in forest. This subglobose, bluntly trigonous, 1.5-2, 1.2-1.6 cm, with practice assures them full protection from any kind of funicles ca. 8 mm long. leech infection of their animals. The green and dry leaves are used as a manure and mulch. People of Fl .: Feb. – March; Fr .: Nov. –Dec. Monpa tribe believe that when the leaves of

Distrib .: INDIA: Arunachal Pradesh: West Kameng Minangmose are used as mulch, there is less attack of district (Dirang, Moishing, Dambla Basti and insect pests in the vegetable crops. The leaves and Changfu Moon localities); Meghalaya (Khasi & bark are used for preparing incense sticks during the Jaintia Hills) and Manipur states (Fig. 1). famous Buddhist festival Lohsar . Immediately after CHINA: Lee (1976) recorded it from China (SE birth, the child is bathed with the extract of crushed Yunnan: Mar-li-po, Village of Chung-dzai, in an open seeds and leaves. The Monpa tribe believes that body ‘thicket’ at the elevation of 1800-1900 m, Nov 4, and soul is purified if the extract of crushed seed and 1947, Feng 12863 (A). ripe pod of Minangmose is used over the dead body of Habitat and distrib : This species has hitherto been a man and for taking bath after funeral. known only from the Northeast India (Arunachal People of Monpa tribe use it in making Pradesh, Meghalaya and Manipur states of the Torma/Torgen (a kind of religious offerings to Lord erstwhile Assam state). Nine populations with 30 Buddha) and also for curing dermatological disorders mature trees have been recorded so far from Dirang and get rid off from leaches for the animals. Pod is forest range in Arunachal Pradesh 7. These populations collected during the preparation of Torma/Torgen are distributed in and around 10 km 2 areas. The (flower shaped structure) during Chokpa i.e. their number of mature trees per population ranges from religious festival in Palyul Jhangchub Dargyeling 1-6 and only 2 populations at Moishing and Damb1a Dirang Monastery located at Le Ong village (West had seedlings and saplings. The species is mostly Kameng district). For the worship of Lohsar and distributed on the hill slopes and along the banks of Chokpa festivals), the Lama (priest) prepares Torma . streams. Quercus griffithi, Rhus wallichii Alnus A mixture of wheat flour, yak milk’s ghee and candle SINGH et al .: CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED TREES OF EASTERN HIMALAYAS 423

wax is used in making Torma . The Torma , being in cultural exchange, developing knowledge network made up of oily materials is very sticky and adhesive and making inter- and intra-communal harmony. which cohere in hands during Torgen preparation. To Khasi tribe prevent such stickiness of the Torma in hands, pre- The dry ripe pods are used as soap and shampoo for soaked Mirangmose pods are rubbed in hands in place bathing, removing dandruff, washing hair and of soap or detergent (Figs.14-15). This efficient precious traditional dresses like Ryndiah (made of property is found more effective than any other silk), particularly by the women folk. Khasi tribe synthetic detergent available in the market. Use of this believes that evil sprit can be kept away after using natural soap is believed to be more blessed than the the pods (as soap) of Gymnocladus assamicus . In other soap or detergent. The people in and around most of the worships performed to do away with the Dirang use the fleshy pods for domestic cleansing evil spirit, the dry ripe pods are hanged in the rope purposes also such as washing clothes, hands, over bamboo. utensils, etc. Rubbing the fleshy pods in water produces good amount of saponin and posses Manipuri community effective cleansing action. People prefer to use the Traditionally, the local resource-poor communities pods for bathing as a substitute of soap. These are also of Manipur are also habitual of using the dry ripe used for washing hairs and considered effective in pods along with its seeds as traditional soap and removing dandruff. shampoo. Jewelers use the dry seeds for cleaning and The black coloured seeds of the tree are stony and washing the precious ornaments and gold jewelry. In are extremely hard. Other than the external black ethnomedicinal usage, the seeds are made into paste testa, a waxy layer inside the testa prevents imbibition and applied over tooth of the person suffering from of seeds for a few days even if immersed in water. toothache and pyorrhea to relieve pain and avoid The seeds are roasted in open fire and the cotyledons further infection. are taken as a substitute of groundnut. The roasted Population status seeds bear a similar smell of coffee and hence the At present, the percentage of mature tree species is also called as Coffee Tree . However, population is higher than that of sapling/seedling excessive eating of roasted seeds cause dizziness, population in all the sites of occurrence of this species nausea and vomiting. When there is any argument (except in Moishin locality with 165 seedlings and 13 between two Monpas regarding any issue, one says to saplings). Only one sapling was found in Dambla other that he has been cared and brought up in his locality. About 55% seedlings were recorded within childhood by his mother with the ripe pod of 4-8 m radial distance of the mother tree. The density Minangmose as soap, not by the leaves of Ghonsu and survival of saplings was recorded only at 8-12 m (Urtica parviflora ,- the nettle). It indicates high social radial distance from the crown of mother tree. There and cultural values associated to the Minangmose in was no seedling or sapling population beyond 12 m Monpa the day-to-day life of tribe and is reflected by radius which suggests that seed dispersal of G. the proverb Meri maa ne mujhe Minangmose se assamicus is very poor and is perhaps a major nahlaya hai, Ghonsu se nahin . The ripe pods are regeneration constraint. Reason for very poor generally not sold in the market. They are so precious regeneration in Changfu Moon and Dambla localities that they are only exchanged with other goods. may be due to anthropogenic activities (over- Generally 2 kg dry ripe pods are exchanged and harvesting of mature pods, disturbance, and grazing) bartered with one kg of Chhurpi (wet cheese prepared because these localities are near human settlements, from yak milk). The Chhurpi is an indispensable while, such disturbances are almost nil at Moishing ethnic food in every Monpa kitchen. No meal is locality. complete without a slice of Chhurpi . Historically, Gymnocladus assamicus is being used in the barter Germination percentage of G. assamcius system between Monpa tribe of Dirang and the Regeneration through seeds only has been tested so Bhutanese pastoralists to exchange with the far. The local conservators perceive that this species agriculture and animal based products and even have major problem of seed dormancy. Study different seeds of indigenous crops. Thus, depict that, freshly collected seeds had hardily Gymnocladus assamicus Kanj. has an important role 15-20% germination (Fig. 23) with 41% viability and 424 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 9, No. 3, JULY 2010

only 5.4% remain viable after 12 months under conservation goals should be adopted to ensure that normal conditions. Germination takes place within the vigour of a population is maintained or restored in 10-12 days from the day of sowing. However, some the face of inbreeding through appropriate seeds have been recorded to germinate even after manipulation of the genetic variations. According to 12-13 months of sowing. the demographic characteristics of this species, it is found that the seedling and sapling populations do not Threats contribute to the maintenance of natural regeneration Though fruit set seems to be sufficient, other stock. Thus, an artificial introduction of the species in extrinsic and intrinsic constraints to natural suitable ecological habitats may be one of the options regeneration have been identified in G. assamicus . to restore the populations of G. assamicus . Population Major threats to natural habitats are expansion of restoration by supplementary regeneration could be an agricultural activities in forest land and construction adaptive strategy to combat the declining population by introducing nursery-grown seedlings to of roads and houses in and around forest areas. Such 21-22 activities may be adversely affecting population of compensate the lack of natural regeneration . Since seedlings and saplings in Changfu Moon and Dambla major threats to G. assamicus are habitat degradation Basti (Dirang region) localities. A few specific threats and over harvesting of mature pods, awareness among to G. assamicus are over harvesting of mature pods local people, preservation of existing reproducing for domestic use, grazing, predation of seeds by individuals, and sustainable harvest of mature pods may be effective in successful preservation of the scatter-hoarding animals, and fungal damage to seeds. 8 Other intrinsic constraints are lack of dispersal and a species . Government agencies such as State Forest hard-waxy seed coat. Seed dispersal necessary for the Department, NGOs, and other conservation agencies survival of the offspring’s, farther from the mother may take initiatives in developing, distributing, as tree has not been observed in G. assamicus . well as planting nursery-grown seedlings of G. Occurrence of very limited number of fruiting assamicus in suitable habitats. Plantation of seedlings (hermaphrodite) trees may also be a natural in domestic gardens, along traditional agricultural constraint. The indiscriminate cutting of large trees land or in government parks and gardens are also for firewood purpose and clearing forest lands for recommended. Such locations are generally protected Jhum cultivation, orchard establishment and grazing and hence the growth and survival of seedlings may has led to an alarming and rapid decline in its be ensured. It would be much better if network of population and posing its imminent extirpation or “village knowledge garden” (CKG) are made where the species is planted at war foot level at the extinction. The tree has a very slow regeneration rate, 23 that’s why there is saying among Monpa that: “ A respective altitude level . Minagmose tree planted by a man at the stage of his middle age will bear the fruits that would be Gymnocladus burmanicus C.E. Parkinson, Bull harvested by his children at teenage” . Being self- Misc. Inf. Kew 1928: 333, 1928; Lee in J.Arnold,. pollinated, there is very little genetic diversity in the Arb.57: 91-112.1976; Singh et al ., in Ind. J. population. The local people especially younger Trad.Knowled .2009 (Photo plate-2 (Figs.17-21) . generations from the studied communities are not Ty pe: Lower Burma (Myanmar),Ta-ok Plateau, 2 aware about its use and critically endangered status . Dawna Hill of Tennasserim, ca 1000 m, C.E. Parkinson 5229 (K). Conservation strategies Vernacular Names : Dikang (Adi major tribe in East Population of G. assamicus is extremely small and Siang district), Dika 1 (Galo/Galong subtribe of Adi the total number of reproducing individuals is just 30. major tribe living in Along region). It is called as Hence, active protection measures and continuous Mya-pe-ler (Karen, Lower Burma) in Myanmar. monitoring of the existing populations should be Trees, up to 17 m tall, the bark brown with given a top priority. As the numbers of mature trees transverse lines. The rachis of the leaves ca. 20 cm are very limited, all the recorded populations should long, shortly and sparsely pubescent to glabrate, be preserved. Rare and endangered taxa often exist as usually with 3 pairs of pinnae 8-15 cm long: pinnae 7- relatively small populations and are subject to l0-jugate; leaflets 4-6 cm long, 0.5-1.5 cm wide, the population bottlenecks. Thus, a short and long term lower ones ovate-lanceolate and oblique, the upper SINGH et al .: CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED TREES OF EASTERN HIMALAYAS 425

ones lanceolate or nearly so, their bases narrowed, the Fl.: & Fr .: April–Aug. apex of all leaflets acute to acuminate, with scattered, Distrib .: INDIA: Arunachal Pradesh; East Siang short, appressed trichomes when young, becoming district (Hills of Yagrung, Miram, Sibut, Aying, Mebo glabrate in age, the petiolules Fa 2 mm long, the stipel and Koyu community forest; only 15 trees recorded in 1, 1-2 mm long, awl-shaped, and persistent. wild during study), altitude 150-200 m, Upper Siang Inflorescence Fa 10 cm long, all the branches shortly district ( Gensing region), altitude 180-280 m (based and spaisely pubescent. Flowers with pedicel 1-1.3 on conservators report) (Fig.1). cm long; calyx tube ca 7 mm long, 5-lobed, the lobes MYANMAR, THAILAND (semi-endangered/ ca. mm long; petals 5, oblong, pale-pubescent, 8 mm vulnerable) long, reddish purple; stamens with filaments ca 7 mm long, the anthers ovoid; ovary glabrous, few-ovuled, Ecology the style short, the stigma slightly oblique. Fruit The ecological niches under the forest where oblong, sub-cylindrical, slightly compressed, ca 8 cm dekang trees were recorded are situated at a height long, 3 cm wide, reddish brown, shiny, pulp present. ranging from 150-200 msl, within geographical limits Seeds 2-3, oblong-obovoid. of 28.0667, 28 °4'0" N and 95.33, 95 °19'60" E. 426 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 9, No. 3, JULY 2010

Fig.23 ―Germination percentage of G. assamicus

Fig.24 ―Germination percentage of G. burmanicus Whereas, in Gensing region (Upper Siang) it was found at 180-280 m altitude. Dekang grows well in toko -patta leaves were removed and 52-73% the hot and humid climate. It needs average daytime germination was recorded (Fig. 24). temperature that varies from 32 °C in summer to around 16 °C in winter. At the night, it requires Biocultural values average winter temperature around 8 °C, while in Dekang is used in various medicinal and cultural summer 14 °C. It grows around the dense vegetation purposes. The pods have foul smell (but relatively of bamboo and cane species, toko-patta (Livistonia 40% lesser than the smell recorded in G. assamicus ). jekintiana ) shrubs and other thorny shrubs species. Mature pods are used in curing skin allergy, itching Trees are found near the natural drains in light black and boils. Further, the matured pods are used as soil with sufficient percentage of moisture. No shampoo for cleaning dandruff and as soap for seedlings were found under the shade of mature trees cleaning cloths by the elder people of Adi community. or nearby areas. Though, its use was recorded only 12% among the villages mentioned above, however it was restricted Seed dispersal among middle (35-45 yrs) to elders (>50 yrs) group The anthropological study of region revealed that only. None of its user was recorded among the Dikang is most liked by wild deers and boars. These younger generation. The pods of dekang are used in animals after eating the pod, exits the seeds of Dikang attracting deer while hunting in community forest with dung. Wherever dung is dropped the germination (locally called morang ). Dekang is well known of seeds was better (45-70%) than normal seed among the elders of Pasi, Padam, Pangi, Minyong germination (35-62%). On few places in community and other ethnic groups (sub-tribes) of Adi tribe but forest, the viable seedlings were recorded. This with other name. The Galo also use dekang fruits as difference might be on account of breaking the seed hunting material to attract the deer and also as dormancy with the intestinal juices of deers and boars. medicine (7-8% among Galo ). Though, a big difference between elders and younger generation Seed germination about the knowledge and use of deka pods was Dormancy is a problem in dekang seed’s observed among Galo also. Local people perceive germination as experienced by the local people. An (67.5%) that the population of this tree has reduced experiment was conducted to record the germination over the last 40 yrs in the community forests caused percentage of dekang . In normal condition, its by many anthropogenic and policy factors. Though, germination percentage recorded was 35-62%, while, some of local traditional biodiversity conservators after treating with cow dung (kept in the bolls of cow (like Mrs Orik Ralen of Sibut village, Mrs Omang dung for 4 days) the germination was 65-82%. In Tamuk of Yagrung village and Mr G Lego of GTC third treatment, the seeds were sown in the 5 cm depth colony, Pasighat) are taking interest to conserve the of soil under the shade of toko-patta tree and covered dekang tree. But, this effort is meager, and massive with the leaves of toko -tree. After every alternate day, community based grassroots approaches are needed the watering was made with sprinkler to maintain immediately from the environmental agencies and moisture in soil bed in case of no rain during the State Government so that dynamics of biocultural month of May. After a gap of 7 days, the covered diversity found around the dekang tree species could SINGH et al .: CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED TREES OF EASTERN HIMALAYAS 427

be conserved. This could be energized through group within the genus, and they may be easily establishing village knowledge garden (CKG) at war separated from the American species, G. dioicus , by foot level in the respective altitude level 7. Further, their much narrower leaflets, which rarely exceed 22 conservation could be enhanced through genetic mm; and by the presence of small awl-shaped and approach to restore the species rapidly 21. persistent stipels 10 . The species is included here on the Gymnocladus chinensis Baillon, Compt. Rend. basis of Burkill’s collection from Abor expedition, Assoc. Franc. Avanc. Sci. 3:418-427. t.4. 1875; Lee in above Reigging camp, 4000 ft, and 26:6. 1912, I. H J. Arn.Arb.57:91-112. 1976. Burkill 36282 (CAL): It has not been recollected from Type : Figure that appeared in the original article India after Burkill. was selected (Compt . Rend. Assoc. Franc. Avanc. Sci. Conclusion and conservation strategies 3: 418-427. t. 4. 1875) designated as the type of the 10 The local culture, spirit, religion and use of species . indigenous plants in folk traditions play a significant Trees, up to 12 m. tall, the bark gray, usually role in sustainable conservation of indigenous smooth. Rachis of the leaves 25-30 cm long, shortly biodiversity. Looking to the tremendous importance and sparsely pubescent to glabrate, with 3-5 pairs of of informal rural social and cultural institutions in pinnae 14-28 cm long: pinnae 10-to 12-jugate: leaflets managing and conserving the natural resources, the oblong to elongate-oblong. 1.5-4 × 1-1.5 cm densely Monpa community of Dirang has been mobilized whitish-tomentose on both sides when young, through the Gaon Burha (village chief) and other becoming glabrate with age, the apex rounded or cultural leaders for in -situ conservation of the slightly retuse; stipels 1, ca. 1 mm long, awl-shaped, Minangmose . Monpa and Adi tribes were mobilized and persistent. Inflorescence 4-10 cm long, hoary- with the help of community leaders and outstanding tomentose. Flowers with pedicel 1-2 cm long, erect or conservators to enhance conservation of G. asaamcus pendulous: calyx-tube 5-6 mm long, the lobes and G. burmanicus in Dirang and Pasighat localities, lanceolate, ca. 4 mm long, 2 mm wide; petals oblong, respectively. These efforts brought real changes and ca. 5 mm long, 2 mm wide, lilac-purple; stamens ca. 4 conservation/multiplication of significant numbers of mm long. Pilose near the base: ovary elongate, plants of both the species could be ensured ( in-situ as glabrate, usually 4-ovulate, rudimentary or absent in well as ex-situ) . These contributions in conservation the staminate flowers; style short; stigma recurved- of both the species by local tribes, led them to achieve capitate. Fruit oblong, 7-12 × 3-4 cm, ca 1.5 cm thick, the national recognition as the outstanding shortly beaked, dark brown, usually covered with a conservators. They have been awarded with the prize glaucous bloom. Seeds 2-4, subglobose to ovoid, 1.5- of Biodiversity Conservation Champion (Fig. 22), at 2, 1.5-1.b cm and 1-1.2 cm thick. Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Distrib : INDIA: Arunachal Pradesh: Abor Hills, in the guardianship of SRISTI. The community Reigging . ca 4000 ft. mobilization of Monpa and Adi tribes resulted into passing resolution and norms for conservation of G. CHINA assamicus and G. burmanicus , As per the norms of Habitat : In forests of Castanopsis and Quercus at these communities, the violators are to be imposed a ca 1210m in Upper Reigging locality of Arunachal certain amount of fine by the Gaon Burha . It is hoped Pradesh that, this effort which is still in its infancy, will have a Uses : The fruit of Gymnocladus chinessis is highly considerable impact in creating awareness about the esteemed for its saponaceous qualities and is much importance, traditional uses and conservation of G. desired as a soap substitute in China. It is also used as assamicus . In Adi tribe, there is no restriction to cut an herb medicine in curing swelling and abscesses. the tree which doesn’t bear fruits. However, cutting a Oil from seeds is used as latex in making paints 10 . fruit-bearing tree is restricted as its fruits are used for Notes : Gymnocladus chinensis is the most widely attracting deer for hunting and thus used as a trap. distributed species of the genus having been reported Further, such special attention on the G. chinensis is in central and south-eastern China, in the provinces of required to enhance conservation in respective Anhwei, Chekiang, Fukien, Human, Hupeh, Kiangsi, districts of NE region of India. Kwangtung, and Szechwan 10 . Gymnocladus chinensis Pods of G. assamicus, G. burmanicus and G. and the rest of the Asiatic species form a coherent chinensis possess efficient cleansing property against 428 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 9, No. 3, JULY 2010

wide range of strong fats, oils and other complex Acknowledgement grimes of day-to-day activities. The plant has an Authors are grateful to Mr Khempo Dorjee Pasang, impending future for preparation of plant based soap the head Lama (Buddhist religious priest) Dirang and may serve as an alternative source of income. The Monastery ( Gonpa ), who have demonstrated the bioingradient of fruits of these species could be tested process of making Torma from Minangmose . The to know the scientific compounds and see the traditional knowledge of community leaders and possibilities as an alternative to normal soap, making villagers are thankfully acknowledged. Before biopesticides for agriculture and ethnomedicine for disclosing the ethnomedicinal and other usage of the dermatological disorders. Protection of existing species of Gymnocladus, the prior informed consent population and their habitat, awareness of local of community leaders was sought. The financial community for sustainable harvest of mature pods and support obtained from Central Agricultural reintroduction of seedling into their native University, Imphal is thankfully acknowledged. environment prime need of the time for these species Authors thank Director BSI for facility. for effective conservation. Studies on intrinsic and extrinsic factors causing depletion of these three species will be helpful to formulate and adopt References scientifically oriented conservation strategies Such 1 Myers N, Mittermeier R A, Fonseca G A B da & Kent J, scientific approach may enhance the conservation of Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities, Nature , 403 24,25 (24) (2000) 853-858. all three species of Gymnocladus . 2 Singh R K, Srivastava R C, Adi Community & Mukherjee T K, Culturally important Dekang (Gymnocladus burmanicus C.E. 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