Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 9(1), January 2010, pp. 61-67

Ethnobotanical studies of Dehang–Debang Biosphere Reserve of Arunachal Prad esh with special reference to Memba tribe

P Rethy*, B Singh, R Kagyung & PR Gajurel Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed University), Nirjuli791 109, E-mail: [email protected] Received 4 December 2006; revised 30 April 2008

Dehang–Debang Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) is located in the Northeastern part of the Eastern Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh. The tribal communities inhabiting in and around DDBR are Ashings, Boris, Bokars, Shimongs, Palibos, Khambas, Membas, Gallos, Minyongs and Mishmis . The Khambas and Membas centered on Gelling, and Singa near the Siang river of Upper are quite different culturally as well as ethnically from Adis and other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The study was carried out in 6 villages of which are inhabited by Membas . During the field survey, 88 useful plant species belonging to 47 families and 58 genera documented, 24 species are used as vegetable, 18 species are used as medicine and 13 species are used as edible fruits. Apart from these, some selected species are used for stupefying and trapping fishes, spice, edible oil, fodder, and fiber, packaging material and for religious practices. In the paper, ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal uses of plant species along with their vernacular names and parts used are discussed.

Keywords: Dehang–Debang Biosphere Reserve, Membas tribe, Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicine, Medicinal plants, Arunachal Pradesh

IPC Int. Cl. 8: A61K36/00, A61P1/04, A61P1/06, A61P1/10, A61P1/12, A61P1/14, A61P1/16, A61P19/00, A61P29/00

The Eastern Himalayas is situated on the confluence characterized by the beautiful, gentle, wide valley of zone of the Indo-Malalayan, Afro-tropic & Indo- the Siyum River on one hand and imposing gorge of Chinese bio-geographical realms and is an important the Siang on the other. There are 28 major tribes and centre of diversity and origin of important crop 110 sub tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. The major tribal species 1,2 . Arunachal Pradesh, the 12 th mega diversity communities inhabiting in and around DDBR are region of the world, located between 91 ˚30 ′E and 96 ˚E Ashings, Bokars, Boris, Gallos, Khambas, Membas, may also be considered as one of the major Minyongs, Mishmis, Palibos and Shimongs. Khambas ethnobotanical hotspots with 63.66% tribal population and Membas inhabit close to northern borders of and 81.25% forest coverage 3,4 . Dehang–Debang Upper Siang–Gelling, Tuting and Singa. Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) established under the Many tribal areas and tribal communities in the UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) program, is Northeast are either under explored or located in the North-eastern part of Arunachal unexplored with regard to their floral wealth along Pradesh comprising of total 5,111.50 sq km of which with their ethnobotanical aspects. In India, more than 4,094.80 sq km is central core zone surrounded by a 300 wild plant species are used as subsidiary buffer zone of 1,016.70 sq km. It falls under 10 food/vegetables by tribals, and out of 800 plants, at administrative circles of 4 districts Dibang Valley, least 250 plants can be developed as a new sources of East Siang, West Siang and Upper Siang districts. The food in the near future 7. About 300 wild edible plant main rivers flowing through the DDBR are Dehang species have been reported from Northeast India 8. So (or Siang) and Debang and their tributaries. Hence, far, various researchers have reported 1,350 species of 5,6 the name Dehang–Debang Biosphere Reserve . The plants used in ethnomedicinal preparations, 665 topography of the Siang part of DDBR is species food plants and 899 species of miscellaneous 9 ______uses from entire Northeast India . In Northeast India, *Corresponding author extensive ethnobotanical/ethnomedicinal work have 62 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 9, No. 1, JANUARY 2010

been done on various tribes such as Adis, Chakmas, Forest and Director of Dehang Debang Biosphere Khamptis, Apatanis, Nyshis, Monpas, Hill Miris and Reserve and related officials. For selection of study Yobins, there is hardly any ethnobotanical records on sites, information has been collected from district Memba tribe 10-22 . Floristic work on DDBR has also administration and circle officers. The study was been carried out 23 . Hence, this ethnobotanical undertaken in 6 villages namely Bona, Kopu, Gelling, investigation was taken up to study and to document Tuting, Biching and Jido of Upper Siang district. their traditional knowledge about the utility of plant Among which first 5 villages are inhabited by resources surrounding them. Membas and the last one is dominated by Adi tribe. Memba community utilizes various plants in their For data collection standard questionnaire was made daily life to fulfill their multidimensional necessities. and data were recorded accordingly 25 . During data They have rich traditional knowledge about plant collection, informal discussion was held with the resource utilization. Membas are one of the immigrated village head ( Gaon-Burahs) , medicine man, head of tribes to this region from Tibet with high sense of the family and aged knowledgeable persons (age culture as well as having a language of their own with group 30-90 yrs) and required information on specific script. It is believed that the Membas are the medicinal plants and edible non timber forest products first group of people immigrated from Tibet to this regarding their use, utility pattern, local beliefs, etc. region at about 10 or 11 generation ago 24 . They are were collected. Voucher specimens of all recorded Buddhists by religion and quite different culturally as plants particularly the wild plants have been collected well as ethnically from Adis and other tribes, who are and herbarium specimens were prepared for their neighbours. From the anthropological point of identification following standard methods 25-32 . view, Membas are Mongoloid in their ethnic origin, Voucher specimens have been deposited in the belonging to Tibeto- Burman subfamily of Tibeto- Forestry Herbarium of the Department of Forestry, Chinese Linguistic group. Total population of Membas North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and in Arunachal Pradesh is 2,202 (Census1991). The Technology (Deemed University), Nirjuli. Membas are mainly agriculturalists and grow cash crops such as wheat, maize, millet, potato, cereals and Results and discussion paddy. Orchards of oranges are grown in their area. During field survey, 88 plant species collected Their houses, which are made from stone, wood, belonging to 47 families and 58 genera are arranged thatching grass and bamboos, resemble those of the with families, vernacular names in Memba (M), Adi Monpas of . However, due to (A) & Assamese (As), Mode of preparation, dietary relative isolation from Tibet and occasional contacts forms and uses (Table 1). The new and interesting uses with the Adi tribes, they are also somewhat influenced of plants have marked with an asterisk. Among these, by the Donyi-Polo (the Sun and the moon) faith in their 24 species are used as vegetable, 18 species are used as beliefs. In every village there is a Buddhist Lama. The medicine and 13 species are used as edible fruits. Out main festival that is celebrated is Losar . Rice and of the 24 species used for vegetables, some plants like millets are the staple food. Leaves of various wild Fagopyrum esculentum, Amaranthus sp , Begonia plants and vegetables are taken in large quantities. The Josephii, Clerodendrum colebrookianum, Osbekia common domestic animals are pigs, mithun, cattle, chinensis, Piper mullesua, Pteridium aquilinium, goat, and chicken by which they can meet their protien Spilanthes panicles, Solanum nigrum, Dioscorea alata, requirements. Meat is preserved for a long period by Houttuynia cordata, etc . are commonly preferred by all smoking it over fire. Jhum (shifting) cultivation is the villagers. Among the medicinal plants, Centella age old indigenous method of cultivation with the help asiatica, Coptis teeta, Garcinia pedunculata, Morus of tools such as dao and hoe or stricks . This is the only macoura, Psidium guajava, Solanum stramonium are practical method of cultivation on steep slopes of the commonly used in gastrointestinal problem. Coptis hills and is closely linked with social custom, teeta is being used commonly for antimalarial mythology and beliefs. Hunting and fishing is also a treatment as it is known for and also used in the part and parcel of their way of life. treatment of cold, cough, fever, dysentery, gastric, headache and debility. However, the species is not Methodology commonly available in nearby forest areas, but the Basic information on Biosphere Reserve has been people are collecting it from nearby forest of Beaching collected from the Department of Environment and village located at about 15 km away. RETHY et al .: ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDIES OF MEMBA TRIBE OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 63

Table 1 Plants used by tribes of Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve

Plant name /Family Local name Uses

Abroma augusta (L) Bon-kopahi (As), Leaves are used in wound healing. Sterculiaceae Yadukh (A) Aconitum heterophyllum Wall . Mra (A), Root used as arrow poisoning and in snakebite; rhizome is applied on Rannanculaceae Tsan duk (M) wounded portion. Acorus calamus L. Araceae Buch (A) Rhizome is used in child birth as nerve tonic. Adhatoda vasica Nees. Vasaka (As) Tender leaves are used as vegetable. (Acanthaceae) Ageratum conyzoides L. Ingkir/ Nangkir / Whole plant is used for blood clotting and wound healing. Asteraceae Bongir (A), Botpa ngon (M) Allium sativum L. Jilap (A) Tender leaves are used as vegetable; tubers as spice. Liliaceae Colocacia esculenta Schoot. Ngerag (A), Petiole, tender leaves and underground parts are taken as vegetables. Araceae Bojong (M) Amaranthus hybridus L. Gubor oying (A) Tender leaves are used as vegetable. Amaranthaceae Amaranthus viridis L. Gubor oying (A) Tender leaves and shoots are used as vegetables. Amaranthaceae Andrographis paniculata Kalmegh (S) Leaf/whole plant used as anthelmentic, in diarrhoea, cholera and malaria. (Burm.f) Wall. Acanthaceae Angiopteris evecta (Forst.) Fadey (M), Taba (A) Substitute for staple food; underground parts and base of rachis stem is Hoffm. eaten after boiling and through washing. Angiopteridaceae Artemisia nilagirica (Cl.) Pamp Ili mu (IM) Leaf paste is used in wound healing, fresh leaf decoction is used during nose Asteracae bleeding. Artrocarpus heterophyllus Lamk . Belang (A) Fruits are edible. Moraceae Averrhoa carambola L. Kordoi (M) Ripen fruits are eaten and preserved as chips. Averrhoaceae Basella alba L. Pui sak (As) Tender leaves and shoots are used as vegetables. Basellaceae Begonia Josephii A.DC. Tsurpu (M), Tender leaves & petioles are used as vegetable and chatni . Leaves are Begoniaceae Sisi baying (A) crushed and spread in paddy field to repel insects. Boehmeria macrophylla Don. So:bo yapong (A) Leaves are used as vegetable. Urticaceae Calamus erectus Roxb. Aru to (IM), Tender shoots are used as vegetable; seeds in indigestion and stomach Arecaceae problem; matured leaves are used as thatch. Calamus rotang L. Are to (IM) Tender shoots and culms are used as vegetables, pickles and as febrifuge. Arecaceae Canarium strIctum Roxb. Japei (M), Resin is used in Mandup . Burseraceae Dhona (A) Canabis sativa L. Bhang (As) Leaf / flower is used in nervine stimulation. Canabinacae Cassia nodosa Buch. Thedang sing (M) Seed powder is used for stupefying fish. Ham.ex, Roxb. Mimoceae Castanopsis indica DC. Hi:rang (A) Nuts are taken as edible fruits. Fagaceae Centela asiatica (L.)Urban Kipum (A) Whole plant is used in stomachache. Apiaceae Cinnamomum zeylenicum Bl . Hitipo:ri (A), Bark is used as spice. Lauraceae Solo sing (M) Citrus aurantium L. Riibosingkin (Adi) Ripen fruits are taken raw. Rutaceae Citrus lemon L. Mori singkin ( Adi ) Ripen fruits are taken raw. Rutaceae Contd.

64 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 9, No. 1, JANUARY 2010

Table 1 Plants used by tribes of Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve (Contd. )

Plant name /Family Local name Uses Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp. Papa tsitsu (M) Tender leaves are used as vegetable; leaf decoction is given in high blood Verbenaceae pressure. Coptis teeta Wall. Ringgo (A), Dung tsa Dried rhizome is taken in fever, gastric, cold, cough, malaria, dysentery, Rananculaceae (M) headache and debility. Costus speciosus (Koen.) Sm. Siyyung iibar (A) Rhizome and stem are eaten. Stem juice is taken to get relief from jaundice Costaceae & thirst. Curcuma longa L. Haldi (A) Rhizome is used as spice and in body pain. Zingiberaceae Dicranopteris linearis Burm.f. Tarang (A) Tender leaves are used as vegetable. Dicranopteridaceae Dioscorea alata L. Mayong (A) Tubers boiled with salt are used as vegetable. Dioscoreaceae Elettaria cardamomum Maton Khuisang (M) Fruit is used as spice and condiments. Zingiberaceae Dioscorea bulbifera L. Remet (A) Tubers boiled with salt are used as vegetable and subsidiary food during Dioscoreaceae feminine. Ensete glaucum Ngakku (A) Ripen fruits are taken. Musaceae *Entada scandens Benth. Kolokpa sing tse (M), Seed used for edible oil, spiritual use, used in Mandup . Leguminosae Po: piya (A) Eryngium foetidum L. Ori /Bandhaniya (A) Leaf is used as spice. Apiaceae Ficus hispida L. Takpiya (A) Fruits are edible. Moraceae Ficus racemosa L. Takuk (A) Tender leaves are used as vegetable. Moraceae Fagopyrum esculentum (L) Yong jiba (M) Tender shoots are used as vegetable. Moench. Polygonaceae Ficus relegiosa L. Pipal (A) Bark is used in the treatment of ulcer. Moraceae Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. Ex. Thekera (As), Fruits are used as salad and pickles; in stomach problems. Buch. Tabing (A) Clusiaceae Hedychium gardenarium Bi:vi (A) Fruits are edible. Zingiberaceae *Hodgsonia heterocilita Hk.f & Th. Thersa ru (M), Seed oil is edible; seeds roasted & kernel eaten; leaves are given to feed Cucurbitaceae Tatar (A) silkworm. Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Masandari (As) Shoot/leaf used as salad, chatni, vegetables, decoction in stomach problem. Saururaceae Ipomea batatas (L.) Lam. Insu gong (M) Root as vegetable. Ipomeaceae Mangifera sylvatica Roxb. Aru (M) Fruit cooked in curries, used as pickles. Anacardiaceae Melastoma malabothricum L. Ke-seng / Ke-chi- Leaf decoction is stringent, used in dysentery, wound healing and skin Melastomaceae Yaying (Adi), diseases. Roots & leaves are used as mouth wash for toothache. Phutkala (As) Melastoma nomale D.Don Padiraju (A) Used in wound healing and blood clotting, ripened fruits edible. Melastomaceae Michelia lanuginosa Wall. Khumang (M) Leaves are used as vegetable, ripen fruits are taken raw. Magnoliaceae Mikania micrantha H.B.K. Japanilota (A) Leaf used in blood clotting, cuts, and wound healing. Asteracae *Morus macroura Miq. Tsengleng sing (M) Used as vermifuse and in wound healing. Wood decoction is given to get Moraceae relieve from worms. Morus alba L. Nuni (As) Bark used as anthelmentic and wound healing. Moraceae Contd.

RETHY et al .: ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDIES OF MEMBA TRIBE OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 65

Table 1 Plants used by tribes of Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve (Contd. )

Plant name /Family Local name Uses

Musa vellutina Wendl. & Drude Ngakdog (A), Spathe edible fruit, vegetable. Musaceae Akom bo (IM) Musaenda frondosa L. Leaves used in the preparation of liquor and wound healing. Rubiaceae Ophiorhiza fasciculate D.Don. Akhap (A) Tender leaves are used as vegetable, ripen fruits are taken as edible fruits. Rubiaceae Osbeckia nepalensis Hk. Ma:mang appun (A), Fruit edible Melastomaceae tsesanglu sing (M) Osbekia chinensis L. Branglaga sing (M) Tender leaves are used as vegetable. Melastomaceae Oxalis cornicullata L. Tengechi tenga (As) Leaf is used as vegetable. Oxalidaceae Paederia foetida L. Bhedailota (As) Tender leaves are used as vegetable. Rubiaceae *Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis Taksirma momnang Extract of boiled mixture of inflorescence is used in the crack of chick and (Hard.) Mabb. sing (M) pimples. Acanthaceae Piper betle L. Popte (A), Pansaba Leaf is used as pepper betel. Piperaceae (M), Piper longum L. Ghi (M) Flowers are used in religious medicine –Mandup Piperaceae Piper nepalens Ene ro:ri (A) Tender leaves are used as vegetable. Piperaceae Piper mullesua Don. Lo:ri (M) Tender leaves are used as vegetable. Piperaceae Plantago major L. Ishapgul (A) Whole plant is used in wound healing. Plantaginaceae Polygonum hydropiper L. Kotsomang (M) Used for fish poisoning; whole crushed plants are used to stupefying fishes Polygonaceae in small running water. Tender leaves as vegetable, ripening fruits edible. Portrulaca oleracea L. Gubar oying (A) Whole plant as vegetable. Portulacaceae *Pothos scandens L. Lo:ma lo:set (A), Whole plant powder and decoction is used in bone fracture. Araceae Hatilota (A) Pseudodissochaeta assamica (Clarke) Lota phukala (A) Stems are chewed for juice. Melastomaceae Psidium guajava L. Madure (A) Tender shoots are taken raw in dysentery, fruits are edible. Myrtaceae Pteridium aquilinium (L) Wild. Khang duwai (M), Used as vegetable. Pteridaceae Okang (A) Rhaphidophora decursiva Talo (A) Fruits are used as bait for trapping fishes. (Roxb.) Scott. Araceae Rubus ellipticus Smith Pakkom-tayin (M), Ripen fruits are taken raw. Rosaceae Jetuli paka (As) Rubus paniculatus Smith Tap tara (A) Leaves as substitute for pepper Rosaceae betel; sweet ripen fruits are eaten. Rubus rosifolius Smith Kebo-lepum (A) Ripen fruits are taken raw, sour in taste. Rosaceae Rubus rugosus Sm. Jigang (M), Mipir (A) Ripen fruits are taken raw. Rosaceae *Solanum khasianum Clarke Kolitang / Aying pili Seeds are used as leech killer and in toothache. Solanaceae (A) Solanum nigrum. L. Mo:ang / Ma:mang Tender shoots are taken as vegetable; ripen fruits are eaten. Solanaceae appun / oying (A) Solanum stramonifoliatum Jack. Bangko kopi (A), Fruits are used as vegetable, chatni, ch allad, used in stomachache, Solanaceae Solanum torvum Swartz Sing kote (A), Capsule are used as vegetable; used in toothache. Solanaceae Titabhekuri (As) Contd. 66 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 9, No. 1, JANUARY 2010

Table 1 Plants used by tribes of Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve (Contd. )

Plant name /Family Local name Uses

Spilanthes paniculata Wall ex DC. Marsang (M) (A) Tender shoots are used as vegetable; inflorescence is used in toothache. Asteracae Sterculia villosa Roxb. Hitum (A) Fruits are edible. Sterculliacaeae Terminallia chebula Retz. Hilika (A) Used in stomach problem. Combretaceae Trichosanthes cordata Roxb. Kangkulung (M), Edible problem; fruits are eaten. Cucurbitaceae Dongkyong riyong (A) Urtica hirta Bl. Oyik (A) Tender leaves are used as vegetable. Urticaeceae Vitex negundo L. Omum dilung (A) Tender leaves are used as vegetable. Vervenaceae Pasatiya (As) Vitis himalayana (Royle) Brandis Yang riim (M), Fruits Edible used in stupefying fishes. Vitaceae Ri:ying (A) *Wallichia disticha T. Anders. Tasche (M),(A) Stems used as fodder and substitute staple food. Arecaceae Zanthoxyllum armatum DC. Brum sing (M), Leaf as vegetable. Rutaceae Onger (A)

Some species are used as both edible and medicine confirmed. Therefore, their consumption in diverse form such as Calamus erectus, Calamus rotang, is beneficial to the health of tribal people. The Clerodendrum colebrookianum, Garcinia pedunculata, maintenance of good health by many tribal communities Houttuynia cordata, Solanum stramonifoliatum, seems to be due to consumption of such wild edible Solanum torvum, Spilanthes paniculata, Stramoni plants. They depend mainly on wild plants for income foliatum, Trichosanthes cordata, etc . Cassia nodosa, and subsistence. One reason for this dependence is they Polygonum hydropiper , etc. are used for stupefying and have been pushed to more and more marginal areas. trapping fishes. While a few species like Curcuma Since agricultural yield in marginal areas is lower and longa, Elettaria cardamomum are used both as more uncertain, the reliance on wild edibles plants is medicine and spices. Others include plants exploited high both for food security during seasonal shortage and for edible oil, fodder and fiber and packaging material. famine periods as well as for household medicines and A few plants are used in religious practices. Some of income generation. Phytochemical studies of such plants the species used by the tribe are found rare and need to be taken up to find out the exact ingredients that endangered such as Coptis teeta, Aconitum help in curing ailments. Tribal and rural people may be heterophyllum, Angiopteris evecta, Costus speciosus, encouraged for their cultivation, consumption and Morus macroura, Wallichia disticha, Zanthoxyllum preservation. armatum , etc . The uses of some species like Angiopteris evecta as substitute staple food during food Acknowledgement shortage , Entada scandens as a source of edible oil and Authors gratefully acknowledged Ministry of medicine, etc. and use of Pothos scandens in bone Environment and Forest, Government of India for fracture and Morus macroura as vermifuse make providing financial support. Authors are also thankful interesting observation. The ethnomedicinal uses of to the tribal people of the study area for their help and plants like Morus macroura and Phlogacanthus support during the study. Authors acknowledge the thyrsiformis were not recorded earlier from the state. Department of Environment and Forest, Government Wild edible plants constitute the major food of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar, for the permission to component of the rural life in fringe villages of DDBR. undertake the study in DDBR. A large number of species being used for edible purpose indicates the rich ethnobotanical knowledge of ethnic References communities of this region regarding the properties of 1 Roy Parth Sarathi & Beher Mukunda Dev, Assessment of biological richness in different altitudinal zones in the Eastern plants and their beneficial or harmful effects. The Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh, India, Curr Sci , 88 (2) (2005) nutritional value of many of such species has now been 250-257. RETHY et al .: ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDIES OF MEMBA TRIBE OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 67

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