Diversity and Ethnobotany of genus Garcinia L. (Clusiaceae) in Assam, Eastern Himalaya

Authors

  • Sanjib Baruah Bodoland University
  • Pranjan Barman Department of Biotechnology Gauhati University, Assam
  • Sanswrang Basumatary Research scholar Dept of Botany Bodoland University Assam, India
  • Birina Bhuyan Research scholar Dept of Bodoland University Kokrajhar-783370 Assam, India

Keywords:

Garcinia, Clusiaceae, Diversity, Ethnobotany, Assam, Eastern Himalaya

Abstract

The genus Garcinia is an important component of the flora of Assam and is well known for being used traditionally in many different ways. To preserve this knowledge, this study recorded the ethnobotanical importance of the genus Garcinia in this region. The study revealed that there are 12 species and one variety of the genus indigenous to Assam.

Methods: This study was conducted in different parts of Assam, Northeast India based on extensive field work involving collection and documentation of members of genus Garcinia. Important characteristic features of the specimens like colour of leaf and stem, branching pattern of the stems, habit, habitat, size, etc. were noted down in the field during collection. Ethnobotanical data were collected by interviewing local communities through a semi-structured questionnaire, interview and literature review.

Results: In present communication, we provide ethnobotanical and botanical descriptions and illustrations of 12 Garcinia species that are popularly used among ethnic communities of Assam for fruits, medicines and fixative or as a mordant for saffron dye. These species consist of G. anomala Planch. & Triana., G. assamica J. Sarma, Shameer & N. Mohanan, G. cowa Roxb. Ex Choisy, G. dulcis (Roxb.) Kurz, G. indica (Thouars) Choisy, G. kydia Roxb., G.  lanceifolia Roxb., G. morella (Gaertn.) Desr., G. paniculata Roxb. ex Wight, G. pedunculata Roxb. Ex Buch-Ham., G. nervosa Miq. And G. xanthocymus Hook.f. ex T.Anderson.

Conclusions: This study concludes that documentation and preservation of traditional knowledge associated with Garcinia could generate further research activities for the benefit of human kind. The traditional utilization of Garcinia members observed are most prevalent amongst the rural communities of the studied area. It is also a fact that in spite of having ample economic potential, the species of the genus Garcinia occurring in Assam and also in northeast India has not been studied properly.

Author Biographies

Sanjib Baruah, Bodoland University

Dr. Sanjib Baruah

Assistant Professor

Department of Botany

Bodoland University

Kokrajhar, BTR-783370, Assam, India

Pranjan Barman, Department of Biotechnology Gauhati University, Assam

Assistant Professor

Dept of Biotechnology

Gauhati University

India, Assam

Sanswrang Basumatary, Research scholar Dept of Botany Bodoland University Assam, India

Research scholar
Dept of Botany
Bodoland University
Assam, India

Birina Bhuyan, Research scholar Dept of Bodoland University Kokrajhar-783370 Assam, India

Dept of Bodoland University
Kokrajhar-783370
Assam, India

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Published

2021-06-26

How to Cite

Baruah, S., Barman, P., Basumatary, S., & Bhuyan, B. (2021). Diversity and Ethnobotany of genus Garcinia L. (Clusiaceae) in Assam, Eastern Himalaya. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 21, 1–14. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/2571

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Section

Databases and Inventories