Diversity assessment and ethnobotanical evaluation of the family Araceae Juss.: A quantitative ethnobotanical investigation on medicinal application and cultural practices of Aroids in the eastern Indian State of Odisha

Abstract

Background: Aroids are members of the Araceae family, well known for their food, cultural, ornamental and ecological significance. The present study provides a comprehensive database regarding the diversity and ethnobotanical importance of Aroids in the Eastern Indian state of Odisha.

Methods: Ethnobotanical information was collected through semi-structured interviews and standard questionnaires with 51 potential informants, based on which quantitative indices were calculated.

Results: A total of 41 species of Aroids under 28 genera were documented, among which 30 species are herbs. This study highlighted that both the underground and aerial parts of Aroids contain multipurpose utilities. Aroids are primarily used in food, fodder, medicine (for humans & livestock), ornamentation, rituals, cultural and decoration purposes. Apart from that, Quantitative ethnobotanical values such as Use value (UV) range from 0.18 to 0.96 and Relative frequency of citation (RFC) value from 0.1 to 0.88. Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott shows both high UV and RFC values. The Family use value (FUV) of Araceae is 0.39, whereas it is 0.62 when considering the Aroids used as food. Similarly, plant part value (PPV) suggests that leaves and underground parts possess high PPV in 2 and 3 species, respectively. Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don, with a score of 21 and human medicinal purpose use with a score of 36, secured the principal rank among plant and different use categories based on Direct matrix ranking (DMR). Jaccard similarity index (J) value ranges from 4.92 to 37.42 and suggests that the findings of the present study are more similar to the study conducted in Andhra Pradesh.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study contribute to a better understanding of the Aroid flora of Odisha and highlight the importance of the Arum family in sustaining livelihoods. These data will be helpful for species protection and habitat conservation. Further studies regarding scientific validation of obtained traditional knowledge by screening of bioactive compounds and detection of the pharmacological potency are necessary to bridge ancient community practice with evidence-based science.

Keywords: Araceae, Aroids, Conservation, Diversity, Eastern Ghats, Ethnobotany, Food security, Odisha, India