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Ethnic uses of Parkia timoriana (Fabaceae) and their significance to the Lotha tribes of Nagaland, North east India

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Abstract

This work highlights the ethnic uses of Parkia timoriana and their significance for livelihoods, ecological and human health. The study was conducted through interviews and surveys in three villages of Wokha district, Nagaland, North-east India and revealed that Parkia is one of the most widely used, ethno-botanically important multipurpose tree species for the people of this region. The pods from the trees are one of the costliest vegetable in the area. Besides economic importance, its nutritional and medicinal value is highly indispensable. In addition, it also binds and prevents soil erosion from heavy rainfall through its wide crown in shifting cultivation fallows. We find that villagers are well aware of the role of Parkia from a socio-economic point of view and are establishing plantations of this species; however, their perception regarding ecological benefits is less well developed. We recommended to continue promotion of Parkia species in this region to maximize the socio-economic and ecological benefits in the future, but note the recent reports on die-back diseases that need attention for timely management interventions.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the villagers and chairpersons of the Koio, Longsa and Wokha villages in Wokha district, Nagaland for allowing the field study, sharing the required information and providing hospitality. The authors are also thankful to the Department of Land Resource, Wokha, Govt. of Nagaland for extending their help in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forestry, Mizoram University, Tanhril, Aizawl, 796004, Mizoram, India

    Etsoshan Y. Ovung & S. K. Tripathi

  2. Department of Horticulture Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Mizoram University, Tanhril, Aizawl, 796004, Mizoram, India

    Baanu Loya

  3. Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK

    Francis Q. Brearley

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  1. Etsoshan Y. Ovung
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  2. Baanu Loya
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  3. Francis Q. Brearley
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  4. S. K. Tripathi
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Correspondence to S. K. Tripathi.

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Ovung, E.Y., Loya, B., Brearley, F.Q. et al. Ethnic uses of Parkia timoriana (Fabaceae) and their significance to the Lotha tribes of Nagaland, North east India. Vegetos 34, 77–85 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42535-020-00178-7

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