Ethnobotanical studies of Dehang–Debang Biosphere Reserve of Arunachal Prad esh with special reference to <i style="">Memba</i> tribe

Abstract

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 <i style="">Ashings, Boris, Bokars, Shimongs, Palibos, Khambas, Membas, Gallos, Minyongs </i>and<i style=""> Mishmis</i>. The <i style="">Khambas </i>and<i style=""> Membas</i> centered on Gelling, Tuting and Singa near the Siang river of Upper Siang district are quite different culturally as well as ethnically from <i style="">Adis </i>and other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The study was carried out in 6 villages of Upper Siang district which are inhabited by <i style="">Membas</i>. 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.