An Ethnobotanical Study on the Dietary Use of Wild Trees as Traditional Vegetables by Three Ethnic Communities in Manipur, North East India

The use of wild tree species as a traditional food is an age-old practice of various ethnic communities of Manipur, Northeast India. In this study, we explored the importance of wild tree vegetables in contributing to dietary practices and supporting the economic livelihoods of three ethnic communities (Meitei, Tangkhul, and Kuki) in Manipur. We identified 32 wild tree species from 16 families that are used as traditional vegetables. We assessed their mode of use, market value, relative frequency of citation (RFC), direct matrix ranking, medicinal fidelity level (FL), and other use categories. Zanthoxylum armatum showed the highest RFC value (0.97), followed by Wendlandia glabrata (0.96). Direct matrix ranking revealed Dysoxylum excelsum as the species with the highest number of use categories. Species such as Cycas pectinata, Senegalia pennata, and Dysoxylum excelsum were greatly valued in the market. We found that Clerodendrum colebrookianum, Zanthoxylum armatum, and Oroxylum indicum were highly preferred medicinal tree vegetable species, all with an FL score of 100%. By examining species with high culinary, ethnomedicinal, and economic values to local communities, we propose domestication, commercial cultivation, and conservation as future strategies to enhance dietary practices and biocultural sustainability.

Automated summary

This study explores the importance of wild tree vegetables in the dietary practices and economic livelihoods of three ethnic communities in Manipur, India. The results show that 32 wild tree species are used as traditional vegetables, with Zanthoxylum armatum and Wendlandia glabrata being widely used and valued in the market. Additionally, Clerodendrum colebrookianum, Zanthoxylum armatum, and Oroxylum indicum are highly valued for their medicinal properties.