Volume : 8, Issue : 3, March - 2019

Rare Ethno Medicinal Hemi parasitic Plants: Conservation and Sustainable Use in South West Bengal, India

Sayantan Tripathi, Amal Kumar Mondal

Abstract :

Scurrula atropurpurea, Macrosolen cochichinensis, Dendrophthoe falcata, Viscum articulatum, Loranthus longiflorus and Viscum album are highly medicinal hemi parasites found in the forests of South West Bengal. Local people mainly tribal communities use these plants in various purposes of their lively hood. During extensive survey, it was found that these plants were at the point of extinction from the forests of south West Bengal. The frequency of these plant species reduced approximately 5% in 3 years (2016- 2018). During field work it was found that due to extensive use, various anthropogenic activities and change of micro climate, these plants were at the point of extinction from the forests of south West Bengal. To avoid bio diversity extinction some measures were taken, like, cultivation of these hemi parasitic medicinal plants, provision of training and extension services to farmers engaged in cultivation of medicinal plants, establishment of herbal gardens in forest areas and creation of seed bank. Sustainable utilization of this important renewable natural re-source was discussed. In addition to using their curative and therapeutic value, tribal people use these hemi parasitic plants in rituals, cultural activities and in religious functions which are another way to use and conserve this valuable biodiversity.