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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

First record and taxonomic, phenological and ethnobotanical characterisation of Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. in Assam, Northeast India

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.14257
Submitted
26 February 2026
Published
11-05-2026 — Updated on 15-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

Thunbergia laurifolia Roxb. is a fast-growing ornamental and medicinal vine widely distributed in tropical Asia but poorly documented in northeastern India. Despite its ecological and medicinal significance in Southeast Asia, limited information exists on its occurrence, phenology and ethnobotanical relevance in Assam, Northeast India-part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. This study aimed to document the floristic occurrence, morphology, phenology, taxonomic identity and ethnobotanical relevance of T. laurifolia in Assam. Systematic floristic surveys were conducted from October 2023 to February 2025, covering flowering and fruiting phases. Taxonomic identification was confirmed through morphological comparison with standard descriptions. Ethnobotanical information was collected through semi- structured interviews with 32 local respondents. Voucher specimens were deposited at the Herbarium of NEHAR and the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Guwahati. T. laurifolia is recorded for the first time in tea garden hedges, roadside thickets and forest margins. Flowering occurred from October to December, followed by fruiting between January and February. Morphological traits distinguishing it from T. grandiflora were identified. Ethnobotanical inquiry revealed minimal local medicinal awareness compared to its recognised uses in Southeast Asia. This study confirms the first record of T. laurifolia in Assam and provides detailed morphological, phenological and ethnobotanical documentation supporting its taxonomic identity and regional distribution.

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