Present status of distribution, utilization and commercialization of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. - a socio economically potential species in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The utilization of wild plants for livelihood and income generation is a traditional practice adopted by various indigenous communities worldwide. Zanthoxylum armatum DC. is one of the most preferred species harvested from wild and used extensively by the local indigenous communities in the northeastern part of India as well as in the neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Nepal. This species has been widely used by the local tribes as a spice in flavouring various foodstuffs and also for the treatment of numerous health ailments. We studied the distribution, population, ethnobotanical uses and marketing potentials of Zanthoxylum armatum in 12 districts of Arunachal Pradesh during 2018-2019. The study revealed its occurrence in the subtropical and temperate forest of the state with maximum population in forest edges and open forests around agricultural lands of West Kameng and Lower Subansiri districts. The analysis of the population in Shergaon area revealed its good representation with 1.04 /m2 density contributing 0.051 m2/ha. basal cover and 20.011 IVI. Even after its various uses, no cultivation of the species was practised by the local people. The dried fruits that are marketed @Rs. 800-1200/kg in the state are entirely collected from the wild. As the population of the species is limited in most of the area and the supply of fruits is only from the wild, extensive plantation and management practices will serve both the conservation as well the economic gain to the local communities.