13 research outputs found
The genus <i>Rhododendron</i> in north-east India
No full textThe genus Rhododendron belongs to the family Ericaceae and was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1737 in Genera Plantarum. Joseph Hooker’s visit to Sikkim Himalaya between 1848 and 1850 unfold the rhododendron world of this area. Within the brief span that he travelled in Sikkim, he gathered and described 34 new species and details of 43 species including varieties from the Indian region in his monograph entitled ‘Rhododendron of Sikkim Himalaya’. Since then many workers had added to the list, and currently about 121 taxa have been recorded from India, out of which 117 (98%) taxa are distributed in north-east India. The paper presents the distribution of the genus Rhododendron in north-east India and world based on literature, field studies and examination of herbarium specimens. It also discussed the status of the genus in natural habitat in recent years and the need for conservation.Key-words: Rhododendron; distribution; north-east India DOI: 10.3126/botor.v7i0.4370Botanica Orientalis – Journal of Plant Science (2010) 7: 26-34</jats:p
Traditional fermented foods of the Naga tribes of Northeastern, India
No full text37-41The paper describes the various traditional fermented foods of Naga tribes, their method of preparation, uses and the potential for improving using modern biotechnological tools
Religiously associated Manipuri Kombirei (Iris laevigata Fisch.): A new addition to the Indian flora
No full text35-38Religiously associated Manipuri Kombirei or Manipuri Iris
which is considered endemic to Manipur as per the Flora of
Manipur (2000) has long been misidentified (misnomer) as Iris
bakeri Wall. (Iridaceae) but after thorough investigation the
botanical identity of this plant has been established as Iris
laevigata Fisch. In India, I. laevigata Fisch. is the first report from
Manipur, hence it is a new addition to the Indian Flora. During
1960’s Kombirei plant was naturally growing in two wetlands of
Manipur namely, Lamphelpat and Yaralpat but now it has
completely vanished from its natural habitat due to various factors
like habitat loss and invasion by weeds but a few hundred plants
are maintained in captive farm at the periphery of Lamphelpat by
a private cultural society viz., Ipathoukok. Currently, some plants
are also recorded in small pockets from two wetlands of Manipur
namely, Maibam Phumlou and Ikkop pat which is believed to
have been established later by being brought down by the
upstream rivers falling into the lakes. Manipuri Iris is religiously
offered during the Manipuri New Year viz., Sajibu Cheiraoba as a
symbol of eliminating caste system. Due to its habitat sensitivity,
conservation of this plant should be prioritized, otherwise loss of
this species from Manipur may lead to loss of a species from the
Indian flora
Lectotypification of Peliosanthes macrophylla (Asparagaceae), and its amended morphological description
No full textPeliosanthes Andrews (1808: 605) belongs to the subfamily Nolinoideae (Chase et al. 2009) of Asparagaceae (APG 2016). This genus contains 60–65 species distributed widely in South and Southeast Asia (Nguyen et al. 2017). Peliosanthes macrophylla Wall. in Baker (1879: 505) was described by Baker based on the collections made from “Himalaya Orientalis” in Sikkim and Mishmi. In the original description, Baker cited three collectors (J.D. Hooker & T. Thomsons, C.B. Clarke and W. Griffith). The first author could trace the collection of J.D. Hooker & T. Thomson (s.n., K000099377!, K000099378!, P00753584!), and W. Griffith (5841, P00214605!) which fit with the protologue of the species. Since no holotype was indicated these all should be regarded as syntypes according to Art. 9.5 of ICN (McNeill et al. 2012). According to Art. 9.12, the lectotype should be chosen from those syntypes. Since the specimen designated as “Griffith 5841” (P00214605!) is the only cited in protologue with collection number, it is selected here as the lectotype. A detailed morphological description and photographic illustration (Fig. 1) of the species based on living plant material is also given here to facilitate its identification.</jats:p
Maesa bengalensis: Unlocking the hidden nutritional treasures and medicinal potential of an underutilized wild vegetable from Manipur, India
No full text1123-1134This study assessed the nutritional composition, minerals, amino acids, anti-nutritional qualities, toxicity, and antioxidant
activities of Maesa bengalensis, a wild edible plant from Manipur, India. Standard techniques were used for proximate
analysis, minerals content, and anti-nutrient composition. HPLC analysis was conducted for vitamins, phenolics, and free
amino acids using a Dionex Ultimate 3000 liquid chromatograph. The plant exhibited diverse mineral concentrations and a
significant protein level (3.10±0.09%). Eighteen free amino acids were identified, with the highest amount of L-histidine
(2.68 μg/mg) in the water extract and the lowest amount of L-methionine in the benzene extract. The aqueous extract
showed substantial phenolic (36.08±1.92 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (19.94±2.35 mg/100 g) contents. Water-soluble B
vitamins were present in varying amounts (0.24-18.49 mg/100 g), along with a high concentration of vitamin C
(93.67±4.12 mg/100 g). The aqueous extract contained abundant phenolic compounds, such as syringic acid (18.01±0.33
μg/mg dry extract) and quercetin (37.56±0.53 μg/mg dry extract). The levels of antinutrients and heavy metals were below
harmful thresholds, and the toxicity study confirmed the plant's safety for human consumption. These findings highlight the
potential of M. bengalensis as a health food, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement, with prospects for development and
commercialization in Manipur and neighbouring regions
Sauromatum horsfieldii (Araceae – Areae): an addition to the Flora of India
Full text linkSauromatum horsfieldii (Araceae – Areae) is reported here as a new record for India. A detailed description and photographic illustration are provided, along with an account and revised key of the Indian species of Sauromatum
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Photographs of the Inaugural Conference
No full textIn January 2023, the University of Sussex and the Botanical Survey of India came together to host a conference, marking the inauguration of the "Science, Humanism and the Making of Modern India" exhibition. This event brought together a diverse group of international experts representing various disciplines. Their primary objective was to foster knowledge sharing and meaningful discussions centred around the theme of "Science, Humanism, and the Formation of Modern India."Programme9th January 202310:00 Registration10:30-11.15 Introductory Address11.15-11:45 Tea Break11:45-13:00 Section 1: Nehruvian Science and the Global Context× Rohan D’Souza (Kyoto): Science and Culture, a Post-Independence Nehruvian Story× Michael Rayner (Sussex): India’s Contribution to the UNESCO Statement on Race, 1951× Projit Bihari Mukharji (Ashoka): A Brave New Animal for a Brave New World: UNESCO and Mouse-Model Standardization in Early Postcolonial India13:00-14:00 Lunch Break14:00-15:15 Section 2: Nehruvian Science and the National Context× Sucheta Mahajan (JNU): A New Science for a New Nation: Emerging Perspectives of the Indian National Congress× Renny Thomas (IISER): Science, Scientific Temper and Indigenous Knowledge Systems× Suvobrata Sarkar (RBU): Bengali sub-nationalism and quest for modern technological knowledge: Gleanings from India’s colonial past and the College of Engineering & Technology, Jadavpur× Vijay Kumar Yadavendu (Patliputra University): TBC15:15-16:30 Section 3: Indian Archives and Collections× Antonia Moon (BL) (Zoom): Colonial Collections on the Science and Anthropology of India in the British Library× Anindita Saha (Sussex) & Manas Bhaumik (BSI): Collections held by the Botanical Survey of India× Michael Rayner (Sussex, on behalf of JIC): The Archives of the John Innes Centre and the History of the Genetics Society16:30-18.00 Exhibition Launch and Panel Discussion on Science, Public Culture and MuseumsExhibition: Science, Humanism and the Making of Modern IndiaIn the Industrial Section of Indian Museum, BSIPanel Discussion on Science, Public Culture and MuseumsChair: Ashiho Mao (BSI) & Vinita Damodaran (Sussex)Participants: Manas Bhaumik (BSI), Deepak Kumar (JNU), Rohan D’Souza (Kyoto), Anindita Saha (Sussex), Michael Rayner (Sussex), Mangrove School Project Team18:00 Reception with High Tea10th January 202310:00-10:30 Introduction× Vinita Damodaran (Sussex): AHRC Project× Michael Rayner (Sussex): The Indian Science Congress and Its Role in Formalising Indian Science10:30-11:15 Keynote Speech by Deepak Kumar (JNU): 'Science, Humanism and Decolonisation: The Indian Experiences'Chair: Ashiho Mao11:15-11:30 Tea Break11:30-12:45 Section 4: Anthropology 1: Colonial Anthropology× Sangeeta DasGupta (JNU): Sarat Chandra Roy's Anthropology: A Journey through a Discipline× Anju Oseema Toppo (Xaviers): The Changing Construct of Adivasi Identity in Indian Context× Sandipan Mitra (Presidency): Disciplining Anthropology in Late Colonial Bengal× Felix Padel (Sussex) (Zoom): Eugenics, Anthropology and the Darwins12:45-14:00 Section 5: Ecology, Botany and Genetics× Mick Frogley (Sussex): Hidden Histories, Hidden Ecologies: The Role of Imperial Networks in Developing the ‘Modern Synthesis’× Michael Rayner (Sussex): Genetics Networks in 1930s India× Vinita Damodaran (Sussex): Janaki Ammal and Indian Science14:00-14:45 Lunch Break14:45-15:30 Section 7: Institutional Histories, Botany and Genetics in Modern India× Ashiho Mao (BSI): The History of the BSI× Uday Bandyopadhyay (Bose Institute): The Pioneering Role of Bose Institute Towards the Advent and Flourishing of Modern Science in India15:30-16:30 Section 6: Botany, Genetics and Environmentalism in Modern India× Dr. Karthygeyan (BSI): Ethnobotany in Modern India× Manas Bhaumik (BSI): TBC× Vinita Damodaran (Sussex) and Rohan D’Souza (Kyoto): Participation of Scientists in Postcolonial Environmentalism in India and Abroad16:30-16:45 Tea Break16:45-17:45 Section 8: Anthropology 2: Race and Decolonisation× Shalini Minz (Xaviers): Indigenous knowledge on Ethnobotanical diversity and its role in Forest Conservation in Tribal areas of Jharkhand.× Sneha S Kachhap (Xaviers): The development of Labour zone and the Process of Ethnicization of Tribal Labour× Sharon Kachhap (BR Ambedkar): Decolonising Arts Education in Indian School Systems17:45-18:30 Concluding Comments(c) Images courtesy of Anindita Saha, Vinita Damodaran and Michael Rayner</p
In vitro propagation of Rhododendron wattii Cowan—a critically endangered and endemic plant from India
No full textReligiously associated Manipuri Kombirei (Iris laevigata Fisch.): A new addition to the Indian flora
Full text linkReligiously associated Manipuri Kombirei or Manipuri Iris which is considered endemic to Manipur as per the Flora of Manipur (2000) has long been misidentified (misnomer) as Iris bakeri Wall. (Iridaceae) but after thorough investigation the botanical identity of this plant has been established as Iris laevigata Fisch. In India, I. laevigata Fisch. is the first report from Manipur, hence it is a new addition to the Indian Flora. During 1960’s Kombirei plant was naturally growing in two wetlands of Manipur namely, Lamphelpat and Yaralpat but now it has completely vanished from its natural habitat due to various factors like habitat loss and invasion by weeds but a few hundred plants are maintained in captive farm at the periphery of Lamphelpat by a private cultural society viz., Ipathoukok. Currently, some plants are also recorded in small pockets from two wetlands of Manipur namely, Maibam Phumlou and Ikkop pat which is believed to have been established later by being brought down by the upstream rivers falling into the lakes. Manipuri Iris is religiously offered during the Manipuri New Year viz., Sajibu Cheiraoba as a symbol of eliminating caste system. Due to its habitat sensitivity, conservation of this plant should be prioritized, otherwise loss of this species from Manipur may lead to loss of a species from the Indian flora
