Ethnobotanical uses and socio-economic importance of climbing species in Arunachal Pradesh, India

The species diversity of climber is found very high in the tropical region of the world. The tropical and sub tropical forests in the Eastern Himalayan state exhibit a good representation of climbing flora. A study on the taxonomic diversity and socio economic importance of climbing plants occurring in Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh was carried out. A total of 187 climbing species were recorded amongst which 61 species distributed over 43 genera and 20 families are found having various economic applications. The detailed ethnobotanical uses and economic importance of all the species were evaluated and presented. Based on their end use, the species are grouped under six broad categories where the highest number of 29 species are found used as local medicines. Additionally, 22 other species were used as wild edibles, 7 species as construction and handicraft materials and 7 species for hunting and fishing. Among all, the species like Piper longum, Abrus precatorius, Calamus tenuis, Dioscorea spp. and Rubia cordifolia have good commercial and economic values. The study revealed that the climbing species are linked with the livelihood as well as for the socio economic support to the local communities. As the majority of the species are used for medicines, fruits and vegetables, the climbing species are found to be playing a vital role in the fulfilment of the medicinal and nutritional requirements of the local people.