Authors:Medhi, P; Borthakur, S.K; Hore, D.K
Abstract:The paper deals with 32 bamboos and 8 rattan species belongs to 11 and 3 genera respectively from North Cachar Hills district (presently known as Dima Hasao) of Assam State and their traditional utilization among the ethnic groups of the district. A total of 9 species of bamboo most preferred for basketry; species of bamboo and one species of rattan used in culture and traditional rites and rituals; 6 species of bamboo and 2 species of rattan as sources of food items; 4 species of ornamental bamboo; 1 each of bamboo and rattan species used for medicinal purpose; 17 species of bamboo used traditionally for both major and minor construction have been recorded. Further naming of 10 villages on the basis of local names of the plants belonging to 9 different bamboo species and 1 species of rattan have also been recorded. Pertinent traditional knowledge about the bamboo and rattan resources prevalent among the ethnic groups of the district was also the part of the study.
Keywords:Phytoresources; North Cachar Hills; bamboo and rattans; traditional uses.