Diversity and ethnobotanical uses of Lamiaceae members in the Barak Valley region of Assam, India

Species of Lamiaceae are associated with the livelihood and economy of various communities worldwide. The local communities of the culturally rich North East Region of India are using many species of Lamiaceae in their day-to-day life. A study has been carried out to unveil the taxonomic diversity and ethnobotanical uses of Lamiaceae in Barak Valley region of Assam, India during 2020-2023. The study comprises of the primary data collected from the study area and also secondary information were gathered through published works. A total of 64 species of Lamiaceae under 26 genera were recorded from different habitats of the region. Clerodendrum, Premna, Leucas, and Ocimum were the most dominant genera recorded from the present study site. Hyptis brevipes and Teucrium viscidium are reported as new additions to the Flora of Barak Valley. The highest number of species were found to be distributed along roadsides and waste lands (16 species each) which is followed by river banks (13 species), grasslands (4 species), and dense forests (5 species). Few of the species like Clerodendrum splendens, Salvia coccinea, Volkameria inerme etc. are found cultivated as ornamentals. Species like Anisomeles indica, Clerodendrum glandulosum, Hyptis suaveolens, Leucas aspera, Pogostemon auricularius are found widespread in the study area. Ethnobotanical study revealed the uses of 32 species by different ethnic communities of the region namely Bengali, Dimasa, Hmar, Meitei, and Reang etc. The species like Clerodendrum glandulosum, Elsholtzia griffithii, Leucas aspera, Mentha piperita, Perilla frutescens, are found to be sold widely in the local markets signifying its commercial potential for improving the livelihood of the rural communities.