PJB-2025-268
ETHNOBOTANY AND TAXONOMICAL STUDIES OF Sinarundinariawightiana(nees) A TEMPERATE BAMBOO SPECIES IN THE SHOLAS OF THE NILGIRIS DISTRICT.
Praveena C
Abstract
The Nilgiris is home to several indigenous communities, including the Todas, Irulas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Badagas, and Kattunayakas. Sinarundinariawightiana (Nees) C.S. Chao &Renvoize, commonly referred to as “Otmult” and “OdaKuruthu” by the Todas, Kotas, and Badagas, plays a significant role in their traditional practices. The sprouting vegetative shoots, which emerge during the early monsoon season (April–June), are consumed as a seasonal delicacy. This species is also valued for its medicinal applications. Local communities use it to treat ailments such as inflammation, cough, fever, wounds, and ulcers. The young shoot paste is used as a nutritional supplement for cattle, while leaves mixed with fodder are believed to enhance milk yield.Taxonomically, Sinarundinariawightiana belongs to the family Poaceae. Bentham and Hooker classified the family under the 7th series, Glumaceae, whereas Rendle placed it after the Triuridales due to its wind-pollinated, perianth-less flowers. The plant is a perennial, erect woody shrub with slender culms emerging from short rhizomes. At maturity, the culms turn yellowish brown and range from 200–300 cm in height. Distinct morphological features include semiterete internodes, swollen nodes, yellow culm sheaths with tawny hairs, and ovate-lanceolate leaves with scabrous margins. The inflorescence is a purplish open panicle with small subtending bracts. This species is widespread in the natural shola forests of Doddabetta, Naduvattam, Mainala, and Pykara in the Nilgiri District, where it forms part of the understory vegetation. This study emphasizes the ethnobotanical and taxonomic significance of Sinarundinariawightiana and highlights the importance of conserving this species to protect the biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems of the Nilgiri region.
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