Impact Factor(JCC): 2.7341 - This article can be downloaded from www.impactjournals.us IMPACT: International Journal of Research in Applied, Natural and Social Sciences (IMPACT: IJRANSS) ISSN(P): 2347-4580; ISSN(E): 2321-8851 Vol. 4, Issue 11, Nov 2016, 13-20 © Impact Journals DOCUMENTATION AND ASSESSMENT OF WILD MEDICINAL AND EDIBLE FLOWERS OF VALLEY DISTRICTS OF MANIPUR ROCKY THOKCHOM 1 , AMITA HANGLEM 2 , S. ZIMISAI 3 , THONGAM CHANU ANEL 4 , Y. RANJANA DEVI 5 , JENITA THOKCHOM 6 & SANASAM SANJAY SINGH 7 1, 2,3 Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch behar, West Bengal, India 4 Avinashilingam Institute of Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India 5 Central Agricultural University, Ranipool, Gangtok, Sikkim, India 6 Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India 7 ICAR, NEH Region, Lamphelpat, Imphal, Manipur, India ABSTRACT Manipur has a very rich floral diversity and has been considered as one of the hotspots of global significance. The state falls under the Indo-Myanmar centre of biodiversity ranging from tropical to sub-tropical and temperate deciduous forests. More than 60% of the geographical area is covered under forests and almost all the ethnic groups have been directly or indirectly depending upon natural resources for food. The present investigation recorded 45 different species of wild plants belonging to 27 families and 40 genera from the state where flowers are consumed either as vegetables or used for medicinal purposes. The people also have a tradition of conserving flowers and edible plants in nature based on various religious beliefs and herbal healthcare. The present study reveals the importance of different plant species with special attention in order to maintain and improve this important source of food supply. There are still ample numbers of available wild medicinal and edible plants in this region which could be refocused in near future. KEYWORDS: Edible Flowers, Biodiversity, Medicinal, Traditional, Manipur INTRODUCTION Manipur, one of the biodiversity hotspots occupies a special place in North-eastern India located between 23º51'N to 25º41'N Latitude and 93º3'E to 94º6'E Longitude, covering a geographical area of 22,327 sq. km of which 90% are hilly region largely characterized by dense forests and inaccessible terrains. Manipur falls in the biogeographically tri- junction of three distinctive bio geographical regions: oriental regions of India, extensions of the Himalayan region and Malayan archipelago. The hilly region are inhabited by 34 ethnic tribes practicing their own culture, traditions and had survived through successive generations depending on wild plants and animals. The use of plants and animals as source of medicine and food is as old as humanity. Since time immemorial there is a tradition of using raw leaves young inflorescence, tender stalks, young plant parts as medicine or nutrient supplement in their diet. This traditional system of health care and treatment of ailments through herbal medicines have been very popular and significant in the state, so much that herbal medicines have become essential ingredients in food items of the Manipuris. Therefore, the present study was taken up to document the wild medicinal and edible flowers used by different community in the valley districts of Manipur.