Cheura (Diploknema butyracea) as a livelihood option for forest-dweller tribe (Van-Raji) of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

This study documents the traditional uses of Cheura or Chyur (Diploknema butyracea) by a tribal group (Van-Raji) in Eastern Uttarakhand part of western Himalayan region. Cheura is one of the economically important but lesser known and underutilized multipurpose tree of Himalaya. It has a great spiritual and cultural importance along with livelihood association along the Himalayan communities especially the Van-Rajis, which are among the most ancient primitive vulnerable tribes (PVTs) of India with a population of around 700 in Uttarakhand. Field surveys were conducted during 2015-2017 to collect data on the availability and uses of various parts of this tree by the tribals in their 9 hamlets in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. These tribals use almost all the parts of the tree and has a great economic value in respect of food, fuel wood, timber, fodder and other products. It is also used to cure many diseases and body disorders by the community people such as in inflammation of tonsils, rheumatism, itching, ulcers, hemorrhage, etc. All such uses are discussed. An attempt has also been made to document the current causes of habitat loss of this socio-economic important tree and traditional knowledge thereof along with a suggested action plan.

Physicochemical Evaluation of Diploknema butyracea Seed Extract and Formulation of Ketoconazole Ointment by Using the Fat as a Base

“…e plant is native to the Himalayan region, widely distributed to Nepal, India, and Bhutan up to an altitude of 300-1500 m. It is popular with the name "Chyuri" in Nepal, "Indian-butter nut" in English, and "Chiura" or "Phulwara" in India [1,3]. Diverse parts of this plant have been used by ethnic groups of Nepal and India mainly for food and medicinal purpose [4]. Juice is prepared from the stem bark to treat digestive complications, helminthiasis, asthma, ulcers, leprosy, and rheumatoid arthritis [5].…”

Biocultural Importance of the Chiuri Tree [Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) H. J. Lam] for the Chepang Communities of Central Nepal

“…The traditional uses, economic value and livelihood contribution of chiuri to the Chepang people have been documented in Nepal [32,36,59,71] and in India [38]. However, none of these studies used the CKS framework to assess the cultural importance of the species.…”

“…Native to the sub-Himalayan region, the species has been recorded in 46 districts, totaling 10.8 million trees, including 5.6 million at the flowering stage [37]. In ancient literature, the chiuri tree was said to be a kalpabriskha (literally, "world tree", i.e., a wish-fulfilling sacred tree) [38]. Chiuri has always been well protected by the Chepang people, even in times of high deforestation [39] and dominance of slash-and-burn cultivation practices [40].…”

“…Chiuri has always been well protected by the Chepang people, even in times of high deforestation [39] and dominance of slash-and-burn cultivation practices [40]. Because of the importance of chiuri for cultural practices [37,41], the Chepang do not fell a tree or cut its branches [38]. Chiuri also has a high value for subsistence and livelihood, and it is often planted by community forest user groups.…”

Growth-Ring Analysis of Diploknema butyracea Is a Potential Tool for Revealing Indigenous Land Use History in the Lower Himalayan Foothills of Nepal

“…The Chepangs have been managing this species wherever it has grown-in the forests, farmlands, especially in the slash-and-burn areas [49]. Traditionally, the tree is prized for its fruit, both for the sweet aromatic pulp and for the seeds from which edible oil is produced [50,51]. The tree is also an excellent host for bats, birds, and bees.…”