Abstract
As the state of Nagaland hosts a wide diversity of mejankari tree (Litsea cubeba), extensive field surveys were conducted during 2014 - 2016 in different forest types to study on its distribution and morphotypic variations. A stratified random sampling method was used to collect the tree data by laying three belt transects of 250 x 4 m in each study sites. In the present study, we observed that the species is well distributed throughout the hilly terrains along the tropical to sub-tropical to semi-evergreen forests of Nagaland and is recorded between 166 - 1834 m.a.s.l. Based on the leaf size, shape, structure and lateral veins, we classified four different morphotypes (A, B, C and D) of L. cubeba. Morphotypes A and B are found across all the districts of Nagaland, however, morphotypes C and D are available in only a few pockets in the region. The morphotypes exhibited variable diversity (0.648 - 1.335), evenness (0.888 - 0.998), richness (0.939 - 1.792) and dominance (0.219 - 0.508) among different districts. Knowledge on wide range of L. cubeba through collection, evaluation and proper characterization will help in improving muga culture for uplifting the socioeconomic condition of the rural people in the region.
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