Diversity and Distribution of Wild Musa in Nagaland, India

Abstract

The state of Nagaland is located in a region known to be a micro-centre of Musa evolution. The prevailing agro-climatic conditions are known to support various members of the genus. This study documents 12 species, which is an ideal representation of the rich diversity of this genus in an area of 16,579 sq. km. The various species were classified using morphological descriptors based on INIBAP, 1996 following the subsequent collection of the live specimen. The various species documented have been found to exist in single populations or in association with other species and their distribution depends on the varying altitudinal profile as well as the agro-climatic and topographical condition of the environment.