Studies on Consumption of an Aquatic Vegetable Eshing Ekai Thabi among the Meiteis of Manipur

Abstract

Eshing Ekai Thabi, commonly known as water mimosa, water sensitive plant, is a pantropical nitrogen-fixing perennial legume usually considered as an aquatic weed in some countries, however, the plant is used as a vegetable by the Meiteis, the valley inhabitants of the state of Manipur, and is considered as a local delicacy. The present study was undertaken to document the traditional mode of eating and the nutritional and medicinal benefit of consumption of water mimosa by the Meiteis of Manipur. It was observed that in addition to various use of the plant as a local delicacy, it is used for treatment of against intestinal infections, dysentery, earache and also as vermifuge. The nutrient rich potential of the plant plays an important role against malnutrition in the weaker section of the society. The plant is found cultivated during the rainy season in the ponds and wetlands in valley areas of Imphal and usually perish when the water level falls during the dry season.