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Paris polyphylla Smith is an important medicinal plant that is considered vulnerable in many parts of the world. The species exhibits poor adaptability to changed environment and susceptible to climatic conditions for reproductive vigor. During the present study the species was studied in four different natural niches as well as synthetic habitats to check the adaptability to artificial conditions, its morphological and physiological characters and its interaction in its community so that conservation strategies could be worked out. The present study indicates that P. polyphylla exhibits healthy growth as well as reproduction in undisturbed area with canopy covers over 80%. The plant grows in well-drained rich humus soil and grows well with certain key associated species such as Quercus species, Taxus baccata, Aconitum species, Eupatorium adenophorum, Smilax species etc. Many plants were non-flowering and more than 60% were found non-flowering in its habitat during its flowering season in any particular year. There are clear morphological changes as the flowers stages from pre-fertilization to post-fertilization. Arrangement of anthers in two whorls shows a distinct and unique floral display. Light is an important factor during seed setting and less than 50% shade lowers the seed productivity very significantly. Predators such as slugs and snails are found on the plant. Urgent conservation and new innovative ways are necessary to propagate this economically important plant to ensure its continuity.

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Wild edible mushrooms (WEM) are known for its medicinal and nutritional value across the globe. WEM have become one of the most prized after food especially in the developed countries where people are mostly health conscious. The present study throws light on the diverse flora of WEMs of Nagaland and how it can be income generator for the tribal people with proper research in this aspect. Till now, the knowledge of distinguishing between edible and non-edible varieties is only confined to people who go for mushroom hunting. As such the indigenous knowledge remains with only those few people involved. The current data can pave the way for future research work and also make people aware of the many varieties of WEMs available in the state. A total of 33 WEMs were collected and identified during the peak mushroom season of the state i.e. from end May to September of every study year.

Mushrooms are known to mankind since early human civilization and are gaining importance because of their nutritional and medicinal properties. Till date 37 wild edible mushrooms are reported from Nagaland. In this study, nutritional analysis including total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity was done for ten popular WEM species. Total protein content was found to be high which ranged from 62.27 g/100 g (Lentinus sajor-caju) to 18.77 g/100 g (Lentinus squarrosulus var. squarrosulus); total carbohydrate content ranged from 38.44 g/100 g (Lentinula edodes) to 5.31 g/100 g (Schizophyllum commune); reducing sugar content ranged from 7.81 g/100 g (Termitomyces heimii) to 2.33 g/100 g (S. commune). Crude fiber ranged from 11.1% (A. auricula-judae) to 1.71% (L. squarrosulus) and ash content ranged from 10.66% (L. squarrosulus) to 3.12% (L. squarrosulus var. squarrosulus). The highest phenolic content was observed in L. squarrosulus (18.7 g/100 g) and highest flavonoid content was observed in L. sulphureus (9.3 g/100 g). All the ten mushroom species exhibited antioxidant activity against DPPH free radical, but highest activity was recorded in L. tigrinus (47.5 lg/ml, IC50). Hence, mushrooms are valuable natural resource to mankind and should be exploited judiciously for the betterment of society.