About Tetrataenium manipurense:
- It is a new plant species from Manipur.
- Locally known as 'Singjang-kumol' or 'Manshang-nakuppi', the species has been named Tetrataenium manipurense after the state of Manipur.
- It is a local culinary herb in Manipur.
- Despite its long-standing popularity in traditional Manipuri cuisine, the plant previously lacked official recognition in global scientific records.
- It has long, slender, grass-like green leaflets and an exceptionally long cylindrical rootstock.
- The plant also produces stalks that bear small, oblong-oval fruits.
- For generations, communities have harvested its aerial shoots, flowers, and basal leaves to season traditional dishes.
- Local markets in Manipur have been trading this wild aromatic vegetable for generations, where it is typically sold in bundles of fresh green sprigs.
- It is provisionally categorised as Least Concern (LC) under the IUCN Red List criteria.
