Romeo Singh Maibam

Lemanea in Lotic Environment of Manipur, North-east India: Distribution, Ecology and Need for Conservation of Lemanea Romeo Singh Maibam

Red algae (Rhodophyta) are marine and only a few grow in freshwater-bodies of which Lemanea is one such species found in freshwater rivers of Manipur, NE India. There is lack of information about the ecology, distribution, production scenario and nutritional profile of the plant though the plant is utilized traditionally by local communities as food delicacy since centuries in Manipur. Absence of algae throughout river stretches, prevalence in winter and preference by locals as food delicacy lead us to undertake the detailed investigation on occurrence of Lemanea, understand its present range and conservation status provide nutritional profile in attempting to understand the resources of potentially valuable products it may contain. The study suggest that these alga which are scarcely available during their short growing period in fresh water flowing ecosystems also have considerable potential for biochemicals and minerals component that may find application in food and pharmaceutical industry as a source in preparation of nutrient supplements and medicine. Chapters in the book focus on the distribution and ecology, nutrient profile and need for conservation of Lemanea.