Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

Detailed study was conducted on traditional homestead vegetation of the Old Brahmaputra basin to explore the scientific basis of their establishment and cultures. Unique biodiversity combination and association of hundreds of species including trees, shrubs, climbers and herbs; terrestrial and aquatic flora are grown in the homesteads. The diversified vegetation reflects its importance to such a level that, one can say ?home is made in vegetation? or ?vegetation is raised for the home?. The people of that region are social, agriculture-dependent and comfort-loving. Single family homes are rare but most of the homes are with multi- families with same descendants. Usually a home is demarcated into covered area with houses, kitchen and cow-shed etc., which is about 25%; open area 15%, water source 20%, passage and walkways 5%, vegetation 33%, garbage and latrines is 2%. Vegetation covers the highest area of a home and is used for essential purposes e.g. building materials, windbreaks, hedges and fences, fruits and vegetables, drinks and spices, green manures, mastication, beverages, medicinal, and for beautification etc., with as many as 190 species in a single home. It is usually grown considering sunlight, face of home, windbreaks, and habitat. Homes face south or east to get maximum sunlight and aeration for a healthy environment. Vegetation of a typical village home is nicely modeled with right plant species considering essentiality, multipurpose uses, easy culture, and growing habit. Traditional practices and wide-range uses of hundreds of species in a limited space widened the implication of biodiversity for maximum productivity.

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