Meghalaya is home to the mother of all citrus fruits
Nokrek National Park, in the West Garo Hills district of the State of Meghalaya, is home to Citrus Indica (locally known as Memang Narang), or the Wild Orange. This variety is found only in this region of the world. The Wild Orange was discovered by chance and this led to Nokrek National Park being recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserves in May 2009. Nokrek National Park has a ‘National Citrus Gene Sanctuary’“This wild orange plant is likely one of the ancestors of today's cultivated citrus fruits, if not the main one. It is considered to be the most "primitive" citrus. It can be used as a citrus rootstock for cultivating citrus. Recent searches of the plant's reported home range confirmed its presence only in Meghalaya, where it grows in the Garo Hills.” Source
Download the 54 Rare Medicinal plants available in Meghalaya and their traditional uses.
Memang Narang gets the GI tag
It was heartening to read online that Wild Orange or Memang Narang has been given a GI tag. The wild orange is also said to have medicinal qualities that cure problems related to the stomach and also Jaundice. Is it not fascinating? The gene pool of the very first citrus fruit is in Meghalaya? The Khasi orange we relish as well as every other variety of orange in the world could have evolved from Citrus Indica! Want to know more about the unique fruits and vegetables of NE India? Contact us.
4 comments
Pynskhembor Shadap
Delight to have read this article. I am settling here in Garo Hills and have taste the Memamg Narang. And I loved the fact about this fruit. It has medicinal properties used and described by ancients generation. I have read the story about how it is discovered. I hope the Memang Narang should be preserved , not to just cut it without replanting it. Because it is not densely available, and it’s existence may be at risk.
Pynskhembor Shadap
Delight to have read this article. I am settling here in Garo Hills and have taste the Memamg Narang. And I loved the fact about this fruit. It has medicinal properties used and described by ancients generation. I have read the story about how it is discovered. I hope the Memang Narang should be preserved , not to just cut it without replanting it. Because it is not densely available, and it’s existence may be at risk.
Riia karu alleen shullai
this exoctic sp. of orange is mesmarising……. well we hope to find new species in the coming futrure, because Meghalaya is an undiscovered paradise
Elisha Sangma
Hi Riia thank you for reading this article! It is indeed true that our Meghalaya is full of untapped potential in terms of nature and its boon, we are yet to discover its many aspects. Do subscribe to our newsletter and stay abreast of our discoveries and exploratory trips in Meghalaya.