Ethnic uses of some pteridophytic weeds of tea gardens in Darjeeling and Terai

Pteridophytes occupy a recognisable position in the flora of Terai and the hills of Darjiling. They are also well represented as weed in the Tea Gardens of this area. Recent survey recorded the occurrence of 86 species of pteridophytes from nine such gardens covering both Terai and Darjiling Hills. Of these, 25 species (30%), covering 21 genera and 20 families, are used by the Tea Garden workers in different manner like (i) 10 species as food, (ii) 02 species for fermenting traditional liquor, (iii) 01 species as fodder and (iv) 22 species as medicine for human diseases. In addition, some of these plants are used for basketry, playing carom, ceremonial decoration, ornamentals etc.