Comparative assessment of floristic diversity, ethnobotanical practices, and local perceptions in urban, semi-urban, and rural homegardens of East Khasi Hills, India

Abstract Homegardens are complex, multifunctional ecosystems that serve a key role in conserving biodiversity, supporting livelihood, and preserving traditional knowledge. This study comparatively assessed floristic diversity, ethnobotanical practices, and local perceptions across urban, semi-urban, and rural homegardens in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The study was conducted from August 2022 to July 2024 using a field-based exploratory survey covering 90 homegardens, including 30 each from urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. Information was gathered using a combination of semi-structured interviews, free-listing techniques, and field observations to document plant species, their uses, and respondents’ socio-economic conditions. The cultural relevance of plant species was calculated through the application of quantitative ethnobotanical indices such as Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV), and Fidelity Level (FL). Additionally, floristic diversity across the three homegarden types was assessed using species richness, Menhinick’s, Simpson’s, and Shannon–Wiener indices. Results revealed that rural homegardens supported the highest species richness (106 species), greater diversity, and wider ethnobotanical utilization of plants for food, medicine, fodder, and other household needs, followed by semi-urban (92 species) and urban homegardens (81 species). In contrast, urban homegardens were largely dominated by ornamental plants with relatively limited use categories (UC). The study further revealed that women are the crucial players in the management and maintenance of homegardens, a pattern shaped by the matrilineal inheritance system prevalent in the Khasi community. Most respondents recognized the role of homegardens in maintaining plant diversity and traditional knowledge, and expressed their willingness to transmit this ethnobotanical knowledge to future generations. The study highlights the ecological and socio-cultural value of homegardens and provides baseline information for conservation efforts, sustainable livelihood strategies, and policy formulation in Northeast India.