Blue footprint: Distribution and use of indigo-yielding plant species Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze

Background: Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze is an important medicinal, edible, and indigo-yielding plant species. It has been cultivated for centuries and it is often the only natural dye still used in many places of East and Southeast Asia. Although S. cisia is extensively cultivated and widely used, the ecological factors of its environmental demands are poorly understood. Moreover, with the increasing demand and growing habitat degradation, its wild populations are in sharp decline. It is therefore imperative to understand the socio-ecological interactions of this species regarding its climatic niche, ethnobotanical importance, and human relations in order to meet its demand. Methods: We first collected S. cusia occurrences from plant species databases, literatures and ethnobotanical surveys. 244 wild occurrences and 10 variables were used to predict its suitable habitats using the MaxEnt model. Furthermore, for a better understanding of socio-ecological interactions regarding its distribution and use, we also collected use reports and calculated the relative importance level (RIL). Results: Strobilanthes cusia is valued for many reasons, as it contains numerous health benefits as a medicinal plant and use in tea alongside its indigo dying and tattooing properties. Indigo dye, Southern Banlangen, and Indigo Naturalis are its most important usages. Its suitable habitats are chiefly located in Western and Central Himalayas, Southern China, and Southern Japan. The ‘temperature seasonality (standard deviation × 100)’ (bio4), the ‘precipitation of coldest quarter’ (bio19), and the human footprint index showed the strongest association with the relative contributions of 38.5%, 32.4%, and 9.1%, respectively. © 2021

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