The word, ‘Sambanlei Sekpil’ is derived from the ancient Manipuri word: Samban-fencing, lei-flower (Duranta in English) and sekpil-a bamboo axis forming a canopy with odd numbers of rounded shapes of clothed structures with an interval one above the other, generally used in the worship of Umang Lai (Forest God). The botanical name of the flower is Duranta repens Linn. In the modern age, Sekpil is also known as Satra. The creative knowledge of Sambalei Sekpil is converted from the non-living religious symbol ‘Sekpil’.

From time immemorial, Duranta has been used as a hedge plant throughout the country as the forces barricade the border for protection and security. Before Sambanlei Sekpil, nobody believed that Duranta can be used as a rare majestic decoration in the heart of a modern garden. Now it is standing at a proud height of 61 feet with 44 numbers of decorative steps in the heart of Imphal.

Sambanlei Sekpil, at 10 years, blooms on Kumbi (place of origin which is located in Bishnupur district of Manipur) soil with 14.5 feet and 7 steps in 1990. It came to Imphal to participate in a flower show with the help of a power tiller (60 km/10 hour journey). After the exhibition, Thoibi (pet name of Sambanlei Sekpil, meaning unique daughter) was unable to reach her original home due to the high risk of the journey. It took shelter at the current second home —Hedge to Heaven Garden, Sagolband Sayang Kuraomakhong, Imphal, 2 km from the heart of the capital and 3 km from Tulihal Airport.

Moirangthem Okendro Singh, father of Sambanlei Sekpil, is the eldest son of M. Mangi Singh, a retired National Awardee teacher. He was born and brought up in a historic place called Kumbi. He graduated in Agriculture Honours from Meerut University, Meerut. Now he is working as an Assistant Agriculture Officer in Horticulture Department, Government of Manipur.

It was first planted by his sister, Dr. M. Bhubaneshwori Devi, in 1981 and the experiment was begun by Mr. Okendro from 1983. He was honoured with many awards like National record (1992), World record (1999), etc.

After getting the National and World records, the left-handed and long haired, brave-hearted hedge plant specialist is working at least 5 hours a day (ladder work 3 hours—2 hours in the morning and 1 hour in the evening at a risky height; 2 hours in ground work) to make his Thoibi the eighth wonder of the world.

Okendro Singh said that feeding and watering the flower is a gruelling task. Each day, the plant is fed either 1.25 gm waste blood (animal blood) residue or dry hyacinth of the Loktak lake (45 km from Imphal), on alternate days.