Traditionally used wild edible plants of Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary (KWLS), Odisha, India

Abstract

India being a diverse country with varied ethnic groups and phytogeography the preference of wild edibles their occurrence also varied greatly in different regions. One of the major problems of today’s world is food security. Therefore focus on wild edible plants would definitely be an important breakthrough at the same time it would also promote the economic upliftment of the tribal society. There has been no record of wild edible plants of KWLS. Study of wild edible uses of plants can further be explored in detail for sustainable utilization and development of alternate food source. A total of 85 plant species have been documented belonging to 42 families with edible values. In the present study, the UV ranged between 0.42 and 1.33. Out of 85 wild edibles studies 65 species showed Rfc value above 0.5 indicating the wide acceptance of plants as wild edibles. Adenanthera pavonina and Glinus oppositifolius as wild edible showed the lowest Rfc value indicating its low credibility as wild edible, whereas Solena amplexicaulis, Passiflora edulis, Cordia dichotoma and Briedelia retusa were highly sought after as food source. Keeping the idea of food security in mind these plants should be furthered be studied as low cost nutrients alternatives. Proper awareness and promotion is required for introduction of these vegetables in markets which would improve the livelihood of the locals.