Published Paper Details:

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are a staple in the diets of Jharkhand's indigenous peoples. Most of the rural inhabitants in Jharkhand's various regions have gained specialised knowledge about the uses of plants and plant components. The purpose of this research was to collect first-hand accounts of the variety and practical use of wild edible weeds used by the tribal people of Jharkhand. In the current research, data from 118 quadrats in 59 distinct woods revealed a total of 62 unique herbs, shrubs, and small trees belonging to 41 groups, of which 54 are edible as medicine, vegetables, or both. Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. (51 quadrats/134 total) and Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (47 quadrats/134 total) are two of the most widely distributed wild edible plants in the research region. Similar to how Clerodendrum viscosum Vent., nom. superfl. (40) is the most common edible grass, Lantana camara L. (35), Croton oblongifolius Roxb. (34), and Flemingia stobilifera (L.) R.Br. (20) are the most common edible shrubs. Overexploitation and unsustainable harvesting for food and medicine, together with other biotic interferences including grazing, herbivory, and human fire, have been reported to have reduced the variety of WEPs in Jharkhand. Therefore, it is crucial to protect these precious Wild edible plants (WEPs) and put them to good, long-term use. In addition, there is a need for further studies to be conducted on the medicinal possibilities and nutritive benefits of WEPs so that a scientific foundation may be laid for the future development of herbal medicines and traditional cuisines.