Published Paper Details:

Abstract The present study was carried out to document the wild edible plant resources of tehsil Hiranagar (J and K). This investigation was based on the extensive field survey and discussion with local inhabitants during the years 2018-19. A total 50 wild edible plants species belonging to 45 genera and 35 families have been reported from the area. Cucurbitaceae, was the dominant family that represented by 5 taxa and Moraceae and Rutaceae were represented with 3 taxa each, Leguminose, Myrtaceae, Papilionaceae and Combretaceae were represented with 2 taxa each whereas rest 28 families have only one taxa. Trees were found the highest source of food and represented by 25 species followed by herbs (14 species), climbers (7 species) shrubs (3 species). Based on their edibility 17 plants species are being commonly used as fruit, 14 serve as vegetables, 6 species are used to make pickle, 3 species acts as flavouring agents (spices), 3 species are used to make special seasonal drinks, 2 species are used to make flavouring chaat and 2 species are used to make sweet while other three are used to make chutney. The area is rich in wild edible plant diversity and being threatened by the over exploitation by the local inhabitants. Thus, there is an urgent to conserve and manage these plant resources in their natural habitats by awaring the local peoples by training programmes and other activities. Therefore, the findings of the present study will be helpful in managing and conserving these valuable plant resources in the area.