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Ethnobotanical study of Wild Edible Plants in Poba Reserved Forest, Assam, India: Multiple Functions and Implications for Conservation

Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University- Diphu Campus, Diphu, Karbi Anglong, Assam, INDIA

Res. J. Agriculture & Forestry Sci., Volume 1, Issue (3), Pages 1-10, April,8 (2013)

Abstract

Wild edible plants (WEPs) refer to species that are neither cultivated nor domesticated, but available from their natural habitat and used as sources of food. Poba reserved forest is the only repository of wild edible plants in the entire Jonai Subdivision, Dhemaji district, Assam. Inventory of wild edible plants in Poba RF and their importance to local communities are the objectives of the present study. Field study was undertaken following unstructured interview of local villagers, group discussions, household food survey and survey of local markets. A total of 122 wild edible plants belonging to 89 genera under 52 families and 2 varieties are reported in the present paper. The report also includes two fern species namely Cyclosorus extensa and Diplazium esculentum. Twenty six species have single use (i.e., dietary use) while other species has more than one uses such as medicine, animal feed and source of cash income and livelihoods. Besides providing goods and services, Poba RF forms natural barrier and protects Jonai Subdivisional Township from the eroding waters of the Laly River. Poba RF needs urgent conservation initiatives for ecological stability, human well-being and also as local heritage.

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