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Wild Edible Plant Resources of the Lohba Range of Kedarnath Forest Division (KFD), Garhwal Himalaya, India

Author Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Botany and Microbiology, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal-246 174, Uttarakhand, INDIA

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 2, Issue (11), Pages 65-73, November,10 (2013)

Abstract

The present study was carried out in the Lohba range of the Kedarnath Forest Division, Garhwal Himalaya to document the diversity, indigenous uses and availability status of wild edible plants. The inhabitants of the region are dependent up to a large extent on wild resources for their food and other daily needs. The region is rich in wild edible plant resources. A total of 82 species belonging to 62 genera and 46 families were documented from the study area. Out of the recorded species 24 were herbs, 23 shrubs, 28 trees and the rest 7 were climbers. Among the documented plants, 15 were abundant, 46 common and 21 uncommon to this area. Plant parts such as leaves, shoots, young twigs, roots, rhizomes, tubers, flowers, fruits, seeds, etc. are used for food by the local people. The study will be helpful in developing a comprehensive data base on wild plant resources, strengthening the food security in area and in conserving the traditional knowledge for the prosperity of the remote areas.

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