Documentation of Folk Knowledge on Edible Wild Plants of North Karnataka

Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 3(4), October 2004, pp. 419-429

Documentation of folk knowledge on edible wild plants of North Karnataka

A H Rajasab* and Mahamad Isaq Department of P G Studies and Research in Botany, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga 585 106, Karnataka E-mail : [email protected] Received 5 April 2004

In North Karnataka, fifty-one species of wild plants belonging to forty-six genera are edi- ble. Local people use leaves, stem, flowers, fruits, seeds and roots as a part of their diet. Of the fifty one species, twenty-seven species belonging to twenty four genera produce edible fruits (eaten raw or cooked), sixteen species belonging to fourteen genera produce edible leaves and stem, four species belonging to four genera produce edible flowers, three species belonging to three genera produce edible seeds. The root extract of one species (Hemidesmus indicus) was used to prepare soft drink. Some of these species serve as food during famine. It is necessary to preserve the diversity of wild edible plants, as they possess an immense nutritional and medici- nal value. Present study reveals the importance of twenty-two species of plants as they are eaten sub- stantially by village folk as well as by city dwellers. It is desirable to bring these plants under organized agriculture as new crops to increase their production and utilization. Keywords: Edible wild plants, Folk knowledge, Karnataka, Tribal diet. IPC Int. Cl.7: A61K35/78, A61P1/12, A61P9/02, A61P13/04, A61P13/02, A61P1/04, A61P1/06, A61P11/08, A61P17/02, A61P1/02, A61P15/08.

Since early times, man had used plants folk knowledge on wild edible plants. for medicine, fuel, timber and food. The The folk knowledge is fast disappearing traditional knowledge on the use of plants due to factors such as migration of villag- as medicine is well documented1,2, how- ers to cities, input of high quality food in ever, the knowledge on the use of wild markets, etc. Hence, a survey was under- plants as food is very much limited3-10. taken to document folk knowledge on Large sections of population of North wild edible plants of North Karnataka. Karnataka living in villages and remote forests depend on edible wild plants. Material and Methods Even the people in cities purchase wild Gulbarga district lies between 17° 46′ edible plants marketed by village folk. and 18° 12′ N latitude and 76° 4′ and 77° There is no accurate documentation of 04′ E longitude (Fig. 1). The district has —————— mainly rain fed agricultural land along *Correspondent author with an estimated area of 345 sq km of 420 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 3, No. 4, OCTOBER 2004

reserve forest and 745 sq km of unclassi- are generally well aware of uses and fied forest area. During the year 2002- therapeutic importance of plants. The 2003, several trips were undertaken to tribal women sell minor forest products different villages in Gulbarga district, viz. like fire wood, honey, herbal drugs, wild Mailapur, Wadi (both Chitapur Taluka), edible leafy vegetables (Lactuca scariola, Doranahalli (Shahapur Taluka), Gogi Digera muricata, Amaranthus viridis, (Jevergi Taluka), Naikal (Yadgir Taluka), etc.) and wild edible fruits (Carissa ca- Saradgi (Gulbarga Taluka), Chowadapur randas, Cucumis trigonus, Annona squa- (Afzalpur Taluka), Chindicholli (Chindi- mosa, Zizyphus spp., etc.). cholli Taluka), Bhosaga, Rajapur, Kus- Data sheets were prepared with village noor (all belong to Gulbarga Taluka) and name and its locality, date of visit, ad- Gulbarga University campus to document dress of respondent, age, sex and com- folk knowledge on wild food plants and munity or ethnic group, vernacular names their medicinal uses. of edible wild plants, botanical name and The people in these villages comprised family, habit and habitat, plant descrip- those belonging to different communities tion, edible parts, how they are eaten (raw including ‘Lambanis’ ─ an ethnic group. or cooked), special attributes if any (food Lambanis are also called Lambadi or and medicinal uses), herbar- Banjara and their settlements are known ium/photograph reference and any other as ‘Tanda’. They live in villages or information. At least five people in each nearby forests to earn their livelihood and village, some of them belonging to Lam- RAJASAB & ISAQ: FOLK KNOWLEDGE ON EDIBLE WILD PLANTS 421

bani ethnic group were interviewed. In- meration provides an account of these teracting with respondents, information twenty two species with regard to specific on use of wild plants as food, parts con- name, family, vernacular name in differ- sumed, along with their medicinal uses ent languages – Kannada (Kan.), Hindi, was recorded. Several of the respondents English (Eng.), edible parts and medicinal confirmed the use of wild plants as food uses. and also their medicinal use. 1. Basella alba Linn., Chenopodi- Plant species were identified with the aceae, Kan. – Basle soppu, Hindi – Poi. help of flora11,12 and also by referring Introduced and naturalized species. them to the herbarium collections main- Commonly found in moist places and tained in P G Department of Botany, gardens. Leaves used as vegetable. Gulbarga University, Gulbarga. Prelimi- Leaves first boiled, extract is taken and nary data was recorded by observing soup is prepared by adding spices. Boiled fresh plants in fields. Standard methods leaves are mixed with flour of Sorghum were followed with regard to collection of to prepare delicious bread called ‘Roti’. plant materials, drying, mounting, prepa- Ripe fruits contain a deep violet colouring ration and preservation of herbarium matter, used for colouring food. Leaf sheets. Herbarium specimens were depos- juice is prescribed in case of constipation, ited in herbarium maintained in the Bot- particularly in children and pregnant any Department of Gulbarga University, women and in urinary disorders. A good Gulbarga, Karnataka. source of Vitamin C & B, cures mouth ulcers. Results 2. Lactuca scariola Linn., Asteraceae, One or the other parts of fifty-one spe- Kan. – Hattarki pallaye. Common weed cies of wild plants belonging to forty-six in cultivated fields. Leaves used as a genera of 37 families were edible. Out of vegetable, eaten raw (salad) or cooked. these 51 species, 27 species belonging to Leaf juice is used in the treatment of 24 genera of 18 families yielded fruits, jaundice and is a useful diet for pregnant which are eaten raw or cooked. Sixteen women as it is a good source of iron and species belonging to 14 genera and 12 calcium. families yielded edible leaves/stems. 3. Momordica cymbalaria Fenzl. ex Flowers of four species belonging to four Naudin., Cucurbitaceae, Kan. – Karchi genera (Family ─ Fabaceae) were edible. Kayi, Hindi – Kadvanchi. Commonly Seeds of three species belonging to three found in black cotton soil, a trailing herb genera of three different families were with underground tubers. Fruits either edible. The root extract of one species fried or roasted with other vegetables and (Hemidesmus indicus) was used to pre- spices are used as vegetable. Fruits are pare soft drink for its pleasing odour. Out used to cure stomachache. They are car- of the fifty-one wild edible plants, minative, used in diseases of liver and twenty-two species are consumed sub- spleen. Roasted or fried fruits are recom- stantially by village folk. Following enu- mended in diabetes. 422 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 3, No. 4, OCTOBER 2004

4. Amaranthus spinosus Linn., Ama- Khursa kulfa, Eng. – Garden Purselane. ranthaceae, Kan. – Mullu dantu, Mullu Common weed in open areas, fields and harive soppu, Hindi – Kanta bhaji. A gardens. Leaves and stems are used as weed, commonly distributed in open vegetable. Leaves are boiled with Pigeon fields and roadsides. Inflorescence and pea to prepare soup, also used by frying leaves are used as vegetable. Young with spices. Leaves eaten as a cooked leaves are boiled (with Pigeon pea) to vegetable for the treatment of liver and make soup; leaves are also fried with kidney disorders. Leaf juice is used to green chilly and adding salt and eaten treat earache. with ‘Roti’ (bread). Leaf decoction is 9. Portulaca quadrifida L., Portulaca- considered useful for improving diges- ceae, Kan. – Goni soppu, Nuchchugoli. tion. Leaves are applied as a poultice to Common weed in open areas, fields and treat bruises, abscesses, burns, wounds gardens. Leaves and stem are used as and inflammation. vegetable like P. oleracea known to pos- 5. Amaranthus viridis Linn., Amaran- sess cooling and diuretic properties. thaceae, Kan. – Chelakerra soppu. Intro- 10. Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poir., duced and naturalized species, found in Fabaceae, Kan. – Agse mara, Hindi – moist places, commonly in cultivated Agasatibak, Eng. - Swamp pea. Intro- lands, bunds, wastelands. Leaves and in- duced and naturalized species. Cultivated florescence are used as vegetable like A. in backyard and in Betel gardens as a spinosus. The plant is used as diuretic, support tree for betel vine. Flowers are purgative enema during stomach troubles. used as vegetable; leaves rich in calcium 6. Celosia argentea Linn., Amarantha- are eaten occasionally. An infusion of the ceae. Kan. - Anne soppu, Hindi - Sarwari, bark is recommended during the first Sufaid murga. A common weed in culti- stage of malaria. Flowers are used to treat vated fields, river banks and grasslands. headache, while juice from flowers is Widely used by local people as vegetable used as an eye drop. in their diet, according to their recipe. 11. Coccinia indica Wt. & Arn., Cu- Seeds are used to treat diseases of blood curbitaceae Kan. - Tonde hannu, Eng. - and mouth sores. Oil extracted from seeds Ivory gourd. Commonly found on hedges is mixed with milk and sugar and used as and bushes, in cultivated lands. Unripe tonic. green fruit is used as vegetable. Bits of 7. Digera muricata (L.) Mart., Ama- fruits are added in soup and also fried ranthaceae, Kan. - Chenchali soppu, with oil and other spices. Ripened red Gorje pallya; Hindi – Lisava. Common fruits are eaten raw. Fruits are used in weed in cultivated fields and wastelands. treatment of skin diseases and bronchitis. Leaves and spikes are used as vegetable. 12. Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels., Flowers and seeds are used to treat uri- Menispermaceae Kan. – Dagadi balli, nary discharge. Hindi – Jamti ki bel. Grows commonly in 8. Portulaca oleracea Linn., Portula- black cotton soil. Young leaves are used caceae, Kan. – Goni soppu, Hindi – as vegetable. Leaves are boiled in water, RAJASAB & ISAQ: FOLK KNOWLEDGE ON EDIBLE WILD PLANTS 423

and mixed with flour of Sorghum to pre- insect bites. Leaves are aromatic and are pare bread called ‘Roti’. The remaining used to treat digestive trouble in children. boiled water is used to prepare soup. Root 17. Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) is used as mild laxative and powder of Benth., Caesalpinaceae Kan. - Dwarunise. root is given to children as remedy for A tree found on the bunds of agricultural stomachache. Root is also given with fields and near riverbanks. Aril of seeds is ginger and sugar to treat bilious dyspep- eaten. sia. Leaf juice mixed with sugar is used 18. Physalis minima L., Solanaceae, for the treatment of gonorrhoea. Kan. – Gudde hannu. Common weed, 13. Cordia dichotoma Forst. f., Bo- grows on bunds in irrigated fields. Fruit raginaceae, Kan. – Challe hanu, Hindi - edible, unripe fruit tastes bitter, but ripe Rasala. Common in semi-deciduous for- one tastes similar to tomato. Fruits con- ests, occasionally found in cultivated sidered to be tonic, diuretic and purgative. fields. Fruits edible, contain white, trans- 19. Opuntia dillenii (Ker – Gawler) parent sticky, sweet pulp. Fruits are used Haw., Cactaceae, Kan. – Papas kalli, as an expectorant and useful in lung dis- Hindi - Nagphana, Eng. - Prickly pear. eases. Fruit juice is taken orally as blood Common in scrubby jungle along road- purifier. sides and in degraded lands. Fruit is 14. Cucumis trigonus Roxb., Cucurbi- eaten, used to prepare jelly and is used as taceae Kan. – Mekke kayi. Commonly colouring material for cool drinks. Fruit is found in cultivated fields. Fruits are eaten used in the treatment of cough, consid- raw as vegetable. The seeds are reported ered as cooling agent. to be cooling tonic, fruits used in the 20. Solanum nigrum Linn., Solana- treatment of burns and fever. ceae, Kan. – Kaki hannu, Hindi – Makoi, 15. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br., Eng. – Black nightshade. A weed in black Asclepiadaceae Kan. - Sogade beru, Eng. cotton soils. Fruit edible when ripe, taste – Indian Sarsaparilla. Commonly found in is similar to that of tomato. All parts of moist places and degraded areas. Root the plant are considered to be demulcent, gives a good odour. Root powder is used laxative. Fresh juice is used for treating as an additive in preparation of tea and dysentery, dropsy and enlargement of soft drinks for pleasant odour. The pow- liver. dered roots are used for skin and feet in- 21. Canthium parviflorum Lam., Ru- fections and toothache. biaceae, Kan. - Khare hannu. Highly 16. Limonia acidissima L., Rutaceae, grazed shrub, common in dry lands. Kan. – Byalada hannu, Hindi – Kavit, Fruits edible; when ripe they become yel- Eng. – Wood apple. A tree found in dry- low with sweet pulp. Raw fruits are also deciduous forests and cultivated in gar- used in preparation of pickle. Decoction dens. Fruit pulp is edible. It is also used of root and leaves is prescribed to treat to prepare cool drinks by adding jaggary certain stages of flux. and flavours. Pulp as well as powder of 22. Carissa carandas Linn., Apocyna- woody rind is applied externally to treat ceae, Kan. – Kaule kayi, Hindi – 424 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 3, No. 4, OCTOBER 2004

Karaunda. Highly grazed shrub, common gestion and strength. Pulp of the unripe in dry lands. Fruit is edible. In villages, fruits is used to treat dysentery. Leaves farmers and children eat these fruits with are bitter and used as febrifuge. salt. Unripe fruits are used to prepare 3. Atylosia scarabaeoides (L.) Benth., pickles and sweet, while ripe fruits are Fabaceae, Kan. - Kadu togari. Commonly used to prepare juice, salads and jams. found in hedges, grassy areas and open Roots are used to treat stomachache and forests. Leaves, green pods and seeds are have anthelmintic properties. Fruits are edible. Seeds are used as substitute for considered anti-scorbutic. Pigeon pea. Pods are boiled with water Edible fruit yielding species namely, - adding small quantity of salt and seeds Borassus flabellifer Linn., Annona squa- are eaten after boiling. They are also used mosa Linn., Moringa oleifera Lam., Phyl- in the treatment of fever, pains, sores and lanthus emblica L., Syzygium cumini (L.) dysentery. Root is made into a paste and Skeels., and Terminalia catapa Linn. are mixed with coconut oil and applied on found in wild as well as in cultivated state head for 15 days to check falling hairs. in North Karnataka. 4. Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennel, Different parts of the following species Scrophulariaceae, Kan. - Neeru brahmi. are occasionally eaten. They may not be Commonly found in wet places and near considered as source of substantial food. water bodies. The leaves are used as Their enumeration is given below: vegetable. Leaves fried with oil and 1. Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet., Mal- spices are taken with rice or bread. It is vaceae, Kan. - Mudregida, Hindi – astringent, bitter and cooling and used as Jhampi. Grows commonly in degraded nerve tonic, cardiotonic, and diuretic. lands in dry areas. Seeds are eaten. De- 5. Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile., coction of leaves is used as mouthwash to Simarubaceae, Kan. - Ingula, Hindi - soothe toothache and tender gums; exter- Hingan, Hingu. A spiny shrub or a small nally it is used as a wash for wounds and evergreen tree, grows widely in black ulcers. Leaves are taken with hot water to cotton soil. Dried fruit pulp is edible. treat fever. Root is considered tonic and Kernel oil is used in the treatment of skin diuretic. diseases, burns and scrapes, and whoop- 2. Aegle marmelos Corr. ex Roxb., ing cough. Fruit pulp mixed with goat’s Rutaceae, Kan. - Bilva, Hindi – Bael, Bel. milk is rubbed on the chest to treat pneu- Usually scattered in dry deciduous forests monia in children. Fruit powder is mixed and near temples. The ripe fruits are eaten with soap nut powder (Sapindus laurifo- fresh; its aromatic pulp is diluted with lia), cardamom, ginger and clove and the water and sweetened with sugar and mixture is used to treat jaundice. tamarind to make a delicious cooling 6. Caesalpinia pulcherima (L.) Sw., drink. The aromatic pulp is called “Mo- Caesalpinaceae, Kan. - Ratanagandhi, rabba”. Tender unripe fruits have astrin- Kenjige, Hindi – Gulutura. Introduced gent and digestive property. They are also and naturalized species. Flowers and used in stomachache and to promote di- young seeds are edible. An infusion of the RAJASAB & ISAQ: FOLK KNOWLEDGE ON EDIBLE WILD PLANTS 425

flowers is used as a pectoral and febrifuge bilious attack. Seeds are sometimes taken and in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, in combination with other plant drugs by intestinal worms and malarial fever. women to help conception and prevent Powdered seeds are used as a remedy for miscarriage. stomachache. 11. Ficus benghalensis Linn., 7. Cassia auriculata Linn., Caesal- Moraceae, Kan. – Alada mara, Hindi – pinaceae, Kan. – Amregida, Tavarke Bargad, Eng. - Banyan tree. Ripened red soppu, Tavarke gida, Hindi - Tarwar, fruit is edible. Good source of food for Tarode. A very common weed in birds. The milky latex is applied wastelands. Young flower buds are externally for pains in rheumatism. edible; sometime the powdered young Infusion of young buds is used to treat flower buds are used as tea powder dysentery. instead of commonly used tea powder in 12. Ficus racemosa Linn., Moraceae, rural areas. The decoction of bark is given Kan.- Atti-hannu, Hindi - Gular, Eng. – to relieve stomachache and dysentery. Cluster fig. Figs are edible when ripe. Leaves are useful for treating ulcers, Villagers collect figs from forest and sell swellings, boils, skin diseases and them in cities. Bark is astringent and its leprosy.8. Cassia serecea L., Caesalpinaceae, decoction is used as a wash for wounds. Kan. - Chogache, Hindi - Chakvat. A Roots used to treat dysentery. Fruits common weed in wastelands and astringent. roadsides. Leaves are used as vegetable, 13. Indigofera glandulosa Roxb. ex fried with other vegetables like brinjal, Willd., Fabaceae, Kan. – Advimente. potato, etc. Mature leaves in the form of Common weed in dry and sandy soils. decoction are used as a laxative. They are Abundantly found in cultivated fields. extremely useful in curing ringworm and Leaves are used as vegetable by boiling skin diseases. with Pigeon pea seeds, also used to make 9. Delonix regia Hook. f., flour along with finger millet. Leaves are Caesalpinaceae, Kan. & Hindi – used in preparing soup, called ‘ganji’, Gulmohr, Eng. - Gulmohr, Flame tree. A which is used as famine food. Leaf juice common avenue tree. Introduced and is used as ointment to treat sores and ul- naturalized species. Flowers are edible, cers. sweet in taste. Children use stamens for 14. Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers., playing. Flowers are used in Crassulaceae, Kan. – Javuku, dysmenorrhoea. Asathibhaksha, Hindi - Zakhm haiyat. 10. Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) C. Found in gardens. Leaves are used to Jeffery, Cucurbitaceae, Kan. - Linga prepare sauce along with other tonde balli, Hindi – Shivalingi. A climber ingredients. Roasted leaves are used to found on hedges in villages. Unripe fruits treat wounds, boils, and insect bites. are used as vegetable. Ripened red fruits 15. Lantana camara Linn., are sweet and taste like Cucumis sp. Plant Verbenaceae, Kan. – Hunnigida, Hindi – is considered bitter, used to relieve Raimuniya Eng. – Lantana, Wild sage. 426 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 3, No. 4, OCTOBER 2004

Introduced and naturalized species. with flour of Sorghum. Decoction of Common along roadsides, railway tracts roots is given to treat muscular pains. and scrubby jungle. Fruit is edible. 20. Tribulus terrestris Linn., Zygo- Leaves are also used as betel leaves and phyllaceae, Kan. – Negilu mullu, Hindi – chewed as pan. Rootstocks and fruits are Gokhru, Eng. - Land caltrops. Common used for treating throat infections. Leaves weed in sandy soils. Leaves are used as are used for stomachache. vegetable. The leaves are used to treat 16. Merremia gangetica (L.) Cuf., stomachache and paste prepared from Convolvulaceae, Kan. – Ilikivi, Hindi – them is used to treat kidney stones. Musakani. Found in damp grassy habi- 21. Typha angustata Bory & Chaub., tats. Leaves are used as vegetable, young Typhaceae,. Kan. – Aane jondu, Hindi – leaves fried with groundnut oil, and other Potera, Eng. – Bulrush. Commonly found spices and used with bread, called ‘Roti’ in marshy habitats and water bodies. made from Sorghum flour. Leaves are Flour extracted from roots is used with also used in soups. Leaf juice is given for Sorghum flour. Young male spike (upper migraine and as an ear drop to relieve part of inflorescence) is a delicious vege- abscesses and ulcers. Root is used to treat table. Young shoots are used raw or diseases of eyes and gums. boiled. 22. Ziziphus nummularia Wt. & Arn., 17. Mukia madaraspatana (L.) Roem., Rhamnaceae, Kan. - Bare hannu, Hindi – Cucurbitaceae, Kan. - Gubbi soutekayi, Ber, Eng. - Wild jujube. Very common in Hindi – Agumaki. Frequently found on grasslands. Fruits edible when ripe, pulp hedges and open areas. Fruits edible; they juicy and tasty. Endocarp is also edible. are used raw and also as vegetable. They Leaves are applied externally to treat taste similar to cucumber. Root when boils and other cutaneous diseases. Dried chewed relieves toothache. Fruits used in leaves are burnt and the smoke is inhaled the treatment of abdominal disorders, to relieve cough and cold cough and vomiting. 23. Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Mill., 18. Santalum album Linn., Rhamnaceae, Kan. - Hargina hannu, Santalaceae, Kan. - Srigandha, Hindi – Hindi - Makai, Eng. - Jackal jujube. Chandan, Eng. - Sandal wood. Fruit is Commonly found in heavily grazed areas edible when ripe, endosperm edible. and dry deciduous forests. Ripe fruits are Wood and oil are used as cooling, black and edible. Powdered bark mixed sedative, diuretic and expectorant agent. with ghee is applied to check swellings A paste of wood is applied externally to caused by tooth infections, for spongy treat skin diseases. Held sacred. gum and teeth. 19. Sorghum halepense Pers., Poaceae,. Kan. - Sanna kaddi hullu, Kadu Discussion kambu hullu. Commonly found near Sor- Due to the importance of twenty-two ghum fields and prefers red soil. Seeds species of edible wild plants, it is sug- are used to prepare flour, which is mixed gested to bring these plants [Basella alba RAJASAB & ISAQ: FOLK KNOWLEDGE ON EDIBLE WILD PLANTS 427

Linn., Lactuca scariola Linn., Mo- Pradesh8,22-23 is different from that of mordica cymbalaria Fenzl. ex Naudin., Karnataka30. Therefore, it is vital to Amaranthus spinosus Linn., Amaranthus document the folk knowledge on wild viridis Linn., Celosia argentea Linn., edible plants in different regions for their Digera muricata (L.) Mart., Portulaca optimum utilization and conservation. oleracea Linn., Portulaca quadrifida In Karnataka, ethnobotanical studies Linn., Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poir., on medicinal plants were conducted in Coccinia indica Wt. & Arn., Cocculus Uttara Kannada24-26, Chikmagalur27, hirsutus (L.) Diels., Cordia dichotoma South Canara28 and Tumkur districts29. So Forst. f., Cucumis trigonus Roxb., far in Karnataka, no detailed study on Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br., Limonia ethnobotany of edible wild plants is con- acidissima Linn., Pithecellobium dulce ducted. The present study is first of its (Roxb.) Benth., Physalis minima Linn., kind in Karnataka, which gives an idea Opuntia dillenii (Ker – Gawler) Haw., and basic material for further botanical Solanum nigrum Mill., Canthium par- research. A few plants, viz. Basella alba, viflorum Lam., Carissa carandas Linn.] Lactuca scariola, Momordica cymbe- under organized agriculture, as new crops laria, Sesbania grandiflora, etc. are iden- to increase their production and utiliza- tified as promising candidates for bring- tion. For example, the use of Lactuca ing them under organized agriculture. scariola Linn. leaves in their diet (both Several of the wild edible plants observed raw and cooked) can alleviate iron, B in the present survey, also serve as famine complex and calcium deficiency in preg- food and foods of delicacy. As the local nant women and lactating mothers. The folk exploit the wild edible plants in a use of Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poir. given area, it has become necessary to flower buds as cooked vegetable can alle- conserve these edible wild plants. viate the calcium deficiency. Cooked fruits of Momordica cymbalaria Fenzl. ex Acknowledgement Naudin. can be consumed along with We thank Dr Y N Seetharam, Reader ‘roti’. Amaranthus spp., Portulaca spp. in the department, for critically going and Digera muricata are good sources of through the manuscript. leafy vegetables. The fruit pulp of Limo- References nia acidissima mixed with jaggery forms 1 Anonymous, Ethnobotany in India – A status a good refreshing drink, which has an report (Ministry of Environment and Forests, export value. Govt. of India), 1994. 2 Maheswari J K, (Ed.) Ethnobotany and Perusal of literature indicates the di- Medicinal plants of Indian Subcontinent, versity of wild edible plants in different (Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur), 2000, 672. regions in India. For example, edible wild 3 Jain S K, Wild food plants of the tribals of plants documented in North India5,7,9,10,13- Bastar (M P), Proc Nat Inst Sci India, 30 (B), 20 are entirely different compared to South (1964), 56. 21-23 4 Durby W J, Gatiounglic P & Grivetti L E, India . Even in South India, the diver- Food- the gift of Orisis, 2 Volumes, sity of wild edible plants for Andhra (Academic Press, London), 1997. 428 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 3, No. 4, OCTOBER 2004

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