Diversity, distribution and conservation status of raw edible plant resources of the Madgram Watershed, Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The paper records the occurrence of 34 raw edible plants collected from the Madgram Watershed in the Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. Of the total 34 raw edible plants recorded, 12 species were native to the Himalayan Region and 7 species were native to the Himalayan and other biogeographical regions together. Ephedra gerardiana, Rheum australe and Sinopodophyllum hexandrum are endangered. Bunium persicum, Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica and Rheum webbianum are vulnerable. Leaves and fruits were utilized in majority cases. Due to habitat degradation, overexploitation and changing environmental conditions, the populations of these wild edibles are facing high pressure. Therefore, frequent monitoring of habitats, populations, mass multiplication, education and awareness for the local inhabitants and people’s participation in conservation of wild edibles have been suggested.