DIVERSITY OF UNDERUTILIZED WILD EDIBLE FRUITS OF KANNUR DISTRICT, KERALA, INDIA

Neha C P,Abdussalam A K

doi:10.22159/ijcpr.2020v12i5.39779

Abstract

Objective: To explore, collect, identify and preserve wild edible fruits of Kannur district, Kerala. Methods: Field survey was conducted for collecting information regarding utilization aspects of some underutilized fruits. The important wild fruits were selected on the basis of their easy availability and on their food and medicinal values in Kannur district. Results: Total thirty three wild edible fruits were collected, identified, and documented. All these fruits were good source of fat, protein, sugars and antioxidants. Most species were found to have many therapeutic uses. Conclusion: The documentation of wild fruits will benefit the community through the use of locally and freely available healthy food which will also preserve their cultural pride. And these wild fruit plants have important role in maintaining ecological balance.

Highlights

Wild edible plants represent species that are collected from the surrounding ecosystems for human consumption but are not cultivated
During the study it was observed that local people are not much aware of the importance of locally available wild edible plants
Most of the plant species are under high risk, as most of these plants have been destroyed by antropogenic activity

Summary

Introduction

Wild edible plants represent species that are collected from the surrounding ecosystems for human consumption but are not cultivated. Poor communities throughout the world are dependent on these wild plants for their food, nutrition, subsistence needs and improving rural livelihoods as well [1]. Till date 2, 50,000-3, 00,000 higher plant species are documented, of which only a few hundred species are cultivated and a few thousands are gathered from the wild. About 1000 species were identified in Americas, 1200 species in Africa and 800 species in Asia [4, 5]. The wild edible fruit species documented in India from Himalayas are more than 675 species [6]. 150 species from Orissa [9], 132 species from Assam [10] and 80 species from Chhattisgarh [11] The wild edible fruit species documented in India from Himalayas are more than 675 species [6]. 118 species from Arunachal Pradesh [7], 12 species from Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka [8]. 150 species from Orissa [9], 132 species from Assam [10] and 80 species from Chhattisgarh [11]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion