Abstract
In the tropics, the traditional ecological knowledge regarding utilization of diverse Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) available with different human communities remains under-explored. Though not on an organized scale, the collection and sale of various NTFPs, help the members of tropical rural communities to sustain themselves. Bombax ceiba, a tropical moist deciduous tree has various ethnobotanical values. Semul gum is edible and possesses medicinal value. Immature fruits of this tree have value as an expectorant, stimulant and diuretic. Extracts of young roots are used for treating dysentery. Now the dry, fallen ovaries of this tree species have a new commercial value, and are being widely collected and traded by some local herbalists in Thrissur District of Kerala.
Highlights
The tap roots of young plants of this tree species are used as food in Australia (Brock 2001)
The confirmation of its nutritive value will set the record straight in the issues related to its intellectual property rights
The collection and trade of the dried ovaries of B. ceiba will provide our rural populace an additional opportunity to supplement their livelihoods and reduce poverty
Summary
Acknowledgements: The authors wish to thank Mr K.V. George and Mr Chacko, local herbal dealers of Thrissur district, Kerala state, India for sharing information on the utilization aspects of dried ovaries. There are many recorded ethnobotanical uses of B. ceiba. The tap roots of young plants of this tree species are used as food in Australia (Brock 2001).
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