Abstract

DOCUMENTATION OF FOLK KNOWLEDGE ON WILD EDIBLE PLANTS OF BIDAR DISTRICT, KARNATAKA, INDIA

Sujata M. P. and A. H. Rajasab*

ABSTRACT

In the present investigation indigenous knowledge on wild edible plants (WEPs) consumed by rural people in different parts of Bidar district of Karnataka state was recorded. Fifteen field trips were undertaken to different villages of the district and a total of 70 people were interviewed and their observations were recorded. Surveys were also undertaken to vegetable markets of towns in the district during the years January 2014 to July 2015 (18 months). During the present survey it was found that 82 species of wild plants were consumed by the local people. The edible parts (whole plant, corm or tuber, leaves, stem, young shoots, flowers, fruits, fruit pulp and seeds) were also marketed in nearby towns by rural community and economically weaker section of the people who got their income by selling these wild edible plants.

Keywords: Edible wild plants, Ethno botany, Nutritional value, Bidar.