BIODIVERSITY IN WILD VEGETABLES OF KONKAN REGION - MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

Abstract: The consumption of wild vegetables and plants is one of the strategies, adopted by the local people for sustenance is intrinsically linked to their strong traditional and cultural system and is inseparable. The indigenous communities include wild edibles to their daily food intake and sales from the surplus add to their income. Diversity of plant foods consumed provides nutritional diversity and also food during famine or scarcity of favored foods. It is essential that the locally available these edible herbs and plant parts are rich source of protein, iron, calories and they are also recognized for their characteristic color, flavor and therapeutic value, be used in the diets to prevent the nutrient deficiency and degenerative diseases. The wild vegetable also has medicinal value and hence beside food supplement they also act as nutritional supplement to the people of this area. The article deals with the diversity in wild vegetables and nutritional value consumed by people of Konkan region of Maharashtra. Wild vegetables refer to the species which are not cultivated at large scale commercially. They are grown on waste land by tribal communities or collected from their natural habitat and used as source of food. Ethanobotanical study was carried out by survey of local market, unstructured interview of local villagers and household food survey. Total 58 species belongs 55 genera and 27 families of Wild vegetables were documented. Out of 58 species 24 were herbaceous 22 climbers/prostate creepers/twiner, 3 shrubs and 9 trees. Out of these recorded species some are good source of protein some are carbohydrate and some are variable minerals. Keywords: Wild vegetables; Diversity; Nutritional diversity; Konkan region; Ethanobotanical

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BIODIVERSITY IN WILD VEGETABLES OF KONKAN REGION -
MAHARASHTRA
Tabassum M. A. Khan1 and Umesh B. Kakde2
1 Govt Of Ms’s Ismail Yusuf College, Jogeshwari (E), Mumbai-400060 India
2 Govt. Of Ms’s Ismail Yusuf College, Jogeshwari (E), Mumbai
Corresponding Author Email : Tabassum.64@Rediffmail.Com
Abstract:
The consumption of wild vegetables and plants is one of the strategies, adopted by the local
people for sustenance is intrinsically linked to their strong traditional and cultural system and
is inseparable. The indigenous communities include wild edibles to their daily food intake and
sales from the surplus add to their income. Diversity of plant foods consumed provides
nutritional diversity and also food during famine or scarcity of favored foods. It is essential that
the locally available these edible herbs and plant parts are rich source of protein, iron, calories
and they are also recognized for their characteristic color, flavor and therapeutic value, be used
in the diets to prevent the nutrient deficiency and degenerative diseases. The wild vegetable
also has medicinal value and hence beside food supplement they also act as nutritional
supplement to the people of this area. The article deals with the diversity in wild vegetables and
nutritional value consumed by people of Konkan region of Maharashtra. Wild vegetables refer
to the species which are not cultivated at large scale commercially. They are grown on waste
land by tribal communities or collected from their natural habitat and used as source of food.
Ethanobotanical study was carried out by survey of local market, unstructured interview of
local villagers and household food survey. Total 58 species belongs 55 genera and 27 families of
Wild vegetables were documented. Out of 58 species 24 were herbaceous 22 climbers/prostate
creepers/twiner, 3 shrubs and 9 trees. Out of these recorded species some are good source of
protein some are carbohydrate and some are variable minerals.
Keywords:
Wild vegetables; Diversity; Nutritional diversity; Konkan region; Ethanobotanical
Introduction:
The diversity in the wild vegetable not only gives variation in diet but also
provides nutritional diversity. It contributes to the house hold food security in
this region. Wild vegetable refers to the species which are not cultivated at
large scale commercially. They are grown on waste land by tribal communities

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or collected from their natural habitat, fields etc. and used as source of food
and income. Various studies have found that wild edible species are potential
source of nutrition while in many cases they are more nutritious then
conventionally eaten crops. Developing countries like India where food
insecurity, malnourishment, poverty is more acute, potential of Wild vegetable
in providing food, nutrition , source of income and livelihood in rural settings
can be acknowledged. Survey and documentation of wild edible plants and
their utilization for food have been conducted in several parts of the country. In
Maharashtra several studies have been conducted on traditionally used
medicinal plants (especially on Western Ghat). There were no work that records
the diversity and usability of wild vegetables in Konkan. Therefore present
study was planned to document the diversity in wild vegetables used by rural
as well as urban people of Konkan.
Material and Method:
Study Area: - Geographically Konkan is the coastal belt of western state of
Maharashtra. It’s a narrow strip, situated in between the Western Ghat and
Arabian Sea. The world famous Western Ghats is lying in the Konkan. It rises
from Sea level to 300 meter height. Konkan area ranges from 27 to 48 km in
breadth and about 800 km in length, from Goa to Tapi basin. It has 6
administrative divisions i.e. Mumbai, Mumbai suburb, Thane, Raigad,
Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg constituting area of 30,746 km². The Konkan Coast
is known for its rich vegetation, delicious food, palm and coconut trees.
Konkan region formed of mostly secondary lateritic plateaus, hilly tracks and
the coastal sandy low land belts. Littoral or mangrove forests, open scrub
forest, moist deciduous forest and herbaceous flora of laterite plateaus are
main components of vegetation. The long Konkan coast line and vantage ports
and its proximity to the Arabian coast were well exploited by the earliest
travellers.

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Data Collection & Anlysis: Study was carried out during the year March
2013 to March 2014.The information related to wild vegetable obtained through
household food survey, local market survey (i.e. Mumbai, Mumbai suburb,
Thane, Raigad), information collected from local villager during trips to various
places of Konkan, informal discussion with people of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg
area. Plant specimens identified during the field visits were cross checked
against different informants to validate the information. The collected plants
and data entries were registered. Species identification was confirmed by
Sutaria (1998), Cooke flora (1967), Singh et al., (2001). Medicinal value was
noted down from the book “the herbs of Ayurveda” by Ashok Mithaliya et al.
(2005).
Result and Discussion:
Wild Edible Plant Diversity- During the field survey 58 species of wild
vegetables were documented that belongs to 55 genera 27 families. Out of these
wild vegetables 7 species belongs to the family Amaranthaceae, 6 Species from
Cucurbitaceae, 4 Species from Caesalpiniaceae, 3 species each from Apiaceae,
Araceae, Chenopodiaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Fabaceae, and Liliaceae. 2 species
each from Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Mimosae, and
Polygonaceae. One species each from Aizoaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Basellaceae,
Commelinaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Poaceae, Moringaceae, Nyctaginaceae
Nymphaeaceae, Oxalidaceae, Portulacaceae, Rutaceae, and Solanaceae (Table
2). Life forms indicated that herbs were dominating (41%) followed by climbers
(40%), trees (15%) and shrubs (4%) (Fig. 1). Plant parts and composition: - Out
of these wild vegetables 47% species was used as leafy vegetables, 22% species
stem, 8% species inflorescence and flower, 28% species fruit and 5% species as
a whole plant. The species like Amaranthus panniculata, A. polygamous, A.
sowa, A. indica, A. campanulata and Coccinia grandis are used extensively
whereas Species like Acheranthus aspera, Coelocia argentia, Commelina
benghalensis, Mimosa pudica, etc. are used during festival of “Gauri &Ganpati”
as a food offering to the Goddess. Plants nutritional value:-Out of these

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recorded species some are good source of protein some are carbohydrate and
some are variable minerals. Species like Amaranthus viridis, Chenopodium
album, Centella asiatica, Commelina benghalensis, Moringa oleifra have been
found to be very good source of protein (Kulkarni et al., 2003). Tuber of
Dioscoria bulbifera leaves of Oxalis corniculata and Cassia tora are good
source of carbohydrate, Proteins and dietary fibres. Species of Portulaca
oleracea, Centella asiatica and Cassia tora are good source of iron (Kanchan
LataVishwakarma et al., 2011).
Figure 1:- Map of Konkan showing study area
Table 1: List of plants, families and morphological characteristics of wild
vegetable of Konkan region
41%
40%
4%
15%
Fig.1: Diversity in the habits of wild
vegetables
Herbs
Climbers/
twiners/creeper
s
Shrubs
TREES

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Sr.
NO
Scientific &
common name
Family
Morpholog
y
Part used
Chemical
constituent
Properties
Medicinal
value
1
Abrus precatorius
[Gunja / Haripatti]
Fabaceae
Deciduous,
wiry
climber ,
leaves
pinnate
many pair
of leaflet
Leaves
to Prepare
Chatni
Glycyrrhizin,
precol, abrol,
abrasine.
Astringent,
emetic,
diuretic and
alexetric.
used in
cough,
stomatitis &
inflammation
s
2
Achyranthes aspera
[Chirchita/ Aghada]
Amaranthaceae
Annual
herb,
quadrangul
ar stem
,simple
opp. leaves
Tender
leaves
to
Prepare
main dish
Achyranthine
, amino acids
and
potassium
thermogenic,
expectorant,
carminative ,
laxative and
diuretic
used in
asthma,
bronchitis,
flatulence
and colic
pain
3
Alternanthera
sessilis
[Gudrisag]
Amaranthaceae
Branched
prostrate
herb, leaves
simple,
leaves
to
prepare main
dish
sitosterol,
campesterol,
lupeol and
rhamnoside
astringent,
cooling,
digestive
and
galactagogue
useful in
diarrhoea,
fever,
amaemia etc.
4
Amaranthus
paniculatus
[Lalmath, Rajagira]
Amaranthaceae
Tall annual
herb, leaves
simple
ovate red,
leaves and
tender stem
to prepare
main dish
parched
grains to
prepare
chikki
minerals,
fibres,
carbohydrate
s etc.
diuretic ,
laxative
haemostatic
and blood
purifier
useful in
constipation,
piles and
anaemia
5
Amaranthus
polygamous /viridis
[chauli]
Amaranthaceae
Small
annual
herb, fleshy
stem,
leaves
simple
ovate
leaves and
tender stem
to prepare
main dish
Vitamins,
fibres,
carbohydrate
s, minerals.
Amino acid
reported in
leaves are
arginine,cyst
eine,
histidine,
leucine ,
lysine
,tryptophan,
tyrosin. And
valine
astringent,
diuretic,
digestive,
appetiser,
mild laxative
useful in
constipation,
piles ,
anaemia,
jaundice,
leucorrhoea
etc.
6
Amaranthus
spinosus
[Katili, kate math]
Amaranthaceae
Glabrous,
spinous
herb,
varying in
colour
green to
red, leaves
simple
young
leaves, stem
to
Prepare
main dish
Vitamins,
fibres,
minerals,
Amino acid,
β-sitosterol,
cholesterol
etc.
cooling,
laxative,
diuretic,
stomachic,
appetiser and
tonic
leucorrhoea,
menorrhagia,
anaemia,
anorexia
fever etc.

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7
Asparagus
racemosus
[shatavari]
Liliaceae
Spinous
branched
climber
with
fasciculated
tuberous
root leaves
spinous
fasciculated
tuberous
root to
prepare
soups
4 types
saponin,
mucilage
starch
Bitter, sweet,
emollient,
astringent,
cooling,
diuretic,
appetiser etc
Useful in
nervous
disorders,
acidity,
dyspepsia &
Powerful
tonic
8
Alocasia indica
[shewra]
Araceae
Large stout
herb with
large
rootstalk.
Leaves
large
stagittateco
rdate
Leaves &
Rhizome
to prepare
main dish
Starch,
oxalic acid,
alocasin-
sterols
minerals
(Ca)
Digestive
laxative,
diuretic,
astringent ,
nutritive
Useful in
constipation,
pile, swelling
, anorexia
,gout,
rheumatism
9
Amorphophallus
campanulatus
[Suran]
Araceae
Stout herb
with dark
brown
corm,
leaves
compound
Corm
to prepare
main dish
Protein,
carbohydrate
, calcium,
phosphorus,
vit. A & B
etc.
astringent,
thermo
genic,
appetiser
stomachic,
liver tonic
etc.
inflammation
, flatulence,
constipation,
anorexia
10
Anethum sowa
(graveolens)
[suva/shepu]
Apiaceae
[umbeliferae]
Glabrous
aromatic
annual
herb, leaves
2-3 pinnate
leaves
to prepare
main dish
carvone,
d- limonene,
d-
phellandrene
pungent,
thermogenic,
digestive,
carminative,
anthelmintic,
antispasmodi
c.
inflammation
, flatulence,
intestinal
worms,
ulcers,
spermatorrho
ea.
11
Basella alba
[poi /lalbachu,/
indian Spinach]
Basellaceae
Perennial
succulent
glabrous
twining
herb with
red
branches,
leaves
simple
leaves
to prepare
main dish
iodine,
fluorine,
carotenoids,
iron, and vit-
K
Cooling,
emollient,
aphrodisiac,
laxative,
appetiser.
useful in
constipation,
flatulence,
anorexia,
ulcers etc.
12
Bauhinia variegata
[kachnar]
Caesalpiniaceae
Deciduous
tree, leaves
simple
grooved at
apex
flower bud
tannin, β-
sitosterol,
lupeol
astringent,
cooling,
constipating,
anti-
inflammatory
Useful in
diarrhoea,
dysentery,
ulcers,
goiter.
13
Boerhavia diffusa
[patherchatta]
Nyctaginaceae
Perennial
diffuse
herb with
many
procumbent
branches,
leaves
simple
young leaves
and tender
stem
to prepare
main dish
alkaloids,
tricontanol,
β-sitosterol,
ursolic acid
&
potassium
salts
astringent,
cooling,
anthelmintic,
cardiac
stimulant,
laxative &
tonic
Useful in
cardiac
disorder,
leucorrhoea,
oedema etc.
14
Carthemus
tinctorius
[kardi/saflower
Compositae
Small spiny
annual herb
Leaves
oblong
lanceolate
spiny
narrow at
base
Tender
Leaves &
flower
Carbohydrate
, minerals,
oil
Expectorant,
anti-
inflammatory
beneficial in
cold cough,
bronchitis,
liver tonic

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15
Canavalia gladiate
[sword bean]
Fabaceae
Perennial
twining
plant,
leaves
trifoliate.
Unripe
tender pod
to prepare
main dish
canavanine,
protein,
carbohydrate
s,
gibberellins,
minerals
astringent,
cooling,
appetizer,
digestive
beneficial in
anorexia,
dyspepsia,
hyperdipsia
16
Cassia tora
[Takala]
Caesalpiniaceae
Annual
herb, leaves
pinnately
compound
leaves
anthraglucosi
des,
chrysophanol
a,
rhein
thermogenic,
laxative,anth
elmintic,
liver tonic
beneficial in
helminthiasis
, fever,
constipation,
cardiac
disorders
17
Carissa carandas
(Karvanda)
Apocynaceae
Climbing
shrub, stem
spiny
Fruits ripe,
unripe
mineral &
Vit-C
sour acrid ,
cooling
useful in
anorexia,
18
Celosia argentea
[kurdu /safedmurga]
Amaranthaceae
Annual
herb, leaves
simple
glabrous
young leaves
to prepare
main dish
carbohydrate
, vitamins ,
minerals etc.
Diuretic,
cooling,
aphrodisiac,
blood
purifier,
astringent.
beneficial in
calculi,
diabetes,
spermatorrho
ea
19
Centella asiatica
[brahmi]
Apiaceae
/
umbelliferae
Perennial
creeper,
leaves
simple
elongated
petioles
leaves and
young stem
to prepare
main dish
asiaticoside,
brahmoside,
centelloside,
vit-C,
triterpenoidtr
isaccharides
sweet,
cooling,
cardiotonic,
nerv tonic,
carminatve,
diuretic.
useful in
insomnia,
cardiac
debility,
asthma,
amentia
20
Chenopodium
album
[bathua]
Chenopodiaceae
Small herb,
leaves
simple
young leaves
to prepare
main dish
Various
Amino acids,
vitamins,
minerals.
digestive,
carminative,
laxative,
diuretic
flatulence,
seminal
weakness,
cardiac
disorders
21
Chlorophytum
tuberosum
[phodshi/kuchela]
Liliaceae
Small herb
with
tuberous
root, leaves
radical
sessile,
recurved
wavy
Tender
leaves
&
tuberous root
Carbohydrate
, minerals,
fibers , root –
protein
&saponin
Astringent,
diuretic,
Useful in
colic,
Anorexia,
bronchitis etc
22
Coccinia grandis
[kundru
/Jangalitondli]
Cucurbitaceae
perennial
branched
tendril
climber,
leaves
simple
angled or
lobed 5
nerved
unripe fruit
to prepare
main dish
mucilage,
starch,
caffeic acid ,
gum,
quercitin ,
kaempferol,
β-sitosterol
cooling,astri
ngent,depura
tive,antipyret
ic, diuretic,
galactagogue
burning
sensation,
fever,
agalactia,
jaundice
23
Colocasia
esculenta
[alu / Arum/arvi]
Araceae
Tuberous
perennial,
herbwith
undergroun
d corm.
Leaves
simple with
sheathing
leaf base,
long petiole
leaves and
corm
to prepare
main dish
starch,
mucilage,
calcium
oxalate, ca-
phosphorus,
vit-A B & C
fibres
expectorant,
astringent,
thermogenic,
appetiser ,
galactogogue
, laxative
haemorrhage
, otorrhorea,
adenitis,
alopecia,
cough,
anorexia etc.

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24
Commelina
benghalensis
[kena / kanchata]
commelinaceae
Annual
herb,
succulent
stem.
Leaves
simple,
ovate-
elliptic
sessile
Leaves
to prepare
main dish
vitamins,
flavocommel
in, saponin,
tannin &
minerals
diuretic,
antiseptic,
laxative,
cooling,
digestive ,
demulcent
etc.
beneficial in
piles,
constipation,
fever calculi,
indigestion
etc.
25
Cressa cretica
[rudanti/ kharda]
Convolvulaceae
small dwarf
herb near
shores,
leaves
simple,num
erous,
subsessile
ovate
densely
silky hairy
whole plant
to prepare
main dish
scopoletin,u
mbeliferone,
isopimpinelli
n β-sitosterol
acrid , salty,
galactogogue
, blood
purifier,
thermogenic,
anthelmintic,
digestive,
carminative
etc.
useful in
whooping
cough,
constipation,
diabetes,
agalactia,
flatulence,
colic,
anorexia ,
helminthiasis
26
Dendroclamus
strictus
[Bamboo]
Gramineae
Tall dense
strong stem
leaves
petiolate
base
rounded
gradually
narrowed
upward
twisted tip
tender shoot
carbohydrate
, fibres,
minerals
Nutritive,
thermogenic
Useful in
T.B.
27
Digera muricata
[manjarik]
Amaranthaceae
annual
herb, stem
glabrous ,
hollow,
leaves
ovate
simple
reddish
margins
leaves &
stem
to prepare
dish
vitamins,
minerals,
fibres etc
laxative,
astringent,
stomachic,
diuretic,
demulcent
useful in
diabetes,
constipation,
urinary
disorders ,
piles.
28
Dioscorea alata
[ China Kand]
Dioscoreaceae
Climber
with 4-
winged
stems &
undergroun
d tubers ,
leaves
simple
cordate.
Stem tubers
to prepare
dish
starch,
protein,
minerals,
sucrose,
maltose
Astringent,
digestive,
cooling,
aphrodisiac,
diuretic,
anthelmintic.
useful in
piles,
gonorrhoea,
helminthiasis
29
Dioscorea bulbifera
[Jaminkand]
Dioscoreaceae
Perennial,
bulbil
bearing
twiner with
tuberous
root leaves
broad.
Ovate
cordate
tuberous root
& bulbil
to prepare
dish
glucoside,
proteins,
starch,
minerals etc.
nutritive,
anthelmintic,
aphrodisiac,
diuretic,
blood
purifier ,
astringent
Useful in
syphilis,
gonorrhoea,
hydrocele.
Goiter, piles,
dysentery.

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30
Dioscorea digitata
[Jaminkand]
Dioscoreaceae
Perennial,
bulbil
bearing
twiner with
tuberous
root leaves
broad.
Ovate
digitate.
tuberous root
&
inflorescence
to prepare
dish
glucoside,
proteins,
starch,
minerals etc.
nutritive,
anthelmintic,
aphrodisiac,
diuretic,
blood
purifier ,
astringent
Useful in
syphilis,
gonorrhoea,
hydrocele.
Goiter, piles,
dysentery.
31
Holarrhena
antidysentrica
[Kurchi, kuda]
Apocynaceae
Tree
Flowers and
pods
Holarrhensin
e, Kurchine
alkaloids
Carminative,
astringents,
anthihelment
hic
useful in
diarrhoea,dys
entry.
32
Ipomoea aquatica
[kalmisag/ phopali]
Convolvulaceae
prostate
procumbent
herb, leaves
simple
ovate,
lanceolate ,
glabrous
leaves and
young stem
to prepare
dish
minerals Ca,
P. , Vit-
B,C,E etc.
astringent,
expectorant,
emetic ,
alexipharmic
etc.
useful in
bronchitis,
asthma,
nervous
disorders
,fatigue
anaemia etc.
33
Lagenaria vulgaris
[ Jangalilauki/ bottle
gourd]
Cucurbitaceae
Soft
pubescent
climbing
herb, leaves
simple,
cordate
dentate.
whole plant
and fruit
to prepare
dish
cucurbitacins
, minerals,
carbohydrate
s
Bitter,
Emetic,
purgative,
diuretic,
refrigerant,
astringent.
useful in
constipation,
inflammation
, asthma,
fever,
constipation,
jaundice,
calculi etc.
34
Launaea
procumbens
[bhopatri]
Asteraceae
glabrous ,
prostrate
herb.
Leaves
simple
radical
cauline
oblong
lyrate,narro
w
leaves
to prepare
dish
tannin
,minerals
(Ca, Fe,),
Vit- B,A,C
etc.
Sweet,
diuretic,
cholagogue,
astringent,
expectorant,
blood
purifier,
lactagogue.
beneficial in
diarrhoea,
dysentery,
toxaemia,
fever, calculi
etc.
35
Luffa
acutangulavaramar
a
[ Kadawaturi]
Cucurbitaceae
Largemono
ecismtendri
lled
climber.
Leaves
orbicular,c
ordate,
palmately
5-7 lobed
scabrid on
both sides.
unripe fruit
amino acids ,
oleic &
linoleic acid,
carbohydrate
,
minerals(Ca,
Fe, P) , Vit-
A&B
bitter,
astringent,
demulcent,
diuretic ,
tonic &
nutritive
useful in
calculi,
anorexia,
piles, &
constipation
36
Luffa cylindrica
[ ridged gourd/ turi]
Cucurbitaceae
large
monoeciou
s climber
leaves
orbicular
reniformpal
mately 5-
lobed
unripe fruit
pectine,
fibres,
vitamins,
sugar, amino
acids, luffein
diuretic,
emollient,
laxative,
carminative,
anthelmintic,
galactagogue
useful in
stomachache,
fever,
haematuria,
tumour,
syphilis.

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37
Mimosa pudica
[lajjadu]
Mimosaceae
diffuse
prickly,
undershrub
leaves
bipinnately
compound
leaves
tannin,
mimosine,
norepinephri
ne, jasmonic
acid
&Dpanitol
bitter,
sudorific &
tonic
useful in
hydrocele,
haemorrhoid
s, fistula,
scrofula.
38
Momordica
charantia
[wild karela]
Cucurbitaceae
monoeciou
s,
branched,cl
imbing ,
tendriled
annual
leaves
simple,
orbicular,
cordate
,deeply
divided
into 5-7
lobes
unripe fruit
glycosides,
ascorbic acid
&momordici
ne
bitter,acrid,th
ermogenic,de
purative,
purgative,
antidiabetic,
carminative
etc.
useful in skin
diseases,
worms,
ulcers,
constipation,
anorxia, colic
etc.
39
Momordica dioica
[phagla/kantole]
Cucurbitaceae
Dioecious,
perennial
climberwit
h tuberous
root.
Leaves
simple ,
lobed
triangular
unripe fruit
& tubers
(medicinal)
minerals(Fe,
Mg), Vit- A,
carbohydrate
fibres etc.
bitter,
astringent,
diuretic,
appetizer etc.
Useful in
leprosy,
malignant
ulcer,
worms,
jaundice,
calculi,
fever,
diabetes,
hypertension.
40
Moringa
oleifera/pterigosper
ma
[shevga/ drum stick]
Moringaceae
Tree,leaves
tripnnate,
leaflet
elliptic,rou
nded at
apex
leaves &
unripe fruit
Protein
carbohydrate
, oil,
carotene,
nicotinic
acid,
ascorbic
acid.
anti-
inflammatory
,
anthelmintic,
ophthalmic,
& Vit- A &
C
Useful in
scurvy,
inflammation
s ,
helminthiasis
etc.
41
Murraya koenigii
[curry leaf]
Rutaceae
aromatic
tree
leavesimpa
ripinnate,
leaflet
rhomboidal
.
leaves
to prepare
chatni &
flavouring
agent
oxalic
acid,essential
oil,
carbohydrate
,
minerals(Ca,
P, Fe), Vit- B
Bitter, acrid,
astringent,
cooling,
aromatic,
demulcent,
appetiser etc.
useful in
burning
sensation,
skin diseases,
anorexia,
helminthiasis
, colic,
diarrhoea etc.
42
Nelumbo nucifera
[lotus]
Nymphaeaceae
Large
aquatic
herb with
rhizome.
Leaves
simple
peltate,
long petiole
stem
to prepare
main dish
carbohydrate
, minerals,
fibres,
Astringent,
cooling,
fragrant,
diuretic.
useful in
vomiting,
leprosy, skin
diseases etc.

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43
Oxalis corniculata
[tipali/ tinpatiya]
Oxalidaceae
diffuse
annual or
perennial
creeping
herb, leaves
palmate 3-
foliate.long
stalked
leaves
to prepare
main dish
glyoxylic
acid, oxalic
acid, vitexin,
glycolipids,
Vit- C ,
Phospholipid
s etc
sour,
astringent,
thermogenic,
cooling,
digestive,
carminative,
diuretic, liver
tonic
useful in
dyspepsia,
haemorrhoid
s, anaemia,
fever,
diarrhoea,
dysentery,
scurvy ulcer
etc.
44
Parkinsonia
aculeate
[ram baval]
Caesalpiniaceae
large armed
shrub with
sharp
woody
spines and
prickles.
Leaves
bipinnate
minute
leaflets
flattened
rachis
unripe green
pods are
eaten
protein,
mucilage,
carbohydrate
& fatty oil
antipyretic&
anti-
inflammatory
useful in
cough, fever,
& for quick
energy
45
Pentatropi
scapensis
[shingroti]
asclepiadaceae
perennial
twiner,
leaves
simple,
ovate
acuminate
at apex
leaves
to prepare
dish
Pentatropin,
minerals etc.
Cooling,
astringent,
appetiser,
expectorant.
useful in
cough,
bronchitis,
epilepsy,
anorexia etc
46
Peucedanum
grande
[wild carrot/
baphali]
Apiaceae
perennial
erect herb,
leaves
bipinnate
,pinnae
usually 2-
pairs &
terminal
leaflet,
caulineleav
es 3-lobed
leaves
to prepare
dish
[monsoon
only]
carbohydrate
, minerals,
fibres,
essential oil
thermogenic,
expectorant,
carminative
etc.
useful in
asthma,
cough,
bronchitis,
flatulence,
colic
rheumatism,
toothache
47
Phyllanthus
emblica
[Jangaliaamla]
Euphorbiaceae
small
deciduous
tree, leaves
simple
appears
pinnate
fruit used
making
pickles,
juice, jam,
chatni
Vit- C,
Minerals
(Ca, P, Cu,
Cr,), amino
acids,
carbohydrate
, fibres.
astringent,
bitter, acrid,
cooling,
ophthalmic,
carminative,
digestive,
laxative etc.
useful in
diabetes,
cough,
asthma,
bronchitis,
colic, peptic
ulcer,
opthalmopat
hy,
anaemia.etc.
48
Physalis minima
[sun berry]
Solanaceae
annual herb
leaves
simple
ovate lobed
fruits are
eaten directly
flavonoids,
sterols, Vit-
A & C,
solanine
sour, sweet,
appetiser
gastropathy,
colic, ulcer,
cough,
bronchitis.
49
Pithecellobium
dulce
[jungle imli]
Mimosaceae
tree, leaves
compound
with one
pair of
pinnae,
elliptic
Fruits arils
are eaten
directly
Vit- C,
Minerals
(Ca, Mg, Fe,
p.)
astringent ,
sweet, sour,
expectorant,
nutritive
Fatigue,
cough,
spondylitis,
fracture,
toxaemia,
jaundice,
diabetes.

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50
Polygonum
glabrum
[jungle chaurai]
Polygonaceae
annual herb
young leaves
carbohydrate
, fibres,
minerals
astringent,
diuretic,
digestive,
mild laxative
useful in
constipation,
piles ,
anaemia,
etc.
51
Portulaca oleracea
[ghol]
Portulacaceae
succulent
prostrate
annual herb
with green
/purple
stem
leaves
simple
fleshy
whole plant
to prepare
main dish
protein, Vit-
A & B ,
mucilage,
minerals( Na,
K, Mg)
oxalic acids
laxative,
emollient,
cooling,
stomachic,
diuretic etc.
useful in
gastropathy,
anorexia,
constipation,
jaundice,
scurvy etc.
52
Rumex elongates
[chukka bhaji]
Polygonaceae
Perennial
erect
glabrous
herb.
leaves
lanceolate,
wavy-
cueled
margins
leaves &
tender shoot
to prepare
dish
Protein,
carbohydrate
, tannin,
lapthin,
chrysophanol
, Ca-oxalate,
essential oil.
Sour,
nutritive,
digestive,
diuretic
cooling,
blood
purifier.
beneficial in
anaemia,
constipation,
cardiac
problem,
scurvy,
syphilis,
piles ,
anorexia,
colic etc.
53
Salicornia hebacea
[Jointed glasswort,
soda]
Chenopodicaeae
Herb,
leaves
absent,
stem
fleshy,
jointed,
stem
starch,
minerals,
fibres
laxative,
nutritive
useful in
digestion
54
Sesbania
grandiflora
[Hatga/agasti]
Fabaceae
Tree,
Flowers and
tender fruits
protein,
minerals
astringent,
nutritive
useful in
digestion &
weakness
55
Smilex indica
(Ghotwel)
Liliaceae
climber
tender tips
Carbohydrate
, minerals,
fibres
Nutritive,
thermogenic
Useful in
digestion
56
Suaeda fruticosa
[Saloonakbuti]
Chenopodicaeae
Branched,
under shrub
Saline soil
, Leaves
Succulent ,
Leaves
Minerals
vitamins,
fibres etc.
diuretic,
laxative
Useful in
asthma,
rheumatism.
57
Tamarindus indica
[imli]
Caesalpiniaceae
large tree
leaves
peripinnate
tender leaves
and fruit
to prepare
chatni
flavonoid
glycosides,
citric, mallic,
, , tartaric &
oxalic acids.
Carbohydrate
.
sour,
astringent,
thermogenic,
anthelmintic,
antifungal,
diuretic,
digestive,
carminative.
useful in
gastropathy,
helminthiasis
, ulcer,
jaundice,
anorexia,
scurvy.
58
Trianthema
monogyna
[Shveta]
Aizoaceae
Prostrate,
glabrous,
succulent
annual
herb.
Leaves
simple,
obovate.
leaves
to prepare
dish
minerals( K,
Fe )
vitamins,
fibres etc.
diuretic,
vermifuge,
laxative
useful in
asthma,
amenorrhoea
, oedema,
worms,
rheumatism.

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Table-2: Analytical data of each family
Sr.No
families
Total sp.
Trees
Shrubs
Herbs
Climber/
Twiner/
Creeper
1.
Aizoaceae
1
-
-
-
1
2.
Amaranthaceae
7
-
-
7
-
3.
Apiaceae
3
-
-
2
1
4.
Apocynaceae
2
1
-
-
1
5.
Araceae
3
-
-
3
-
6.
Asclepiadaceae
1
-
-
-
1
7.
Asteraceae
1+1
-
-
-
2
8.
Basellaceae
1
-
-
-
1
9.
Caesalpiniaceae
4
2
1
1
-
10.
Chenopodiaceae
3
-
1
2
-
11.
commelinaceae
1
-
-
1
-
12.
Convolvulaceae
2
-
-
2
-
13.
Cucurbitaceae
6
-
-
-
6
14.
Dioscoreaceae
3
-
-
-
3
15.
Euphorbiaceae
1
1
-
-
-
16.
Fabaceae
3
1
-
-
2
17.
Poaceae
1
1
-
-
-
18.
Liliaceae
3
-
-
1
2
19.
Mimosaceae
2
1
1
-
-
20.
Moringaceae
1
1
-
-
-
21.
Nyctaginaceae
1
-
-
1
-
22.
Nymphaeaceae
1
-
-
1
-
23.
Oxalidaceae
1
-
-
-
1
24.
Polygonaceae
2
-
-
2
-
25.
Portulacaceae
1
-
-
-
1
26.
Rutaceae
1
1
-
-
-
27.
Solanaceae
1
-
-
1
-
TOTAL SPP
58
9
3
24
22
Conclusion:
Tourism, developmental projects, modernisation and deforestation depleting
these wild species which are inexpensive lucrative source of vitamins, fibres,
minerals and other nutrients for many economically deprived natives. Therefore
these wild vegetables should be incorporated under managed cultivation or
homestead agro-forestry system. Introduction of suitable agro-techniques for

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commercial production of these wild plants should be carried out. Genetic
resources of wild vegetables should be conserved for future use to overcome
malnutrition in vegetarian diet, food security and for crop improvement of
cultivated relatives of these wild vegetables (Kala, 2007). An emphasis on the
sustainable harvesting of wild edible plants will help to enhance and maintain
the region’s biodiversity (Angami et al., 2006).
Acknowledgement:
Authors are grateful to the informants (Mr A. B. Ghadigaonkar, Ms. Sawant, &
Ms. N. Paulkar) for sharing their knowledge and helping in data collection. We
are also thankful to Dr. R.G. Atram, Principal for his encouragement.
Reference:
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Distributor, Vol I- IV.
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potential of wild edible plants of Arunachal Pradesh. Indian J. Trad.
Knowledge 5:541-550.
Cooke T. (1967). The Flora of the Presidency of Bombay. Vol. I, II, III. Botanical
Survey of India. Culcutta.
Dipankar Deb & Abhijit Sarkar (2013). Wild Edible Plants and their utilization
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Kala, C. P. (2007). Prioritization of cultivated and wild vegetables by the local
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Kanchan Lata Vishwakarma & Veenapani Dubey (2011). Nutritional analysis of
indigenous wild edible herbs used in eastern Chhattisgarh, India. Emir. J.
Food Agric. 23 (6): 554-560.

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Sutaria, R. N. (1998). A Text-Book of “SYSTEMATIC BOTANY”. Publisher
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Yesodharan, K. (2007). Wild edible plants traditionally used by the tribes in the
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