Research Article | Published: 01 June 2001

Diversity, rarity and economic importance of wild edible plants of West Himalaya

Sher Singh Samant, U. Dhar and R. S. Rawal

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 24 | Issue: 2 | Page No. 256-264 | 2001
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2001-30E4L2 | Cite this article

Abstract

West Himalaya supports rich plant diversity of ethnobotanical importance. The native communities use this rich diversity in various forms. In the present study an inventory of 344 species of wild edibles belonging to 219 genera and 117 families was made and information on taxonomic description, life forms, method of propagation, utilization, etc., was gathered. These edibles were analyzed for diversity, sensitivity and economic value. The maximum diversity (159: 46.22%) exists in the zone 1001-2000 m and lowest (19: 5.53%) in the zone 4001-5000 m. Thirty two species (9.30%) fall under rarity class 1, 31 (9.01%) under rarity class 2, indicating their threatened status and 161 (46.80%) under rarity class 8 suggesting availability of a large resource base for the sustainable utilization of the inhabitants. Thirty four species are source of income generation and 26 species are of multiple utility. Conservation and management of these species is focused.

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Samant, S.S., Dhar, U. and Rawal, R.S., 2001. Diversity, rarity and economic importance of wild edible plants of West Himalaya. Indian Journal of Forestry, 24(2), pp.256-264. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2001-30E4L2

Publication History

Manuscript Published on 01 June 2001

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