The International Journal of Sustainable Development &

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Diversity, endemism and economic potential of

wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya

S. S. Samant & U. Dhar

To cite this article: S. S. Samant & U. Dhar (1997) Diversity, endemism and economic potential
of wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya, The International Journal of Sustainable Development &
World Ecology, 4:3, 179-191, DOI: 10.1080/13504509709469953

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Int. J. Sustain. Dev. World Ecol. 4 (1997) 179-1 91

Diversity, endemism and economic

potential of wild edible plants of Indian
Himalaya
S.S. Samant and U. Dhar

G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment a n d Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora-263 643,

India

Key words: Himalaya, native communities, diversity, endemism, potential

SUMMARY
The rich plant diversity of the Indian Himalaya is utilized by the native communities in
various forms as medicine, edible/food, fodder, fuel, timber, agricultural tools, etc.
Among these, wild edible plants form an important source as a supplement/substitute
food in times of scarcity for native communities. Because land holdings are small and
subsistence agricultureprevails, the natives gather many wild plants for food. This paper
presents an inventoryofwild edible plants of Indian Himalaya used by local communities.
Over 675 wild plant species, representing 384 genera and 149 families, are used as food/
edible and their various parts are either consumed raw, roasted, boiled, fried, cooked or
in the form of oil, spice, seasoning material,jams, pickles, etc. The species were analysed
for diversity in different phytogeographicalprovinces, altitudinaldistribution,endemism,
origin and potentials. West Himalaya shows the highest diversity (50.96%) of edible
plants and East Himalaya the maximum number of endemics (18 taxa) and wild relatives
of economic plants (39 taxa) . Mass scale propagation, dissemination of information
packages to local inhabitants to ensure that wild edibles remain as a resource for income
generation, and strategies for conservation and management are recommended.

INTRODUCTION
Indian Himalaya, stretching from Jammu and varied macroclimates and ecological niches not
Kashmir in the northwest to Arunachal Pradesh only for plants but also for humans. The vegetation
in the east, includes parts of Trans, Northwest, along an altitudinal gradient includes sub-tropical,
West, Central and East Himalaya (Rodger and temperate, sub-alpine and alpine types.
Panwar, 1988). It lies between 27"50'-37"6' N and Indian Himalaya supports about 8000 species
72'30'-97'25' E, covering approximately an area of flowering plants (47.06% of the total flowering
of 419 873 km2 with 2500 km length and 240 km plants of India) of which 30% are endemic to the
width. The entire region is endowed with a wide region. The richness of the flora is due to the
range of physiography, climate, soil and biological occurrence of species of other biogeographic
wealth. It has a large altitudinal range (300- regions like Irano-Turanian, Mediterranean, I n d e
8000 m), with a rich diversity of habitats providing Chinese, Indian, Malesian, Eastern Asiatic,

Correspondence: S.S. Samant, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal,Almora-263 643,
India

179
Wld edible plants of Indian Himalaya Samant and Dhar

Circumboreal, Australian, Amazonian, Brazilian, 1991; Pangtey, 1980; Singh and Arora, 1978; Brij
Andean, North American and others (Chatterjee, La1 et al., 1994; Singh, 1994; Bhargava, 1959;
1939). Pangtey et aL, 1982; Raju and Krishna, 1990;
The human population of the Indian Himalaya Samant and Dhar, 1994).
is 2 018 000 which is 2.37% of the total population Mention of wild edibles has also been made in
of India (Premi, 1991). The majority of them live the floras and ethnobotanical studies of some
in the villages and belong to diverse cultures and workers (Atkinson, 1982;Anonymous, 1978-1988;
communities. Among the tribes Gaddi (Trans/ Kirtikar and Basu, 1984; Kanjilal and Das, 1934-
Northwest Himalaya), Bhotias, Rajees, Tharus, 40; Pal, 1984; Grierson and Long, 1983, 1984,
Buxas, Jaunsarees (West Himalaya), Bhutias, 1987, 1991; Hajra and Rao, 1990; Kapur and
Lepchas (Central Himalaya) and Chakma, Nagas: Sarin, 1990; Singh and Kachroo, 1987; Saklani
subtribes - Singpho, Tangsa, Hillmiri, Adis, Nishi, and Jain, 1987; Rao and Jamir, 1990; Rawat and
Apatani, Monpas, Mijis, Akas, Knowas, Bongnis, Pangtey, 1989;Pangtey et aL, 1989; Kapahi, 1990).
Sulungs, Mishmis, Noctes, Wanchoes etc. (East However, comprehensive explorations of the wild
Himalaya) are well known. The rich diversity of edible plants of West Himalaya, compilation of
the useful plants of Indian Himalaya has been the wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya and the
used by different communities as food/edible, possibilities of exploring the economic potential,
medicine, fodder, fuel, timber, agricultural tools, a n d accordingly developing appropriate
religious and other purposes for a long time. conservation strategies, have not been undertaken
Among these uses, wild edibles form an so far. The present study is an initial step in this
important source as a supplement or substitute direction.
food in time of scarcity for hill communities. The
land holdings in the region are small and cannot
afford optimum agricultural inputs. Therefore,
they rely on a number of unconventional food
METHODS
plants such as Vzgna vexillata, (L.) Extensive survey of the literature was carried out
R.Rich. (Sophlong), C h e n o p o d i u m (Bathuwa), to compile the wild edible plants of Indian
buckwheat (Phapar), amaranth (Chaulai), Himalaya. Information on plant parts used,
mushrooms (Guchhi),etc. Different parts ofwild habitats, life forms, potential values and other
plants such as roots, tubers, rhizomes, stems, uses was also collected from the secondary
leaves, inflorescence/flowers, fruits/seeds/ resources. For West Himalaya, survey/exploration
embryo, thallus, fruiting body or fronds are of the area was carried out along an altitudinal
consumed either raw, roasted, fried, cooked, gradient throughout the study area. T h e
boiled or in the form of oil, spice, seasoning information collected includes identification of
material, jams, pickles, etc. Currently their use is sites, habitats, plants, distribution range.
limited to certain communities/areas in spite of Concurrently, through interaction with the local
their potential in local, national and international communities of the area, information on local
markets. There is a great scope for enhancing the names, plant parts used and mode of utilization
acceptability of wild edibles as an income- were collected. Identification of West Himalayan
generating resource for the hill communities and edibles was made with the help of available
the potential plant resources for human literature (Osmaston, 1927;Babu, 1977;Naithani,
consumption. These attributes have necessitated 1984) a n d the Herbarium a t the Botany
the identification of such species to develop Department, Kumaun University, Nainital and
effective strategies for their wider consumption. Botanical Survey of India, Northern Circle,
In the Himalayan context, information on edible Dehradun. Information on the trade values of
plants is scant a n d mainly restricted to some plants was gathered from secondary sources
enumerations (Arora, 1991;Atal et al., 1980;Gaur, (Samant et aL, 1996), local markets, and from the
1977;Hajra and Chakravorty, 1981;Jain and Sinha, officials of the District Drug Cooperative Limited,
1987; Kaul et al., 1982, 1985; Badhwar and Almora. The multipurpose nature of wild edibles
Fernandes, 1964; Negi and Pant, 1992; Negi et al., was identified on the basis of information collected
1990; Gaur and Semwal, 1983; Negi and Gaur, from primary a n d secondary sources, a n d

180 InternationalJournal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology

 Wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya Samant and Dhar

Table 1 Species composition of wild edible plants in major taxonomic groups

Life forms

Taxonomic groups Families Genera Species H Sh T Pt FZ Lick

Angiosperms 127 361 647 285 169 193 - - -

Gymnosperms 5 6 7 - 3 4 - - -
Pteridophytes 9 9 12 - - - 12 - -
Fungi 6 6 7 - - - - 7 -
Lichens 2 2 2 - - - - - 2
Total 149 384 675 285 172 197 12 7 2
H = H e r b Sh = Shrub; T = Tree; Pt = Pteridophytes; Fi = Fungi; Lich = Lichen

Table 2 Diversity of plant parts used within the taxononic groups

Total parts used

Taxonomic groups Tsh Lv WP S F R/T/Rh Misc. Th Frd FB

Angiosperms 38 118 22 37 266 62 104 - - -

Gymnosperms - - - 2 3 - 2 - - -
Pteridophytes - - - 1 - 1 - - 10 -
Fungi - - - - - - - - - 7
Lichens - - - - - - - 2 - -

Total 38 118 22 40 269 63 106 2 10 7

Tsh = Tender shoots; Lv = Leaves;W =Whole plant; S = Seeds; F = Fruits; R/T/Rh = Roots/Tubers/Rhizomes; Misc. =Miscellaneous;
Th = Thallus; Frd = Fronds; FB = fruiting body

endemism on the basis of the phytogeographical showed the richness of the wild edible species
distribution of the plant. Altitudinal distribution followed by Polygonurn (18), Ficus (15), Allium
indicated in the text refers to the upper limit of (12), Dioscorea (9), Berbm's ( B ) , Pmnus (7),
the range. Viburnum(7), Rzbes (6), Piper (6), Grewia ( 5 ) ,Rhus
(5) and Chenopodium (5). The diversity of the
taxonomic groups, families, genera, species, life
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION forms and parts used is illustrated in Tables 1
and 2.
Diversity The distribution pattern of the wild edible
Of the 800 edible taxa reported from India (Singh plants of the Indian Himalaya along an altitudinal
and Arora, 1978),300 occur in Northeast parts of gradient is given in Table 3. The 1001-2OOOm
India (Watt, 1889-99; Kanjilal et al., 1934-40). zone exhibits the maximum diversity of wild
The present study records 675 wild edible plant
species from Indian Himalaya, belonging to 384 Table3 Altitudinal distribution ofwild ediblesin Indian
genera and 149 families. The family Rosaceae Himalaya
(45) showed the highest number of edible species, ~~~~ ~

followed by Polygonaceae (30), Moraceae (26), Total number

Altitudinal 'range (m) of species %
Asteraceae (20), Fabaceae (20) , Euphorbiaceae
(15), Anacardiaceae (13 ) , Rubiaceae (13 ) , < 1000 392 58.07
Apiaceae (13), Urticaceae (14), Lamiaceae (12), 1001-2000 477 70.67
Alliaceae (12), Rutaceae (12), Poaceae ( 1 3 ) , 2001-3000 279 41.33
3001-4000 135 20.00
Berberidaceae (11), Caprifoliaceae (10) and
4001-5000 30 4.44
Vitaceae (10). Among the genera, Rubus (20)

InternationalJournal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology 181

Wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya Sainant and Dhar

edibles. The mild climatic conditions and richness Scheicht, Ephedra gerardiana Wall. ex Stapf.,
of biological resources in this zone supports the Rhododendron anthopogon D.Don, Meconopsis
maximum number of habitations and diversity of aculeata Royle, Polygonum bistorta L., P. sibiricum
native communities. Hence, the diversity of Laxm., Rheum speciforme Royle and Triglochin
knowledge of wild plants as food is also the maritima L.
maximum in this zone. The notable edibles of The overlapping of the wild edibles within
this zone are Rhuspyjthii Hk.f., Alocasia macrmhiza different elevational zones is noted in the present
(L.) G. Don, Penanga gracilis Bl., Caralluma study. Among the wild edibles, some of the species
tuberculata Br., Asparagus racemosus Wild., Begonia show a wide range of altitudinal distribution.
roxburghii (Miq.) DC., Impatiens scabrida DC., Distinguished among them are Cardamine
Berberis lycium Royle, Bauhinia retusa Roxb. impatiens L. (up to 4000 m) , Capsella bursa$astoris
Viburnum simonsii Wall., V. mullaha Ham., Lobelia (L.) Medik. ( u p to 3000 m ) , Silene vulgaris
afjnis Wall., Chenopodium blitum Hk.f., Cyanotis (Moench.) Garcke (up to 3600m), Drymaria
vaga (Lour.) Schult., Coriaria nepalensis Wall., cmdata Wild. (up to 3000 m), Allium rubellumBieb.
Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour., Scleria terrestris (L.) (1500-3500 m) ,A. wallichii Kunth (2500-4500 m),
Fass., Dioscorea pentaphylla L., D. prazeri Prain & Cyathula tomentosa (Roth) Moq. (up to 2500 in),
Burkill, Elaeocarpus lanceaefolius Roxb., E . Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (up to 2000 m),
sikkimensis Masters, Gaultheria discolor Nuttal, Taraxacum ofjcinaleWebb. (1800-4000 m), R u h s
Flemingta strobilifea (L.) R. Br., F. procumbensRoxb., ellipticus Sm. (500-2600 m) , bracantha crenulata
V i p a vexillata (L.) R. Rich., Castanopsispurpurella (D. Don) Roem. (600-2800 m ) , Stellaria media L.
(Miq.) Ballak, Castanea sativa Mill., Angtopteris (up to 350 m ) , Chenopodium botrys L. (up to
euecta (Forst.) Hoffm., Botrypus lanugznosus (Wall. 3600 m ) , Polygonum molle (D. Don) Hara (900-
ex Hk. et Grev.) Holub., Dryopteris elongata Ktze., 4250 m), P. runcinatum Buch.-Ham ex D. Don.
Cantharellus cibarius Fr. Above and below this (1000-3800 m), Edgaria darjellingensis C1. (900-
zone, the richness of the wild edibles decreases 3200 m ) , Rhododendron arboreum Sm. (1200-
gradually. The lowest number of wild edibles (i.e. 3300 m ) , Elaeagnus caudata Schlecht. ex
30) occurs in the 4001-5000 m zone. Because of Momiyama (500-3300 m) , E. parvz$olia Wall. ex
the harsh climatic conditions, this zone supports Royle (500-3600 m) , Zanthoaylum nitidum (Roxb.)
very specialized taxa. In addition, this zone lacks DC. (500-2500 m ) , Celtis australis L. (up to
permanent settlements, and, consequently, 2400 m) .
knowledge about the potential use of many taxa The numbers of wild edibles known from
as a supplement food is absent. This zone is different biogeographical provinces of Indian
inhabited by seasonal migrants and they use wild Himalaya are shown in Table 4. The richest
plant resources in different ways. The popular diversity (50.96%) of wild edibles is exhibited in
wild edibles of this zone are Allium jacquemontii West Himalaya (i.e. Kumaun, Garhwal). This may
Kunth., A. stracheyi Baker, Erysimum hierac$olium be due to the occurrence of Central/East
L., Lonicera parvifolia Hk.f. & Th., Axyris Himalayan elements as well as Trans/Northwest
amaranthoides L., Sedum tibeticum Hk.f.&Th., Himalayan elements, forming an ecotone.
Rhodiola imbricata Edgew., Hippophae tibetana Moreover, West Himalaya has been well explored

Table 4 Occurrence of wild edibles in different biogeographical provinces of Indian Himalaya

Biogeographical regzon Species number ( %) Su bregzon Species number (%)

Trans/Northwest Himalaya 169 (25.04) Jammu andKashmir 132 (19.56)

Himachal Pradesh 94 (13.93)
West Himalaya 344 (50.96) Kumaun 344 (50.96)
Garhwal 176 (26.07)
Central Himalaya 173 (25.63) Sikkim 173 (25.63)
East Himalaya 221 (32.74) Arunachal Pradesh 221 (32.74)

182 International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology

Wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya Samant and DhaT

in comparison to other biogeographic provinces Table 5 Origin of wild edibles in different countries
of Indian Himalaya. Trans/Northwest Himalaya (Source: Anonymous, 1883-1970)
with a wide geographical area (277 909 km2) Region Total taxa %
among all the provinces exhibits lowest percentage
(25.04%) of wild edibles (Table 4). This may be Himalaya region 239 35.41
either due to the poor exploration of edible taxa Himalaya with extension 47 6.96
Indian oriental 61 9.04
from these provinces or poor knowledge of wild
Europe with extension 48 7.1 1
plants as food/edibles. Tropical Asia 23 3.40
The origins of wild edibles in different Miscellaneous 257 38.07
biogeographical provinces is shown in Table 5. ~~ ~

Most of the taxa are Himalayan in origin. Hence,

the chances of endemism in the wild edibles of Table 6 Endemic wild edibles of Indian Himalaya
Himalayan region are maximum.
Trans/North West Allium consanguinium
Himalaya Caralluma tuberculata
Endemism Campanula cashmiriana
Sedum tibeticum
In spite of the influence of the flora of adjoining Ribes nigrum
countries/region, the flora of Indian Himalaya Linana incana
includes about 46.20% (3165) endemics out of a
West Himalaya Allium strachqri
total of 6850 endemics in India (Chatterjee, 1939). Cordia vestita
In the context of wild edibles of Indian Himalaya, Ribes uva-crispa var. sativum
the taxa restricted to these biogeographical
Central Himalaya Mahonia sikkimensis
provinces were considered as endemics and those
Rubus treutleri
extending their distribution t o adjacent R. wardii
countries/states like Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Sterculia roxbulghii
Pakistan,Afghanistan, Assam and Meghalayawere
East Himalaya Calamus erectus
considered as near endemics. Calyota obtusa
Of the 675 wild edible species, 39 are restricted Livistonia jenkisiana
to Indian Himalayan provinces, hence classified Begonia rubrovenia
as endemics. O n the other hand, 93 species B. episcopalis
showed extension of their range to adjacent Streptolirion volubile
countries/states and are considered as near Stixis suaveohs
Gau1thm.a discolor
endemics. In a broader sense (sensu Eato), the Baliospennum calycinum
near endemics represent endemics of the whole Garcinia pedunculata
region. East Himalaya showed the highest number G. sopsopia
of endemics (18 taxa). T h e distribution of G. cowa
endemics in different phytogeographical G. stipulata
provinces is presented in Table 6. Illicium grifBthii
Musa sanguina
Among the near endemics, Allium humileKunth,
Phoenix rupicola
A. simonovii Regel, Actinidia stngosa Hk.f. & Th., Rubus insignis
Calamus jlfloribundus Griff., Rhaphidophora glauca Spiradiclis hjida
(Wall.) Schott, Berberis lycium Royle, B. umbellata
Trans/Northwest/West Berbens zabeliana
Wall., Mahonia napaulensis DC., Megacarpaea
PolyandraBenth.,Flemingza vestitaBenth. ex Baker, Northwest/West/Central Lonicera paroijolia
Edgaria dadellingensis Cl., Horsjieldia kingzi (Hk.f.) West/Cen tral Angelica glauca
Warburg, Rheum australe D.Don, R. nobile Hk.f. &
West/Central/East Decaisnea insignis
Th., Paeonia emodi Wall. ex Royle, e m s vestita
Wall,, Rubus kumaonensisBaker,R paniculatusSm., CentraUEast Elaeagnus prnjormis
Elaeocarpus sikkimensis
Schisandra grandijlora (Wall.) Hk.f. & Th., Malus
E. flmdnmdus
sikkimensis (Wenz.) Koehne are well represented Saurauia punduana
among endemic wild edibles.

InternationalJournal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology 183

Wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya Samant and Dhar

The potential Medicinal

Nutritional In many instances it is very difficult to make a
distinction between food and medicinal values.
Wild edible plants are important and cheap
Many wild edible species are also used in
sources of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins
traditional medicine. Of the 675 species recorded,
and minerals; moreover, their dietary contribution
1'71 are used in traditional medicine. For example,
is increased because they are available during
the leaves and roots of Taraxacum officinalewebb.,
most seasons, including the periods in the year
the roots of Costus speciosa (Koenig) Sm., the
when the conventional staples and vegetables are
tubers and seeds of Arisaema tortuosum L., the
scarce. The flushes of most of the species used as
leaves of Dipsacus i n a i s Wall. and the tubers of
vegetables appear in the dry season when
Dicentra thalictroides Hk.f. are reputed as poison
cultivated vegetables are scarce. Notable among
antidotes.
these are Amaranthus paniculatus L., Heracleum
The roots of Geranium wallichianum Don ex
candicans Wall. ex DC., H. pinnatum Cl., Calamus
Sweet are given for colds, dysentery, and ear
acanthospathus Griff., Caryota obtusa Griff.,
troubles; the roots of Flemingza vestita Benth. ex
Asparagus curillus L., Crambe kotschyana Boiss.,
Baker are given for hysteria; the rhizome of
Chenopodium botlysL., Fagopyrum debotrys (D. Don)
Podophyllum hexandrum Royle is used in tumour,
Hara, Edgaria darjellingensis Cl., Dlyopteris elongata
skin diseases and as a purgative; the fruits of
Ktze., Embelia gambb Kurz. Similarly, fruits of
Hippophue salicqolia D. Don are used to treat
Myrica esculenta Ham., Horsfieldia kingzi (Hk.f.)
coughs, colds, influenza and lung complaints;
Warburg, Syzygzum cuminii (L.) Skeels, S. venosum
t h e roots of Angelica glauca Edgew. a n d
DC., Fragaria vesca L., Prunus comzuta (Wall. ex
Pleurospermum angelicoides (DC.) C1. are used as a
Royle) Steud., Rubus spp., Berba's spp. are ripe
treatment for food poisoning and dysentery. In
when cultivated fruits are not available
addition, most of the species contain coumarins,
Nutritive values of some of the wild edibles are
alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and triterpenes and
known and the values presented compare well
are used in the treatment of a variety of diseases/
with the values for cultivated/domesticated plants
ailments (Pathak et al., 1986).
(Table 7). For example, The pods of Lathlyrus
sativus L. contain 10% moisture, 28.20% protein,
0.60% fat and 58.20% carbohydrate and is one of
the preferred vegetables of the Himalayan Oil seeds
communities. Seeds of Castanea sativa Mill. In order to meet the acute shortage of oils and
(29.30% moisture, 10.90% Protein, 1.84% fat and fats in the countxy, the potential of oil seeds of
32.64% carbohydrate) are used as a substitute for forest origin can be augmented. The Indian
cashew nuts in West Himalaya. The foliage and Himalaya is rich in oil seed-bearing plants. It is
seeds of Amaranthus paniculatus L. are edible and therefore imperative to document oil seed-bearing
contain minerals (Fe, Ca) and carbohydrates edibles of the Himalaya.
(55.87%). They have a considerably higher grain In the present study, 32 species of wild edibles
yield. Grains assume more nutritional significance bear oil seeds and the percentage of yield for
as bread, pastry, biscuits, flacks, crackers, ice each species is indicated in Table 8. Seeds of
creams and elaborating lysine-rich body foods Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) Lam. provide a soft
(Anonymous, 1970-1988). tallow which is used as a cooking medium and the
The wild edible mushrooms (Morchellaescuhta oil produced from Prinsepia utzlis Royle is used as
(L.) Pers., M . comica Pers., Pleurotus ostreatus a cooking medium as well as for burning. Studies
(Jacq.) Fr., Boletus edulis Bull. ex Fr., Cantharellus on such species merit attention.
cibaricus Fr., Hydnum coralloides Scop. and
Lycoperdon gemmatum Bats.) are used as a delicacy
for domestic consumption as well as in tourist
Multipurpose utility
hotels. They are rich in proteins, especially in
lysine and leucine, which are lacking in most of Among the wild edibles of the Indian Himalaya,
the staple cereal foods (Anonymous, 1970-1988). some species are used by the local communities

184 InternationalJournal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology

Mild edible plants of Indian Himalaya Samant and Dhar

Table 7 Nutritive values of some of the wild edibles of Indian Himalaya (Source: Kapur and Sarin, 1990, Anonymous,
1970-1988)

Nutritive values

Part(s) Moisture Protein Fat Carbohydrate

Taxa extracted (%) (%I (%I (%) Fibre Minerals Vitamins

Fagopymm esculentum S 11.30 10.30 2.40 65.00 8.60 Ca,P,Fe

Lathyrus satiuus P 10.00 28.20 0.60 58.20 - -
Castanea satiua S 29.30 10.90 1.84 32.64 - -
Nelumbo nucifea Rh 83.80 2.70 0.11 11.30 0.80 Ca
Ernblica officinalis F 81.20 0.50 0.10 14.10 3.40 Ca,P,Fe
Ficus bengalensis F 12.90 8.10 6.10 35.50 31.00 P
F. semicordata F - 8.70 5.70 43.10 - P
F. glomerata F 13.60 7.40 5.60 49.00 17.90 P
F. religiosa 9-90 7.90 5.30 34.90 - Ca
F. palmata F - 13.27 - - - Ca
Fragaria vesca F 88.00 - 14.30 4.50 - -
Moms alba F 87.50 1.50 0.40 8.30 1.40 Ca,P,Fe
Psidium guajaya F 81.70 0.90 0.30 11.10 5.20 Ca,P,Fe
Randia tetraspenna F - 0.90 0.20 17.70 - -
Solanum n i m m F - 17.50 21.50 20.00 - -
Spondias pinnata F 90.30 0.70 3.00 4.50 1.00 Ca,P,Fe,
Na,K,Cu
S,CI
Sjzygium cuminii F 83.70 0.70 0.30 14.00 0.90 Ca,P,Fe
Trichosanthes dioica F 92.00 2.00 0.30 2.20 - Ca,P,Fe
Zizyphus mauritiana F 81.60 0.80 0.30 17.00 - Ca,P,Fe
Nasturtium o f f inak WP 89.20 2.90 2.20 5.50 - Ca,P,Fe
Rumex acetosa WP 90.00 2.60 0.50 - - Ca,Fe
Taraxacum officinale Lv,F 88.80 3.60 1.60 3.70 0.04 Ca,P,Fe
Urtica dioica WP - 30.40 3.40 10.30 10.30 Ca,P,Fe
Allium rubellum WP 77.80 1.61 - 18.46 - -
A. ampeloprassum St 78.90 1.80 0.10 17.20 01.30 Ca,P,Fe
Amaranthus paniculatus S - - - 55.87 - Fe,Ca
Chenopodiumalbum WP 82.77 4.63 - 8.32 - -
Punica granatum S 88.80 2.12 - 14.81 - -
Rubus niveus S 84.56 1.23 * 5.24 - -
Polygonum alpinum R - 10.75 1.08 12.70 12.10 -
Pueraria tuberosa R - 23.80 - - 10.90 -
Phytolacca acinosa Lv - 15.60 2.08 16.80 14.10 -
Caralluma tuberculata R - 5.45 2.24 47.87 8.27 -
Ribes n i m m F - - - - - Ca,K,Mg
Sapindus mukmosii S - 31.00 - - - -
Sapium s e b i j h m S - 75.00 53-64 - - -
Semecarpus anacardium S 3.80 26.40 36.40 28.40 1.40 -
Shorea robusta S - 10.12 - 50.00 - -
Carum cawi F 11.5-15.5 - - - - -
Crotalaria medicaginea S - 23.31 6.76 42.04 - -
Cyphomandra betacea F 82.70 1.50 0.20 10.30 4.20 Ca,P,Fe
Dtplazium esculentum Fr 86.00 - - 8 - -
Euphmbia hirta Lv 78.14 4.65 - - - -
Bambusa arundinacea Tsh 88.80 3.90 0.50 5.70 - Ca,P,Fe
Na, Cu, C1
Bauhinia variegata F1 78.90 1.80 0.20 17.80 1.30 Ca,P,Fe
Boerhaavia dffusa AP 84.50 6.10 0.90 7.20 - Ca,P,Fe
S = Seed; P = P o d Rh = Rhizome; F = Fruit; WP = Whole plant; Lv = Leaves; St = Stem; R = Root; Fr = Fronds;Tsh = Tender shoots; R
= Flowers; AP =Aerial parts

International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology 185

Wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya Samant and Dhar

Table 8 Oil seed-bearing wild edibles of Indian Himalaya

Oil yield (%)

Taxa Jain et al., 1990 Anonymous, 1970-1 988

Justicia adhatoda 25.8 -

Aegle marmelos 34.4 45
Bombax cezba 22.3 -
Buchanania latiJolia 61.8 -
Buxus ruallichiana 34.0 -
Dipoknema butyracea 60-67 -
Emblica officinalis 16.0 -
Juglans regia 60-67 -
Madhuca indica 35-40 -
Manpfera indica 6.12 -
Moringa oleifera 2 1-24 -
Moms alba 25-35 -
Myrica esculenta 20-25 -
Bauhinia uareigata - 15.65
Litsea pallens - 16.3-20
Oroxylum indicum 20 -
Pen'llafrutescens 30-5 1 -
Pinus roxburghii 41.32 -
Prinsepia utilis 37.2 -
Prunus persica 35-39 -
Quercus leucotrichophora 16 -
Ribes nigrum - 25
Sapindus mukorosii 35 -
Sapium sebiferum 17-20 40
Semecarpus anacardium 38.2 20-25
Shorea rohsta 12.5-18.0 19-20
Taxus baccata ssp. ruallichiana 63.5 -
T m i n a l i a bellerica 25 -
Trichosanthes tricuspidata 31.6 -
Urtica dioica 32.6 -
Viburnum conaceum 21.8 -
Zanthoxjlum armatum 20.0 -

for more than one purposes (Table 9). For items. Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) Lam. is liked
example, the leaves and petioles of Moringa by the local inhabitants for its fruits, vegetable
oleijka Lamk. are used medicinally, the seeds oil, fodder, fuel and fragrant flowers that attract
yield ben oil, used by watchmakers, and the honey bees.
young roots make a good substitute for the true
horseradish. Fruits of Litsea cubeca (Lour.)
Pearson are used medicinally and the leaves for
Commerce/trade
rearing silkworm (Grierson & Long, 1984).
Castanopsis indica (Roxb.) A.DC., C. tribuloides Wild edible species are not only consumed for
A.DC., Ouercus leucotm'chophora A. Camus and 4. food by the hill communities but are also a source
jloribunda Rehder provide excellent fodder, fuel of income generation. In the West Himalaya,
and timber. Ougeinia oojeinenszs (Roxb.) Hochr. Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, Garhwal Mandal
adds to soil fertility and is used by the inhabitants Vikas Nigam and the District Drug Cooperative
for their day to day requirements of fodder, fuel, Limited are the active exploiters and traders. The
timber, agricultural tools and miscellaneous trade values known for some of the wild edible

186 International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology

Wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya Samant and Dhar

Table 9 Some multipurpose wild edibles occurring in Indian Himalaya

Taxa Local name M Fd Fl T AT Misc.

Bauhinia vahlii Malu t t

B. variegata Kweral t t
Bombax ceiba Semal t -
Castanopsis indica Katus t t
C. purpurella Katus t t
C. tribuloides Katonj, Patle Katus t t
Cornus macrophylla Khagsa - t
colylusji?xox Kabase t t
C. jacquemontii Kabasi t t
Cordia obliqua Lisora t t
C. vestita Bharalu t t
Diploknema butyracea Cheura t t
Emblica officinalis Aonla t t
Ficus roxburghii Timal t t
Hippophae rhamnoides Ameos - t
H. salicifolia Chuk - t
Juglans regta Okhar t -
Camellia kissii Hinguwa - -
Litsea cubeca Timus, Siltimur - -
Moringa oleifma Horseradish - -
Pinus roxburghii Chir - t
Myn’ca esculenta Kaphal t +
Ougeinia oojeinensis Sanan t t
h n u s cerasoides Paya t t
Pyrus pashia Mail, Mehal + t
+acantha crenulata Ghingaru - +
Quercusfloribunda Telonj + t
Q. leucotrichophora Banj t t
Syzygtum cuminii Jamun t t
Terminalia chebula Harar t t
T. bellirica Barar t t
Trichosanthes tricuspidata Indrain t -
Rhododendron arboreum Burons t t
Aesculus indica Pangar t t
Measa indica Bakaria t t
Grewia oppositifolia Bhimal t t
Celtis tetrandra Kharik t t
Zanthoxylum acanthopodiuni Temoor + -
2. armatum Temoor t -
M = Medicinal; Fd = Fodder; F1 = Fuel; T = Timber; AT =Agricultural tools; Misc. = Miscellaneous; + = Used; - = Not used

species are given in Table 10. In the remote areas, fruits could be harnessed for income generation.
tribal communities collect the dry leaves of Allium Trade evaluation and documentation of such
humileKunth,A. strucheyiBaker, the roots of Rheum species needs priority action to ensure their
australe D. Don, Dactylorhira hatagzrea (D. Don) optimum utilization.
SOO, A n g e l i c a glauca Edgew., Pleurospermum
angelicoides (DC.) Cl., Aconitum heterqbhyllum Stapf.,
the fruiting body of Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers.,
Wild relatives of cultivated plants
the seeds of Corylus -j a c q- u e m o n t i i Decne and
Castanea sativa Mill. and generate income to meet Among the wild relatives of cultivated plants, a
their daily needs (Samant et al., 1996). Similarly, rich diversity (125 taxa) is represented in the
the trade potential of wild leafy vegetables and Western Himalaya (Trans/Northwest/West), 82

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Wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya Samant and Dhar

Table 10 Trade values of some wild edible plants occurring in Indian Himalaya (Source: District Drug Cooperative
Limited, Almora (1992-93); Samant et aL, 1996)

Botanical name Local name Trade name Rates (Rs/Kg)

Aconitum heterophyllum Atees Atees 160-200

Allium humile Pharan Pharan 50-60
A. strachqri Jarnbu Jambu 50-60
Colylusjacquemontii Kabasi Bhotia Badam 100-120
Dactylmhiza hatagirea Hatthajari Hatthajari 500-1000
Juglans regia Okhar Akhrot 60-70
Hippophae salicifolia Ameous Ameous 35
Tnchosanthes tricuspidata Indraini Indraini 55-65
Morchella escuhta Guchhi Mushroom 2500
Angelica glauca Gandraini Chhipi 40
Diplazium esculentum Lingura Lingura 20-25
Eulophia dabia Salam misri Salarn rnisri 35-40
Pleurospermum angelicoides Choru Choru 10
Podophyllum hexandrum Ban-Kakri Ban-Kakri 35-40
Castanea satiua Khan Pangar Pangar 30-35
Zanthoxylum armatum Temoor Ternoor 20-30
Pans polyphylla Bankh Satuwa 15-22
Rheum australe Doh Dolu 15-20
Rhododendron anthopogon Takkar Takkar 10
Lichens (Parmelia sp., Usnea sp.) Safed Jhula Jhula 12-20
Myrka esculenta Kaphal Kaphal 5-28
Polygonatum cirrhipetalum Salam rnisri Maha maida 10-12
P. uerticillatum Salarn rnisri Maha rnaida 10-12
Centella asiatica Khuchoria Brahmi 10-15
Asparagus racenosus Kainva Satawar 6-10
Sapindus mukorossi Rith Reetha 5-10
Cinnamomum tamala Kirkiria Tejpat 7-9
Bergenia ligulata Silphoru Silphor 6-9
Bauhinia vanegata Kweral Kweral 5-6
Solanum nigrum Niniyoni Makoi 5-6
Syzygium uenosum Jamun Jarnun 25-30
Taxus baccata, spp. wallichiana Thuner Lewait Talis patra 3-7
Terminalia chebula Harar Harar 1-2
Emblica oficinalis Anola Anola 1-2

in the East Himalaya (Central/East) and 132 in crops because of their wider adaptability,
the contiguous belt of Northeast Region (Arora vigorous growth, and resistance to major diseases
and Nayar, 1984). The present study reveals the and pests. Hence, the native fruit species can be
occurrence of 28 wild edible species in Trans/ utilized as a good breeding material for the
Northwest/West Himalaya and 39 in Central/ improvement of horticultural crops (Arora and
East Himalaya (Table 11). Species recorded merit Nayar, 1984; Paroda and Arora, 1986). It must
attention of horticulturists because they could be added that while each of the wild edible
possibly be utilised as marketable fruits. species exhibits desirable qualities, they would
Edible plants of the wild habitats contribute nonetheless require significant improvement
economic value by virtue of their use in through breeding and selection. To assess their
indigenous and immigrant cultures, and by their existing and potential economic value,
taxonomic proximity to cultivated species. Most ethnobotanical observations, quantitative data
of the wild edible species provide a good root on the diversity and abundance of the species
stock for the commercial cultivars of the fruit need to be intensified.

188 InternationalJournal of SustainableDevelopment and World Ecology

Wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya Samant and Dhar

Table 11 Wild edibles reported as wild relatives of CONCLUSIONS

economic plants in Indian Himalaya (Source: Arora et al.,
1986) 1. Indian Himalaya represents a rich diversity
of the wild edible species which are capable
Trans/Northwest/West Central/East of supplementing the food requirements
of hill communities. However, there is
Legumes
scope to enhance the diversity of these
Cicer microphyllum Flemingia vestita
Lathyrus aphaca species through survey/exploration of
unexplored areas a n d interviews/
Fruits interactions with the local communities of
Cordia vestita Myrica esculenta the Indian Himalayan regions.
Duchesnia indica Zizyphus oenoplia
Ficus palmata Citrus medica 2. Adequate information on population
Grewia elastica Docynia indica
biology (i.e. habit, habitat, life form,
Malus baccata Duchesnaa indica
M m s indica Elaeoca@sfloribundus distribution range, population size,
Prunus ceasoides Garcinia cowa phenology, reproduction, pollination, seed
P. cornuta G. sopsopia biology, seedling ecology and several other
P. nqbalensis G. pedunculata aspects) for potential species is essential.
P. undulata Malus baccata
Punica granatum Mangtfera indica 3. Mass scale propagation of wild edibles in
Pyrus pashia M. sylvatica the nurseries, arboreta and botanical
Ribes glaciale Moms indica gardens through asexual and sexual
R. nigrum M. serrata
Phoenix acaulis
methods need to be popularised among
Rubus ellipticus
R. fmcticosus Prunus cerasoides the hill communities for their conservation
R. niveus P. cornuta and management.
R. nepalensis P. nepalensis
R. kumaonensis P. undulata 4. Proper evaluation of the potentials and
Pyrus pashia dissemination of this information package
Ribes glaciale to hill communities need to be prioritized.
Rubus ellipticus
R. molluccanus 5. Wild edible species may prove a good root
R. paniculatus stock for the commercial cultivars of the
Pyrus vestita
fruit crops due to their wider adaptability
Spondias pennata
to abrupt climatic variations, vigour,
Tubers growth and resistance to insects and pests.
Coleusforskohlii Coleusforskohlai Hence, these may be utilized as good
Dioscorea bulbzfma Dioscorea bulbijiia breeding material for the improvement of
D. hamiltonii horticultural crops as well as restoration
D. hispida
and reclamation of degraded land and
Oil seeds revised cropping systems.
Lepidium ruderale
6. To maintain the ecosystem equilibrium,
Spices/Condimen ts awareness of the sustainable utilization of
Allium mbellum Piper longum these species needs to be created among
Carum caruii the hill communities.
Beverages
Fagopyrum debotlys Camellia kissi
Coffea benghalensis ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Vegetables The authors thank the Director of the Institute
Solanum indicum Trichosanthestricuspidata for necessary facilities and encouragement, Dr
T. dioica R.S. Rawal for extending help and Smt. Sarita
Flemingia vestita Bagdwal for typing the manuscript.

International Journal of Sustainable Development a n d World Ecology 189

Wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya Samant and Dhar

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