Abstract

The wild edibles served as a dietary supplement and medicine for thousands of years, particularly in the tribal and rural areas of the Himalayas. A total of 43 wild edibles, representing 33 genera and 25 families were reported. Maximum number of species were reported in the altitudinal zone, 700 to 1800 m followed by >1800 m altitudinal zone. Forty species were found in dry habitat followed by shady moist degraded bouldary, etc. Fourteen species were native to Himalayan region and the rest were non-native to Himalayan region. Various parts of these wild edibles, that is, fruits, leaves, roots, bark, flowers, seeds, tubers, aerial parts, etc., were consumed by the inhabitants for various purposes. Mass scale cultivation of such wild edibles in the villages may reduce the human pressure on the wild habitats. Therefore, conservation measures have to be taken to maintain the current status of these habitats and species. The information generated in the present communication represents a valuable database that provides baseline information and contributes to filling the knowledge gaps for the compilation of a local biodiversity register of the study area, a key instrument for achieving the regional and global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals. 

Key words: Wild edibles, Murari Devi, nativity, endemism, indigenous uses, Himachal Pradesh.