ICFRE-Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Conifer Campus Panthaghati, Shimla, 171013, Himachal Pradesh, India
Wild edible fruits can play a significant role in providing nutrition to the rural inhabitants. The present study was carried out in outer Seraj region of district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. The data were collected through interviews, group discussions, participatory observations and semi-structured questionnaire. This survey documented total of 24 wild edible fruit plants which belonged to different categories viz 16 trees, 7 shrubs and 1 herb. These documented plants were used by the rural people of the study area as wild fruits and vegetables. It was found that the highest number (6) of wild edible plants belonged to Rosaceae family followed by Polygonaceae (4) and Berberidaceae (2) families. These wild plants were easily available from the surrounding without any cost. These plants have been reported to be of high nutritional values. Due to unscientific and ruthless exploitation coupled with habitat degradation, these species have been declining very fast. Biodiversity of all these species needs to be conserved by adopting different management practices so as to save them from extinction in the near future.
Wild fruits, Rural people, Habitat degradation, Biodiversity
