Wild Edible Plants of Nutritional and Medicinal Significance to the Tribes of Palghar, Maharashtra, India

Wild edible plants (WEP) are an important component from the perspective of tribal diet. There are various traditional practices and beliefs in relation to the use of wild edibles among various tribal communities in Maharashtra. In this study, the WEP found in Jawhar block of Palghar district and detailed information on the local usage for medicine or food purpose has been documented. With this, the traditional methods of preparation, collection and storage of these edible wild plants has also been documented. The present paper presents a total of 162 species of WEP, out of which almost 74% are consumed as food, 14% possess medicinal significance while 12% of the species exhibit both dietary and medicinal significance. This type of study could contribute in recording the traditional heritage of food culture and generate awareness about the importance of wild edible species. Documentation of these wild plant species can help in commercialization and domestication of the wild varieties and their entry into urban marketplaces to generate higher revenue for the farmers. Wild edibles could prove to be a remedy to food scarcity, a source of nutritional security and improve the economy in tribal areas.