Less known edible fruit – yielding plants of nilgiris
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Less known edible fruit – yielding plants of nilgiris
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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M. Cyril Nayagam, M.S. Pushparaj, S. Rajan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Less known edible fruit – yielding plants of nilgiris
Year: 1993
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study focuses on 27 species of wild edible fruit-yielding plants found in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, India, belonging to 22 genera and 18 families. These wild fruits serve as a crucial food source for local ethnic groups, such as the Badagas, Todas, Kotas, Irulas, Kurumbas, Panias, and Kattunayakkas, who have relied on them for sustenance through adverse environmental conditions. The ethnobotanical significance of these plants is highlighted in the context of the rich and diverse flora of the Nilgiri district, along with its unique geological features and climate, which foster the growth of these fruit-bearing species.
Nutritional Value of Edible Fruits
One significant concept highlighted in the study is the nutritional value of the edible portions of these wild fruits. A detailed table presents the proximate principles, vitamins, and minerals contained within each plant, indicating that these fruits possess substantial dietary benefits. For instance, plants like Elaeocarpus tectorius and Phyllanthus emblica show considerable moisture content and essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, calcium, and vitamins. This emphasizes not only the role of these fruits as supplementary food sources but also their potential in contributing to local nutrition and health, particularly for communities relying on them as staples.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the exploration of wild edible fruits in the Nilgiri district underscores the importance of documenting and understanding local flora, especially for indigenous communities that depend on them for survival. The findings not only highlight the nutritional benefits of these plants but also draw attention to the need for conservation and sustainable use of such botanical resources. As the study points out, enhancing awareness regarding these lesser-known edible fruits could be pivotal for promoting biodiversity and food security in the region.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the paper on Nilgiri fruits?
The paper discusses 27 wild edible fruit-yielding plants in the Nilgiri district, emphasizing their local names, botanical details, and nutritive values based on documented literature.
Which ethnic groups utilize wild fruits in the Nilgiris?
The Nilgiris are inhabited by ethnic groups such as Badagas, Todas, Kotas, Irulas, Kurumbas, Panias, and Kattunayakkas, who have unique customs and depend on wild edible fruits for sustenance.
What is the climate like in the Nilgiri district?
The Nilgiri district experiences a tropical climate, ranging from sub-tropical to temperate, with annual rainfall between 500-6,000 mm and temperatures varying from 0°C to 33.69°C.
How are the wild edible fruits studied in this research?
The study involved field trips to collect data on local names, frequency, and botanical names of wild edible fruit-yielding plants, along with a brief nutritional analysis of their edible portions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Less known edible fruit – yielding plants of nilgiris”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Soil:
Soil is the upper layer of the earth, consisting of organic and inorganic material capable of supporting plant life. In the context of the Nilgiri district, the soil types are lateritic, derived from charnockite rock, and support diverse flora, influencing the nutritional quality of wild edible plants.
2) Rubu:
Rubu is likely a misspelling or variation of 'Rubus,' which refers to a genus of plants in the rose family, including thorny shrubs bearing edible fruits. In the study, Rubus species are highlighted for their wild edible fruit contributions, significant for local diets and biodiversity in Nilgiris.
3) Phyllanthus emblica:
Phyllanthus emblica, commonly known as 'Amla' or 'Nelli,' is a deciduous tree known for its edible fruits. It is rich in vitamin C and has various health benefits. Documented in the study, its presence reflects the plant's importance in local nutrition and traditional medicine among Nilgiri inhabitants.
4) Syzygium cumini:
Syzygium cumini, known as 'Java plum' or 'Naval,' is a large deciduous tree that bears edible dark purple fruits. This species is significant in the Nilgiri area for its nutritional value and ecological role, providing food for local wildlife and contributing to the cultural heritage of ethnic groups.
5) Ziziphus mauritiana:
Ziziphus mauritiana, known locally as 'Ilanthai,' is a thorny tree producing globose, edible fruits. Its rarity within the examined wild fruits illustrates its unique contribution to the local ecosystem, reflecting cultural practices surrounding food gathering and utilization among Nilgiri's various ethnic communities.
6) Agriculture:
Agriculture in the Nilgiri district represents traditional practices among local ethnic groups engaged in cultivating food grains, fruits, and pulses. This practice not only sustains these communities but also fosters knowledge of native flora, intertwining with the utilization of wild edible fruits in their dietary customs.
7) Kurumba:
Kurumba refers to one of the indigenous tribal groups inhabiting the Nilgiri hills. This ethnic community possesses traditional knowledge about wild edible plants and their uses, playing a critical role in preserving local biodiversity while exploiting these resources sustainably for nutrition and cultural practices.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science, in this context, refers to the systematic study of the wild edible fruits and their botanical classifications, properties, and nutritional values. This scientific inquiry aids in documenting biodiversity in the Nilgiri district while enhancing understanding of local ecosystems and their importance to human health.
9) Botany:
Botany is the biological science that studies plants, including their classification, structure, properties, and biochemical processes. The research detailed in this document highlights the importance of botany in understanding and documenting the diverse edible fruit-bearing plants in the Nilgiri district for conservation and traditional uses.
10) Garnet:
Garnet refers to a group of silicate minerals often found in metamorphic rocks, including charnockites prevalent in the Nilgiri district. The mention of garnet in the geological context emphasizes the mineralogical diversity of the area’s soils and indirectly supports the nutritional profiles of the region's flora.
11) Kalli (Kaḷḷi, Kallī):
Kalli is a local term referring to 'Opuntia dillenii,' which is a cactus species producing edible fruits. The study details this plant’s significance in local diets, showcasing how the region's unique flora contributes to culinary traditions and nutritional variety among the Nilgiri's ethnic groups.
12) Nelli:
Nelli is a local name for 'Phyllanthus emblica,' celebrated for its sour edible berries rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. This fruit is crucial in the local diet and traditional medicine, illustrating the interconnectedness of cultural practices and the natural resources available in Nilgiri.
13) Vasu (Vasū, Vāsu, Vāsū):
Vasu may refer to the authors or researchers involved in the study, indicating a connection to the scientific examination of local flora. Their contributions enhance understanding and appreciation of the biodiversity of the Nilgiri district, highlighting the importance of indigenous knowledge in botanical research.
14) Nava (Nāvā, Nāva, Navā, Navan):
Nava is a local term concerning 'Syzygium cumini,' also known as Java plum. This tree’s importance is symbolized in local culture, and the research showcases its nutritional benefits, enriching the diet of the Nilgiris' ethnic communities while illustrating the area’s diverse plant life.
15) Kala (Kālā, Kalā, Kāla):
Kala is a local term associated with 'Berberis tinctoria.' The plant's fruits and foliage contribute to the local biodiversity and nutritional resources available to indigenous communities. Documenting such plants reflects their significance in traditional diets and cultural practices within the Nilgiri district.
16) Ati (Āti, Atī, Āṭi):
Athi refers to 'Ficus exasperata,' a species valued for its edible fruit. The presence of such plants in local diets is crucial for sustaining traditional culinary practices in the Nilgiris, providing nutritional sources while also serving ecological roles, showcasing the importance of local flora.
17) Wolf:
Wolf refers to 'Potentilla indica,' indicating taxonomy within the study of the local wild edible plants. The inclusion of such species reflects the richness of the region's flora, highlighting the need for continued research to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of its unique plant diversity.