Some More Wild Edible Plants of Nasik District (Maharashtra)
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Some More Wild Edible Plants of Nasik District (Maharashtra)
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.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
M.V. Patil, D.A. Patil
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Some More Wild Edible Plants of Nasik District (Maharashtra)
Year: 2000
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study presented in the Ancient Science of Life journal explores 36 wild edible angiospermic species found in the Nasik district of Maharashtra, India. This region, inhabited by various indigenous tribes such as the Bhils, Thakur, Katkari, Warli, Kokani, and Kunbi-Kokana, relies heavily on these wild plants as a critical component of their diet, especially during periods of scarcity or famine. The authors, M.V. Patil and D.A. Patil, conducted extensive ethnobotanical surveys, contributing valuable insights into the flora utilized by local communities. Their findings expand on previous studies by Sharma and Lakshminarasimhan (1986) and Kulkarni and Kumbhojkar (1992), which documented only a limited number of wild edible species in the same area.
Utilization of Wild Edible Plants
One key concept highlighted in the study is the diverse range of wild edible plants that indigenous populations consume, which play a significant role in local diets and cultural practices. For instance, plants like Amaranthus spinosus, Amorphophallus commutatus, and Dioscorea bulbifera serve as vegetables or staple foods, showcasing not only their nutritional value but also the depth of knowledge possessed by the communities regarding local flora. The methods of preparation vary, with some species being boiled, cooked, or ground into flour, transforming them into significant dietary components. This knowledge is often shared among generations, underlining the importance of preserving such traditional wisdom as it fosters both sustenance and cultural identity.
Conclusion
The research conducted by M.V. Patil and D.A. Patil underscores the significance of wild edible plants in the lives of communities in Nasik district, illustrating how these species are not merely foraged resources but integral to cultural heritage and survival. Their rigorous methodology emphasizes the necessity for further studies to document and conserve these plants, ensuring they continue to benefit future generations. As global challenges to food security persist, the insights gained from indigenous practices offer a potential path toward sustainable resource management and dietary diversification. The preservation of such ethnobotanical knowledge is crucial, as it not only nourishes the body but also enriches the cultural fabric of the communities involved.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study conducted in Nasik district?
The study focuses on identifying 36 wild edible angiospermic species in Nasik district, Maharashtra, highlighting their use in the diet of local tribes during times of scarcity.
Which tribes inhabit the Nasik district and rely on wild plants?
The Nasik district is inhabited by various tribes including Bhils, Thakur, Katkari, Warli, Kokani, and others, who rely on wild plants for food and sustenance.
What methods were used to gather information about wild edible plants?
Extensive ethnobotanical surveys were conducted through discussions and interviews with aged tribals, women, and other rural people across different seasons and villages in the region.
Can you name some wild edible plants found in Nasik district?
Some wild edible plants include Amaranthus spinosus, Dioscorea bulbifera, Mucuna pruriens, and Anogeissus latifolia, which are used for vegetables, snacks, and other dietary purposes.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Some More Wild Edible Plants of Nasik District (Maharashtra)”. 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) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. In the context of this document, science underpins the classification and understanding of wild edible plants. It provides a framework for ethnobotanical research, enabling scholars to document plant species and their uses in local diets, particularly in areas like Nasik district where traditional knowledge is vital.
2) Botany:
Botany is the branch of biology that deals with the study of plants. This paper emphasizes the significance of botany in identifying and documenting wild edible plant species. Through botany, researchers can understand plant taxonomy, ecology, and ethnobotany, which is essential for conserving biodiversity and supporting local food resources among indigenous communities.
3) Anogeissus latifolia:
Anogeissus latifolia, known as 'Dhamada', is a plant listed as one of the wild edibles in Nasik district. Its gum is used in making sweet balls called 'Ladu.' This species highlights the interaction between local flora and cultural culinary practices, showcasing the importance of indigenous plants in traditional diets and community sustenance.
4) Dioscorea bulbifera:
Dioscorea bulbifera, referred to as 'Kadukand,' is noted for its edible tubers and bulbils. This plant represents the adaptation of local communities to utilize available natural resources. Its inclusion in the diet demonstrates the reliance on indigenous flora during food shortages, thus illustrating its importance in food security and traditional culinary traditions.
5) Cordia dichotoma:
Cordia dichotoma, or 'Bhokar,' is recognized for its ripe edible fruits. This species exemplifies the diversity of wild food sources available to local populations. The fruit's dual use—consumed fresh and pickled—reflects traditional knowledge and cultural practices around food preservation and utilization, enhancing dietary diversity in rural areas.
6) Gmelina arborea:
Gmelina arborea, known as 'Shivan,' is another wild edible species included in the survey, with edible ripe fruits. Its presence underlines the significance of tree species providing food resources. The study of such plants contributes to documenting biodiversity and understanding how local populations depend on forests for nutrition.
7) Agriculture:
Agriculture refers to the cultivation of plants and rearing of animals for food. While many inhabitants of Nasik district engage in agriculture, their reliance on wild edible plants highlights the continuity of traditional practices alongside farming. This relationship speaks to the integration of multiple subsistence strategies in local economies, particularly during resource scarcity.
8) Discussion:
Discussion in this context refers to the dialogues and interviews conducted to gather ethnobotanical information. This methodological approach is vital for understanding how communities use and perceive wild edible plants. Engaging with community members ensures that traditional knowledge is accurately recorded and helps bridge the gap between scientific research and indigenous practices.
9) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
Sharma is a reference to a previous study conducted in 1986 that reported 32 wild edible species from Nasik district. This citation acknowledges the foundation laid by earlier researchers, establishing a context for the current study. It highlights the ongoing exploration of local flora and emphasizes the importance of building upon existing knowledge.
10) Famine:
Famine denotes extreme scarcity of food. The paper recognizes that communities often rely on wild edible plants during such crises. This survival strategy underscores the necessity of preserving ethnobotanical knowledge, as it serves as an essential resource for nutrition in desperate times and enhances resilience against food shortages.
11) Tera (Ṭēra, Ṭera, Ṭērā, Tēṟa):
Tera, or 'Colocasia esculenta,' refers to a plant whose leaves and petioles are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. This plant’s usage signifies the rich botanical heritage of the region, showcasing local dietary practices and the reliance on easily cultivated species that thrive in varied environments, contributing to food security.
12) Ladu (Lāḍū, Lāḍu, Laḍu):
Ladu is a traditional sweet made using ingredients such as the gum from Anogeissus latifolia. This term embodies the cultural significance of food preparations within the region. It illustrates how local people utilize indigenous plants in their culinary practices, thus maintaining their heritage and reinforcing communal bonds through shared cuisines.
13) Diet:
Diet encompasses the food and drink consumed by people, reflecting cultural, economic, and environmental influences. In this paper, the reference to wild edibles indicates the importance of diverse plant life in sustaining local diets. Understanding dietary practices is crucial for appreciating the role of traditional knowledge in health and nutrition.
14) Sour:
Sour denotes the taste of certain fruits, such as those from Jasminum malabaricum, which are reported to be sour in flavor. This attribute adds complexity to the culinary use of plants, as taste affects food preference and preparation. The diversity of flavors in wild edibles enriches the local cuisine and supports varied dietary needs.
15) Post:
Post in this context refers to the acknowledgment of the individuals and institutions that contributed to the research and the dissemination of findings. Recognizing institutional support is important in academia as it fosters collaboration, enhances the credibility of research, and encourages the continued exploration of ethnobotanical knowledge.