Ethnobotanical Plant Use of Chilapatta Reserved Forest in West Bengal

Abstract

Chilapatta Reserved Forest is under Cooch Behar Wildlife Division in West Bengal. Rava, Ekka and Oraon are the indigenous communities living in and around the forest. A survey was conducted during January, 2007 to December, 2009 to document the edible plants found in the forests. A total of 79 plants belonging to 41 families and 68 genera were found in use for day to day life of these communities for food, cure for ailments, fodder, fuel wood, fiber, hut construction, fencing and agricultural equipment. Of these total species recorded 46 were trees, 18 herbs, 10 shrubs, three climbers and two ferns. 18 plant species were used in herbal medicines to cure cold and stomach related problems and nine species in hut construction.