Contribution of Some Wild Food Plants from Forestry to the Diet of Tribals of Southern Rajasthan

Abstract

Ethnobotanical survey among the tribals inhabiting Southern Rajasthan brought to light a number of wild plant species used as edibles. The plant parts, viz., tubers, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds are used in raw or cooked form. The health, vitality and longevity enjoyed by the tribals have been attributed by them to these wild edibles. However, most of the tribals today are deprived of their traditional food choice due to depletion of forest resources and destruction of forest areas. These tribals are malnutritioned and are susceptible to many diseases. This paper enumerates and discusses various aspects of the contribution of some wild edible plants in the diet of tribals of Southern Rajasthan.