Ethnobotanical Insights of Edible Wetland Plants from Northern Parts of Gadchiroli District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The present study deals with the exploration, identification, documentation and ethnobotanical aspects with respect to food value of wild edible wetland plants consumed by aboriginal’s peoples from Northern Parts of Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra State India.

An ethnobotanical survey of edible wetland plants of Northern Parts of Gadchiroli District were conducted during August 2023 to July 2024 through market & field surveys, personal interviews and group discussions with the indigenous communities, a total of 24 edible wetland species of 21 families were identified and documented.

Edible wetland plant products are a nutritionally rich source of vitamins, minerals & proteins but on the other side these wetland edibles decline at alarming rate due to habitat destruction and overexploitation.

This research underscores the potential of edible wetland flora as an untapped resource for food security and wetland biodiversity conservation. By integrating these wetland species into broader nutritional strategies, there is an opportunity to enhance the resilience of local food systems while safeguarding the ecological heritage of the region.