Diversity of wild fruits in Nilgiri Hills of the Southern Western Ghats- Ethnobotanical Aspects.

Nilgiri Hills are situated in the Western Ghats of India, one of the eight hottest hotspot of the world is known for its rich biodiversity. In view of the rich plant diversity in areas with a predominantly tribal population. Ethnobotany is an important tool to assess the wild edible species in plant genetic resources. The present survey resulted in the collection of 70- species belonging to 48 genera comes under 27- families. The present ethnobotanical aspects on wild and less- known plants of the Nilgiri region can be used to determine collection priorities and conservation strategies.