Preliminary study on the utilization of wild vegetables by Muthuvan Tribes of Idukki District of Kerala, India.

ABSTRACT

The tribal communities from different parts of the world depend on the wild plants and plant parts to fulfill their dietary needs. They have developed a unique knowledge of plant utilization. The present study aims to document the information about wild vegetables used by Muthuvan tribes of Idukki district of Kerala state. The information was gathered through intensive field surveys conducted during 2010 December to 2012 February. Around 40 plant species belonging to 32 genera and 19 families were recorded. Among them 70% species contribute to vegetables by their leaf and stem, 18 % by fruit, 8% by tubers, 2% by corm and 2% by calyx. Documented wild plants are also reported to be in existence even during adverse conditions like drought. The report of this study would help to preserve the indigenous knowledge on wild vegetables used by Muthuvans for their sustainable utilization and conservation.