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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Wild edible fruit plant diversity in Keonjhar District of Odisha and their ethnobotanical uses
Authors
Dr. Suchismita Acharya, Dr. Kunja Bihari Satapathy
Abstract
Wild Edible Fruit Plants (WEPs) are an
important alternative source of healthy and nutritious food, playing a crucial
role in enriching the global food basket across various regions of the world.
In the Keonjhar district of Odisha, several wild edible fruit species are
traditionally used by rural and tribal populations as part of their daily
sustenance and livelihoods. Keonjhar is home to 25 tribal communities, with
major groups including the Bathudi, Bhuyan, Bhumij, Gond, Ho, Kora, Juang,
Kharwar, Kisan, Kolha, Munda, Oraon, Santal, Sabara, and Sounti. Together,
these groups constitute nearly 90% of the district’s total population. These
indigenous communities depend heavily on forests for food, nutrition, and
income. This article documents 71 important wild fruit species used by the
tribal communities of Keonjhar, based on extensive fieldwork conducted by the
authors. For each species, the correct botanical name (with author citation),
family name, local name, and traditional ethno botanical uses are provided. Despite
possessing deep knowledge of these native fruit resources, tribal communities
have not yet embraced fruit tree cultivation - an opportunity that could
significantly alleviate food insecurity and contribute to global nutrition
goals. Therefore, wild edible fruit plants warrant greater recognition and
scientific investigation. This article aims to serve as a valuable reference
for the sustainable utilization of lesser-known and underutilized biological
resources for human welfare. It is hoped that this communication will promote
the conservation, research, improvement, and domestication of region-specific
wild edible fruit species in Odisha and beyond.
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Pages:76-83
How to cite this article:
Dr. Suchismita Acharya, Dr. Kunja Bihari Satapathy "Wild edible fruit plant diversity in Keonjhar District of Odisha and their ethnobotanical uses". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 76-83
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