DIVERSITY AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF SOME WILD EDIBLE FRUITS USED BY RURAL COMMUNITIES OF DISTRICT MANDI, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Wild fruits have a significant role in giving sustenance and are rich source of nutrition. Regardless of their therapeutic potential, they are the source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fiber. The best thing about the wild fruits is that they are simply natural and accessible during their season only. That is the reason the wild fruits are eaten as a major aspect of convention and are profoundly valued and sought after. The present study reveals the ethnobotanical exploration, identification and future potentialities of the wild edible fruits consumed by the folklore of Mandi district. Twenty species belonging to sixteen genera and twelve families, Rosaceae being dominant are reported. These wild fruits contain unique medicinal properties and certain phytochemicals and are used traditionally to cure various ailments like cough, fever, diabetes, weakness, indigestion and so on. These wild resources demand stipulated attention for their conservation and management. The utilization of these wild resources in commercial food products can improve their nutritional value and can open the scopes for the development of neutraceuticals.