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Abstract

The use of wild edible plants can contribute vitamins, protein and fat to the human diet besides being an important source of cash-earning to the locals. Spread over an area of 425 km2, Kishtwar High Altitude National Park lies between 33° 20΄ to 34º 40΄ North latitude and 75º 40΄ to 76º 10΄ East longitude. A sizable area of the National Park is inhabited by the indigenous population. The area of the National Park includes 35 villages with about 20000 human population besides nomadic Gujjar and Bakerwals who bring their sheep and cattle for grazing during summer. The economically weak populace of the area is mostly dependent on the agriculture and the wild resources for their day today needs. This paper presents information on the edibility of 50 plants species used traditionally by local inhabitants in Kishtwar High Altitude National Park (KHANP). Majority of plant species belong to angiosperms (42 species) followed by gymnosperms (2 species) and Pteridophytes (2 species), whereas 4 species belong to fungi. As for as the edibility is concerned majority of the plant species (21 species) are exploited for fruit, 19 serve as vegetables, 4 species as flavoring agents (spices), roots and/or leaves of 3 species are eaten as raw, 3 species as tea substitute, whereas 2 species are used in making special drinks. Edible oils are obtained from the kernels of Juglans regia and Prunus armeniaca which are served with meals as such or used as cooking oil. Some of these species also play an important role in income generation for most of the families living in KHANP.

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