WILD EDIBLE FRUITS OF TELANGANA STATE

The collection and domestication of wild edible fruits for their multipurpose usage is an ancient practice across the globe. Mango, bael, mahua, sithaphal, jamun, ebony, and other trees are deeply associated in Indian culture, traditions, festivals, and rituals. Medicinal uses of fruits like bael, emblica, myrobalan, wild Dates, wig, wood apple and many others find place in Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda and pertaining literature can be found dating back to 4th century BC. The rich diversity of wild fruits in the Indian sub-continent in general and Deccan belt in particular, not only supply nutrition, but also serve as a source of income to tribes and people living in and around forest fringes. Many wild fruits are nutritious and have medicinal benefit.

However, agricultural research and development have not placed enough emphasis on these plant groups, resulting in a paucity of literature on the variety, distribution, taxonomy, phenology, and uses of India’s wild edible fruit plants. Inadequate knowledge of taxonomy, biology, and local knowledge of these species has contributed to the under-utilisation of these valuable resources. Thus, it is critical to locate, analyse, develop, propagate, and grow these underutilised species for long-term usage, which can expand our food options, food security and rural economy.