Traditional Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Family Fabaceae among Kokni Tribal of Nasik and Dhule Districts, Maharashtra

The study revealed that several species of Fabaceae are extensively utilized by the Kokni tribes for medicinal, nutritional, agricultural, and cultural purposes. Different plant parts such as roots, leaves, bark, seeds, pods, and flowers are traditionally employed for the treatment of various ailments. In addition to medicinal applications, certain species are used as food, fodder, fuelwood, timber, and in religious practices, reflecting the close relationship between tribal communities and local plant resources. The investigation highlights the rich indigenous knowledge preserved among the Kokni tribals and emphasizes the significance of Fabaceae as an economically and medicinally important plant family in tribal healthcare systems. The present study documents the traditional ethnobotanical knowledge related to plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae used by Kokni tribal communities inhabiting the Nasik and Dhule districts of Maharashtra, India. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in selected tribal villages through field visits, interviews, and discussions with local healers, elder villagers, and knowledgeable informants during the study period. Information regarding local names, plant parts used, methods of preparation, and therapeutic or other traditional applications was systematically recorded.