Diversity and traditional knowledge of wild edible plants in Jiyuni valley, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, India

AbstractA study was conducted in the Jiyuni valley of Himachal Pradesh to document the diversity, distribution and utilization patterns of wild edible plants. The research, carried out from 2023 to 2025, involved extensive field surveys and interviews with local residents. A total of 70 wild edible plant species, belonging to 37 families and 55 genera, were documented, including 66 angiosperms, 2 gymnosperms, 1 pteridophyte and 1 fungus. The flora comprised 13 trees, 16 shrubs, 39 herbs, 1 fern and 1 fungus. The most species-rich families were Rosaceae (12 species), Balsaminaceae (4 species), Berberidaceae (4 species) and Asteraceae (4 species). Of the documented species, 34 were native to the Himalayan region, with one species, Angelica glauca, identified as endemic to the Indian Himalayan region. The study found that local communities utilized various plant parts, with fruits (28 species) and leaves (25 species) being the most frequently consumed. These plants were used in various ways, including being eaten raw, cooked as vegetables or processed in the form of jams, chutneys and oils. In addition to their dietary role, these plants were used for medicinal purposes, fuel, fodder and religious practices, highlighting their socio-economic and cultural importance. The findings underscore the need for scientific validation and sustainable management of these resources to support local livelihoods and address increasing nutritional demands. The study’s documentation serves as a valuable resource for preserving traditional knowledge and guiding future research and conservation efforts.