Documentation of folk knowledge on wild edible plants of Amadagur, Sri Sathyasai District, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

In this current study we have recorded the comestible wild plants (CWPs) commonly used by the residents of Amadagur, Sri Sathyasai District, Andhra Pradesh, India. A thorough methodical ethnobotanical survey was carried out across several villages to retrieve information on CWPs. The data collected, gathered through interviews, were reviewed by using various indices to calculate the cultural importance of CWPs and the level of consensus among respondents conserning their knowledge of CWPs. In total, there are 65 species belonging to 30 families were found consumable and served as wild food materials. Among the 65 species, Amaranthaceae and Apocynaceae families demonstrated highest species richness. In terms of wild edible parts, maximum richness was recorded for leafy vegetables, followed by fruits.  The highest use reports recorded for Allmania nodiflora (L.) R.Br. ex Wight (65) followed by Celosia argentea L. (57), Amaranthus polygonoides L. (56). The highest Informant Consensus Factor was shown for flowers and shoot tips, followed by fruits, leafy vegetables, seeds, succulent stems, and underground parts. Allmania nodiflora (L.) R.Br. ex Wight has the highest Use Value (UV) of 0.61, followed by Celosia argentea L. (0.54), and Amaranthus polygonoides L. (0.53). Neighbor-Joining clustering analysis revealed 16 species that were not reported in previous study as edible plants. The present study provides an intensive traditional knowledge on CWPs of Amadagur, Sri Satyasai Distrct, Andhra Pradesh. This study provides a significant contribution for preservation and promotion of traditional knowledge on CWPs in the region.