Wild edible plant resources used by the Irulas of the Maruthamalai Hills, Southern Western Ghats, Coimbatore,Tamil Nadu

Abstract

A survey of wild edible and food plants was undertaken and identified various species used by the ethnic tribe Irulas and local inhabitants of Maruthamalai hills, located in the Coimbatore district, Southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. Among the species used by these people many are commonly found and eaten throughout India. The local tribal community depends for their dietary requirements since a long time using these plants. Plant species with their family names, vernacular names, habit and plant parts used are tabulated.