Ethno-botany and uses of non-graminaceous forage species of Chitrakoot region of Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

An ethno-botanical survey was conducted to assess the multipurpose utilization of available non-graminaceous forage species by the tribal of Chitrakoot region of Madhya Pradesh. Fifty two such species belonging to 39 genera of 8 families were collected, identified and preserved in herbarium section of Agriculture Botany Unit, MGCGV, Chitrakoot. The species are mainly utilized for forage purpose. Besides, these are also used as medicines (100 %) and food (40 %). Major uses of these species are green manure (27 %), fuel wood (23 %) and ornamental plants (23 %). Some species are used as famine food (14 %) and timber (10 %). Minor uses of the species are for fiber (6 %), cosmetics (6 %), natural dye (4%) flavour & fragrance (2 %) and basket making (2 %). Medicinal properties of the collected species revealed that these 52 species are frequently used to treat about 109 various diseases of human beings and 5 diseases of livestock. Leaves are the most (62 %) utilized part whereas aerial roots and cladode (2 %) are least utilized part to treat ailments. Tribes and indigenous people of Chitrakoot have conserved these economically important plant species in various ways for their daily needs, health and aesthetic values.