Ethnobotany and ethnoconservation of <i style="">Aegle marmelos</i> (L.) Correa

Abstract

The paper highlights the ethnobotany and ethnoconservation of <i style="">Aegle marmelos</i> (L.) Correa, generally known as <i style="">Bael</i>. Of 66 ethnobotanical uses of <i style="">bael</i> documented, 48 were found to be medicinal and 18 were of other ethnobotanical purposes. The importance of <i style="">bael</i> in ethnomedicine and for religious purposes is of utmost significance. Almost all parts of <i style="">bael</i> tree are used in preparing herbal medicine. The most common use of <i style="">bael</i> is to cure the gastrointestinal disorders. Historically, certain ethnoconservation norms have been set-aside with a view to conserve such an important tree species for its long-term sustainability.