Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2024; 12(4): 214-223

ISSN (E): 2320-3862

ISSN (P): 2394-0530 Ethno botanical survey of wild edible fruits from
www.plantsjournal.com
JMPS 2024; 12(4): 214-223
© 2024 JMPS
two selected regions of Karnataka, India
Received: 02-05-2024
Accepted: 04-06-2024
Naguvanahalli Somashekar Bhavana, Shrishail, Ramesh S Masarbo and
Naguvanahalli Somashekar Dinesh Naik Bindu
Bhavana
Department of Botany (PG),
Teresian College, Mysore, DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/plants.2024.v12.i4c.1708
Karnataka, India
Abstract
Shrishail The diversity of India's flora is a vital component of its rich cultural and ecological tapestry, with the
Department of Botany, state of Karnataka hosting an exceptional variety of wild edible fruits. These fruits, beyond their basic
Kuvempu University, Shimoga, nutritional value, play a significant role in the local diet and healthcare reflecting a deep reservoir of
Karnataka, India traditional knowledge. In the current study, we investigated 25 distinct species of wild edible fruits
within the forested regions of Sirsi and Shikaripur, Karnataka, aiming to uncover and document their
Ramesh S Masarbo presence and ethno botanical usage. The findings indicate that the percentage occurrence of these species
Department of Chemistry, H K varies significantly, highlighting the ecological diversity and the potential cultural reliance on these fruit
E Society's A. V. Patil College, species across the regions surveyed. In our investigation, we observed that Myrtaceae species exhibited
Aland, Gulbarga, Karnataka, the highest occurrence, representing 33.33% of the total wild edible fruit species documented. This was
India closely followed by species belonging to the Phyllanthaceae family (26.66%). By mapping ethno
botanical uses of these fruits, the research offers insights into their potential for enriching diets,
Dinesh Naik Bindu promoting health, and fostering a sustainable integration of traditional wisdom and modern science in the
Department of Botany, management of natural resources. This work not only contributes to the field of ethno botany and
Kuvempu University, Shimoga, conservation biology but also advocates for the recognition and preservation of Karnataka's rich
Karnataka, India biodiversity and cultural heritage for future generations.

Keywords: Wild edible fruits, traditional knowledge, Sirsi, Shikaripur

1. Introduction
Fruits stand as nature's benevolent gift to humanity, offering not just their delightful flavors
and refreshing essence but also a treasure trove of nutritional wealth that supplements our daily
dietary needs. In the rich tapestry of biodiversity that adorns the Indian subcontinent,
Karnataka stands out as a region of immense ecological and cultural diversity. Its varied
landscapes, ranging from the lush Western Ghats to the sprawling plains, nurture a wealth of
plant species, many of which hold a special place in local traditions and livelihoods. Among
these, wild edible fruits are of particular interest, not only for their nutritional value but also
for their roles in local economies, healthcare systems, and cultural practices. A number of wild
plants, used by rural and tribal populations and contributing significantly to their livelihood
and food security have escaped recognition and scientific inquiry. Their distribution,
conservation, mode of harvest by locals and optimal use require region-specific assessment in
order to integrate them into developmental interventions (Mahapatra and Panda, 2012) [13]. The
wild fruits are refreshing, delicious and cheap supplements of vitamins, minerals and proteins
for the users (Shirsat and Koche, 2020) [31]. In rural countryside of many developing nations,
wild fruits are the only fruits consumed as people cannot afford cultivated commercial fruits as
apple, grapes, pomegranate or orange. In India, the indigenous fruits collected from wild, play
significant role in the food and nutrient security of rural poor and tribal (Mahapatra et al.,
2012) [13]. This research paper explores the ethno botanical uses of wild edible fruits in Sirsi
and Shikaripur, of Uttar Kannada and Shimoga district respectively, Karnataka, aiming to
document traditional knowledge, assess medicinal values, and highlight the potential for
sustainable use and conservation. In the face of global challenges such as food security and
Corresponding Author:
climate change, understanding and integrating traditional ecological knowledge can offer
Naguvanahalli Somashekar
Bhavana innovative solutions. The documentation and scientific validation of the nutritional and
Department of Botany (PG), medicinal properties of these fruits can open new avenues for research in food science,
Teresian College, Mysore, nutrition, and pharmacology.
Karnataka, India

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2. Materials and Methods specimens for herbarium collection following standard

Uttara Kannada District, lies between 130 55' and 150 31' N procedures. Wild edible fruits were collected across different
latitude and 740 9' units and 750 10' E longitude. Shimoga lies seasons to capture the full range of species present in both the
between the latitudes 13°27' and 14°39' N and between the regions. The collection process was systematically organized
longitudes 74°38' and 76°04' E. Sirsi which is situated in the to ensure a representative sample of the fruit species diversity.
heart of the Western Ghats and Shikaripur, one of the The identification of collected specimens was rigorously
Malenadu district of Karnataka were selected as study areas performed using key botanical references: Flora of Karnataka
(Figure 1). Sirsi experiences pleasant weather all over the year (Saldanha, 1984) [28], Flora of Eastern Karnataka (Singh,
with an annual rainfall of 2,500 mm to 3,500 mm. Shikaripur 1988), and Flora of the Presidency of Madras (Gamble, 1915)
[6]
which has dry landscapes, tropical forests with less mountains . Specimens were preserved following standard herbarium
and valleys with an average rainfall of 3500 – 5500 mm. A preparation techniques which involved pressing the collected
comprehensive survey of wild edible fruits was conducted in fruits between blotting sheets and newspapers to ensure
the Sirsi and Shikaripur region from January 2023 to optimal preservation for future reference and study. The
September 2023. This study aimed to document the diversity prepared specimens were then catalogued for inclusion in the
of wild fruit species in various seasons, utilizing established herbarium collection.
botanical references for species identification and preparing

Fig 1: Map showing the location of areas surveyed for wild edible fruits

3. Results
The present study reported wild edible fruits belonging to 25
species across 18 genera and 15 families. Based on their
habitats, 17% are trees and 8% are shrubs (Figure 2). The
table 1 outlines comprehensive details, including the fruiting
season, common names, descriptions of the fruits, modes of
utilization, and their ethno botanical uses. The percentage of
occurrence of wild edible fruits is graphically represented in
Figure 3. Myrtaceae species exhibited the highest occurrence,
representing 33.33% of the total wild edible fruit bearing
plant species documented which was closely followed by
plant species belonging to the Phyllanthaceae family
(26.66%), followed by Arecaceae and Clusiaceae with
13.33% of occurrence respectively.
Fig 2: Categorization of wild edible fruits based on their habitats

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Fig 3: Percentage of occurrence of wild edible fruits surveyed in Sirsi and Shikaripur of Karnataka.

Fig 4: Wild edible fruits surveyed in Sirsi and Shikaripur. A- Annona reticulata Linn.; B- Aporosa lindleyana (Wight) Baill.; C- Averrhoa
carambola L.; D- Carissa carandas L.; E-Elaeagnus conferta Roxb.; F- Flacourtia montana J. Graham; G- Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.)
Royle; H- Garcinia indica Choisy; I- G. gummi-gutta (L.) N. Robson; J- Gardenia gummifera L.f.; K- Ixora coccinea L.; L- Lantana camara L.;
M- Persia americana Mill.; N- Phoenix acaulis Roxb.; O- P. sylvestris; P- Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels; Q- P. emblica L.; R- Rourea
santaloides Aubl; S- Solanum nigrum; T- Syzygium aqueum (Burm. f.) Alston; U- S. caryophyllatum (L.) Alston; V- S. cumini (L.) Skeels.; W-
S. jambos L. (Alston); X- S. samarangense (Blume) Merr.&L.M.Perry; Y- Ziziphus rugosa Lam.

Conversely, among the 18 genera, the dominant species were Flacourtia montana, Flueggea virosa, Phoenix acaulis, and
associated with Syzygium, which constituted 5 different Syzygium samarangense were found only in Sirsi. In contrast,
species: S. aqueum, S. caryophyllatum, S. cumini, S. jambos, Annona reticulata, Phoenix sylvestris, and Solanum nigrum
and S. samarangense. This was followed by the genera were found only in Shikaripur being unique to specific region.
Garcinia, Phoenix, and Phyllanthus each represented by 2 The photographs of wild edible fruits captured during the
species. Additionally, among the 25 species reported in the survey and documentation in two selected regions are
present study, 16 species were common in both the selected presented in Figure 4.
regions. However, some species, such as Aporosa lindleyana,
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Table 1: Habit, fruiting season, description, mode of use and ethno-medicinal uses of wild edible fruits investigated in Sirsi and Shikaripur, Karnataka.
Local/Kannada Fruiting
Botanical Name Family Habit Description of fruit Mode of use Ethno-medicinal uses References
Name season
Traditionally used for the
Heart-shaped, spherical, oblong or
treatment of epilepsy, dysentery,
irregular. The size ranges from 7
cardiac problems, worm
centimetres (2.8 in) to 12
The flesh has sweet and infestation, constipation, Pathak and
Annona March- centimetres (4.7 in), depending on
Annonaceae Rama-phala T pleasant flavor akin to the haemorrhage, antibacterial Zaman, (2013)
reticulata Linn. April the cultivar. When ripe, the fruit is [22]
taste of 'traditional' custard. infection, dysuria, fever, ulcer
brown or yellowish, with red
etc. It also has antifertility,
highlights and a varying degree of
antitumour and abortifacient
reticulation.
properties.
Capsule 10-12 mm across, The seeds with fleshy arils
Aporosa December-
globose, yellow, glabrous, pointed are separated from mature Jothi et al.
lindleyana Phyllanthaceae Challe hannu T January Used as a Coolant
with the style; aril orange-yellow; fruits and consumed. Arils (2008) [10]
(Wight) Baill.
seed one, brown, plano convex. are sweet and sour in taste.
Fruits are refreshing eaten
The fruits are oblong, star shaped fresh, mixed with other
Anti-oxidant, anti-
with five prominent ridges about 7 fruits, in salads, or
hyperglycemic, anti-obesity,
- 15 cm long and 9 cm wide. The processed into drinks. They
October- anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-tumor,
Averrhoa Nakshatra fruits have a thin yellow color are also stewed, pickled or Luan et al.
Oxalidaceae T November anti-inflammatory,
carambola L. hannu waxy skin. The juicy fruit is used for chutney and jam. (2021) [12]
hepatoprotective,
yellow inside when ripe with The fruit flavor is enhanced
cardioprotective, anti-
about 12 seeds which are flat, thin by peeling off the ‘wing’
hypertensive, neuroprotective
and brown. edges, which removes most
of the oxalic acid.
The fruit is used as appetizer.
The unripe fruits have astringent
taste owning to rich in iron and
Ripe fruits are taken raw or vitamin C which has anti-
Most fruits are about three- dried. The mature fruits are scorbutic property and can be
July- quarters of an inch in diameter harvested for pickles. It used for the treatment of anemia. Tesfaye and
Carissa carandas
Apocyanaceae Kavali kayi S September with a few seeds. Fruits usually contains pectin and Fruits has been used to treat Ravichandran,
L.
occur in clusters resembling large accordingly is a useful various human ailments such as: (2018) [37]
purple grapes ingredient in jelly, jam, colic, oedema, hepatomegaly,
syrup and chutney. splenomegaly, indigestion,
cardiac diseases, amenorrhoea,
and it is useful in treating of
brain anorexia disease.
The fruits are juicy, and can Berries are playing an important
be eaten fresh. The fruits role in tribal diets. Various
can also be made into juice, phytochemicals from fruit
October- Fruit is a nut covered with
Elaeagnus soda water, canned fruits function as antioxidants, Selvakumar et
Elaeagnaceae Halage hannu S February thickened perianth base, 2.6 x 1.2
conferta Roxb. and syrups etc. since the anticancer agent. Bioactive al. (2022) [30]
cm, reddish, fleshy.
fruits get ripe earlier, and compounds of berries possibly
they can be used as a new block the entry of
variety of fruits in the off- microorganisms by preventing
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season. them from adhering to the

human cells. Epidemiological
studies correlate ROS (Reactive
Oxygen Species) values with
DNA damage, heart diseases,
cancer, and other chronic and
degenerative diseases.
Flacourtia Fruit is a berry, globose, obtusely Fruits are edible, pleasantly Ratheesh
November- Eaten as raw after ripening by
montana J. Salicaceae Sampige hannu T ribbed, 1-1.5 cm across, bright acidic, also made into Narayanan et al.
April Kattunaikka community
Graham red, of an agreeable acid flavor. jellies. (2011) [24]
The fruit, mixed with pulses, is
Flueggea virosa October- The small fruit is sweet and eaten to relieve digestive
Belahuli, Fruits are white and fleshy, 3 mm
(Roxb. ex Willd.) Phyllanthaceae S January eaten by people, animals disorders. Women are said to eat Burkil (1985) [3]
Bilisuli or a little more in diameter.
Royle and birds when ripe. the fruit in order to promote
fertility
Fruit has been used to treat
wounds, dermatitis, diarrhoea,
dysentery, ear infections, and
As a souring agent, it is digestive problems, antioxidant
used as an alternative to and cytotoxic properties, anti-
tamarind in curries and bacterial, anti-helminthic, anti-
Fruit fleshy berry, globose, 2-2.5 x
other dishes from south inflammatory, antacid, anti-
November- 1.5-2 cm across, sulcate, maroon,
Garcinia indica India. It is also used in ulcer, cardio protective, UV Maurya et al.,
Clusiaceae Murugalu T February wine brown or dark reddish, 4-8
(Thouars) Choisy cuisine from Gujarat, where protection, anti-hyperglycemic, (2023) [16].
loculed, encased by persistent
it is frequently used to add protective effect against
sepals and crowned by stigma.
flavor and tartness to dal Parkinson disease, treatment for
(lentil soup) for flavor newly acquired or recently
balance. active traumatic disease, anti-
cancer, anti-hyaluronidase and
elastase, anti-obesity, anti-
arthritic.
The traditionally smoke dried
fruit rind is known as ‘Malabar
tamarind’ was used for
Fruits are ovoid, 2 inches in “Colombo curing” of fish, where
June- The aril and the fleshy
G. gummi-gutta diameter, yellow when ripe, with the pickling was done in brine Anilkumar et al.
Clusiaceae Uppage T September covering encasing the seed
(L.) N. Robson 6-8 grooves; seeds 6-8 surrounded along with the smoke dried (2023) [1]
is edible when ripe.
by succulent aril. rinds. The fruit rind has
traditionally been used to treat
gastrointestinal problems,
diarrhea, and ulcers.
As an antioxidant and
June-
Gardenia Fruit a berry, 4 x 3 cm, ellipsoid Pulp is eaten raw hepatoprotective activities of Vinaykumar et
Rubiaceae Bikke hannu T August
gummifera L.f. or oblong; seeds rugose. fruit methanol extract have been al. (2020) [38].
reported.
Fruits and roots are given to
April-July Berry fruits are round and dark Fruits when fully ripe, are Dontha et al.
Ixora coccinea L. Rubiaceae Rugmini S females when the urine is high
purple to black. used as a dietary source. (2015) [5].
coloured

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Only the dark bluish-black

Lantana berries are safe for
consumption and eaten out
The fruits are small drupes fleshy,
Lantana camara Year round of hand or made into jams A decoction of leaves and fruits Negi et al.
Verbenaceae Chaduranga S about 3 mm in diameter, varying
L. and jellies. When crushed, is used as a lotion for wounds. (2019) [19]
in color from blue to black.
whey leave a deep inky
stain which is used to create
a light purple dye
Fruits are used in reducing
Fruit pear-shaped measuring 3 to 8 cholesterol and preventing
inches, fleshy, smooth to pebbly cardiovascular diseases.
March- Oladunmoye
Persea texture, yellow green to dark The processed avocado Used to treat Poliomyelitis,
Lauraceae Avocado T April and Kehinde,
americana Mill. purple or almost black when ripe. pulp is an alternative to Chicken pox, measles
2011
Fruit ripens late summer to early utilize fruits, which can be
spring. used in various value-added
food products.
Tropical Plants
Database, Ken
Fruit is obovoid, 12-18 x 8 mm, Fern.
ripening from green with scarlet Immature-fruit is made in to a tropical.theferns.
Phoenix acaulis Arecaceae May-June tips to blue-black, with mesocarp Pulp is eaten raw fine paste and the paste thus info. 2023-12-
Ichalu T
Roxb scarcely fleshy and stigmatic obtained is taken with rice 07.
remains prominently pointed (1 - 2 washed water to check vomiting. <tropical.thefern
mm long). s.info/viewtropi
cal.php?id=Phoe
nix+acaulis>
Fruit kernel as anti-aging tonic.
The fruit also serves as a tonic
and restorative, and is also used
as an analgesic to mitigate pain
from backache and in the
buttocks. It also used as an
Fruit is consumed by
aphrodisiac, sweetener
extracting the fibrous pulp.
and diuretic and in the treatment
The fruit is smaller in size,
Fruiting spadix about 90 cm long, of vomiting, vertigo and
and its consumption is often Ishtiaq et al.
P. sylvestrisL. Arecaceae August - bearing oblong-ellipsoid berries, unconsciousness. Dates contain
Kharjura T overshadowed by the (2007) [7]; Jain et
Roxb July 2.5-3.2 cm long, orange-yellow a good amount of dietary fiber
traditional use of the palm al. (2018) [8]
when ripe. and facilitate evacuation of the
for sap extraction to
bowels. Dried dates improve
produce toddy or palm
cardiovascular health by soaking
wine.
out all the cholesterol from the
arteries. They have high calcium
content and improve bone
health. Generally the juice
of P. sylvestris is consumed as a
cooling beverage.
June- The fruits are numerous, oblate, Its fruits can be eaten raw Used in treating
Phyllanthus Tan et al. (2020)
Phyllanthaceae Raja nelli T October with 6 to 8 ribs, and are densely or cooked. It is frequently inflammatory, rheumatism, bron [36]
acidus (L.) Skeels
clustered. They are pale yellow or used in relishes and chitis, asthma, respiratory
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white, waxy, crisp, juicy and very chutneys, as well as boiled disorder, hepatic diseases and
sour. as a flavouring in sweets. diabetes in India, Asia, the
The fruit is occasionally Caribbean region, and Central
used in place of tamarind. and South America.
Fruit is used cure anemia,
biliousness, common cold, fever,
cough, asthma, bronchitis,
diabetes, cephalalgia,
ophthalmopathy, dyspepsia,
Fruit a capsule 1.5-2.5 cm across, Fruit is an important dietary colic, flatulence,
November- subglobose, dehiscing into 6 agent, and is used to make hyperacidity, peptic Ishtiaq et al.
P. emblica L. Phyllanthaceae Nellikayi T January cocci, disc enlarged to give an murabbah, burfi, ladu, fresh ulcer, erysipelas, skin diseases, (2007) [7], Saini
appearance of fleshy yellowish- juice, pickle, chutneys, and leprosy, hematogenesis, et al., (2022) [11].
green, indehiscent berry. curries in India. inflammation, anemia,
emaciation, hepatopathy,
jaundice, diarrhea, dysentery,
hemorrhages, leucorrhea, menorr
hagia, cardiac disorders, and
premature greying of hair.
They are widely used in for
September- Fruits are in follicles, about one
Rourea minor The aril of the ripe fruit is various health complaints such Osman et al.
Connaraceae Huli majjige S August inch long, oblique, curved. They
(Gaertn.) Merr. eaten as rheumatism, diabetes, tumor, (2019) [21]
are small orange red in color.
asthma, and diarrhea.
Ripe berries are sweet and
Berries juice is used as a tonic,
The berry is 6 to 8 mm (0.24 to salty and were reported to
Solanum nigrum Kaaki hannu laxative, appetite stimulant, Jain (1968) [9];
Solanaceae S April-May 0.31 in) in diameter, dull black or have been used as a famine
Linn treating asthma and excessive Read (1977) [25]
purple-black. food in China in the 15th
thirst
century.
The fruit skin is rich in Vitamin
Fruits are pear-shaped berries (5 The fruits are eaten fresh or A. In the past, Malaysian women
cm long). The apex has a shallow preserved. It has a sweet who had given birth would eat a
cavity that is partially covered by but slightly astringent taste. ceremonial salad containing the
March-
Syzygium aqueum 4 fleshy sepals. The skin is shiny, Sometimes they are boiled fruit. It is also used in fever Sonawane
Myrtaceae Neer jambe S April
(Burm.f.) Alston thin and waxy, while the flesh is briefly and sweetened with treatment, detoxify the liver, (2018) [34]
white, juicy and crisp. Fruits are sugar. They are added to headaches, digestive issues,
often seedless, but sometimes soups and salads in diabetes, lower cholesterol, skin
have 1 - 4 small seeds. Indonesia. conditions and prevention
against certain types of cancers.
Fresh fruit appreciated for
their juiciness, sweetness,
or tanginess. Their natural
Syzygium
pectin content and flavors Kala and
caryophyllatum March July Fruit is a berry, 5 mm across Fruit is used to treat acidity in
Myrtaceae Kuntu nerale T might make fruits suitable Antony (2021)
(L.) Alston globose, black. stomach [11]
for processing into jams,
(endangered)
jellies, or preserves. Ripe
fruits are eaten by tribal
community of kerala
Syzygium cumini May-June The fruits are berry, oblong, black, Fruits can be relished in the Seeds and pulp of the fruit have Swami et al.
Myrtaceae Nerale T
(L.) Skeels. juicy shining when thoroughly form of juices, smoothies, been reported to lower blood (2012) [35]
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ripe. ice cream, salad, pies and glucose levels and delaying
transformed into jam to diabetic complications including
savour its taste. neuropathy and cataracts. The
fruit is also recognized as an
adjuvant therapy in type-2
diabetes. This has been traced
not only to its anthocyanin-rich,
dark-purple fleshy pulp.
Fleshy, pitted fruits are known as In India, the fruit tonic helps to
February- Fruits can be consumed
Syzygium jambos drupes (2.5 - 5 cm wide). They are improve brain and liver health Morton (1987)
Myrtaceae Pannerale T June directly after picking from [17]
L. (Alston) whitish to yellow, round to egg- while fruit infusions convey
the tree
shaped and smell like rosewater. diuretic property
Fruits have been utilised for a
range of ailments and conditions
The fruit is a bell-shaped edible in various traditional medical
Syzygium
berry with colors ranging from methods. The fruit of this tree in
samarangense May-June Eaten raw with salt Saroj and Shah,
Myrtaceae Jambe hannu T white, pale green, green, red, India as a tonic for the brain and
(Blume) Merr.& 2022 [29]
purple, crimson, to deep purple or for liver problems, as an
L.M. Perry
even black, 4-6 cm long. astringent, digestive and
moreover, fruit decoction is
utilised to treat fever.
The Kodava community in the
Kodagu region of the Western
Ghats eats the raw and ripened
fruit for nutritional source
traditionally. The fruit was also
used as coolant and to keep body
hydrated used by villages of
Fruits orange to black, obovoid-
Ziziphus rugosa December- upper-Ghat (Salkani and Killara) Manjunatha et
Rhamnaceae Mullannu T globose or subglobose. Fruit is 9 - Eaten raw
Lam. January and two of the coastal zone al., 2020 [15]
12mm long and 8-10mm wide.
(Murur and Kallabbe) in the
central Western Ghats,
Karnataka, India. The fruit is
used by the rural communities of
Tiruchirappalli District,
Tamilnadu, South India for
wounds and diarrhea.
*T-Tree; +S- Shrub

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4. Discussion Sustainability. 2022;14:12194.

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