Assessment of ethno botanical values of important wild edible fruiting species: Semecarpus anacardium L. and Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr. in Central India

This study examines the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal values of two significant wild edible fruiting species, Semecarpus anacardium L. and Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr., in Central India. These species, utilized in 33 ethnobotanical categories by surveyed households, demonstrate diverse practical applications and cultural importance. Flacourtia indica boasts 24 notable uses, including 20 medicinal and 4 sociocultural, while Semecarpus anacardium exhibits 17 uses, with 13 medicinal and 4 sociocultural. The total use reports (URs) for these species reached 462, with Flacourtia indica accounting for 252 URs and Semecarpus anacardium for 210 URs. The use value (UV) indicates higher significance for Flacourtia indica (1.909) compared to Semecarpus anacardium (1.591). Furthermore, Semecarpus anacardium showed a marginally higher frequency of citation (FCs) at 91 versus Flacourtia indica’s 90, and a relative frequency of citation (RFCs) of 0.689 compared to 0.682. Relative importance (RIs) and cultural value (CVe) metrics further highlight Flacourtia indica’s prominence with an RI of 0.995 and a CVe of 0.947, compared to Semecarpus anacardium’s RI of 0.854 and CVe of 0.565. Fidelity levels (FLs) reveal significant local confidence in both species for treating various ailments, with Semecarpus anacardium showing high efficacy for conditions like cough and cold and ringworm infestation, and Flacourtia indica for fever. The study underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts due to reported population declines driven by factors such as developmental activities, agricultural expansion, overharvesting, and climate change. Integrating ethnobotanical knowledge into conservation strategies is crucial for preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage. Further interdisciplinary research is recommended to validate the medicinal properties and explore sustainable resource management practices.