Ethnobotanical study of native edible and medicinal plants in Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya

Neglected underutilized crops can be called the 'future food', especially as the impact of climate change intensifies and drastically affects the global food production system.These crops, which are adapted to local conditions and have lower water and input requirements, offer a sustainable alternative to conventional crops.However, neglecting these crops is leading to a subsequent loss of traditional knowledge regarding their consumption and utilization.Additionally, the preference of local consumers and farmers is shifting towards high-yielding improved varieties, resulting in a loss of biodiversity.Meghalaya, in particular, is endowed with a rich biodiversity of horticultural crops, including indigenous wild crops.Preserving and promoting these underutilized crops is essential for maintaining biodiversity, supporting local economies, and ensuring food security in the face of climate change.A survey-based study focused on the Kyrdemkulai area of the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya identified 63 native edible and medicinal plants, belonging to 33 families, with Euphorbiaceae, Fagaceae, Musaceae, and Zingiberaceae being the most represented.The most commonly used native plants in the area are Castanopsis purpurella, Emblica officinalis, Myrica esculenta, Baccaurea sapida,