Indigenous knowledge in utilization of wetland plants of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the utilization of wetland plant resources for livelihood in Bhadrak district of Odisha, India. Information was gathered from 73 informants of various ages in different villages of the district by using participant observation, open-ended conversations and semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 42 wetland plant species, belonging to 36 genera and 27 families were found to have been used traditionally for edible purposes. The dominant families were Araceae, Nymphyaceae and Poaceae. The most frequently used plant species were Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Dennst. (Nicolson), Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott., Ipomoea aquatica Forssk., Marsilea minuta L. and Trapa natans L. Proper documentation of traditional knowledge related to these plants and identification of potential species for prioritization of conservation through sustainable management is essential for socioeconomic development of the rural people.