• M. Sahaya Adlin
• P. Grace Kiruba Raja Kumari
• S. Jeeva

Wild edible plants are an integral part of the livelihood of the Kani tribes of Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary. While these naturally available foodstuffs are not widely available, locally they are of great relevance for nutrition and food security in many countries. The present study was conducted between 2015 and 2017 in Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary to collect information on the wild edible leaves used by the Kani tribes. A total of 22 species of edible leaves are being used by the Kanis for their nutritional and medicinal values. Amaranthus spinosus, Centella asiatica and Oxalis corniculata are used most frequently by the tribes. Leaves of Begonia malabarica and Sonerila grandiflora are eaten by the Kanis which enable them to acquire energy. The present study will provide critical information on the nutritional and health status of the Kanis and may also help them to focus their attention on income generation and rural economic development in the Western Ghats.

Kani tribes, Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, wild edible leaves

"Wild edible leaves used by the Kani tribes of Southern Western Ghats", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 3, page no.955-962, March-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1805900.pdf

"Wild edible leaves used by the Kani tribes of Southern Western Ghats", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 3, page no. pp955-962, March-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1805900.pdf