Edible Flora: An Assessment from Kakoi Reserve Forest of Lakhimpur District, Assam

The subtropical forest ecosystem of Kakoi Reserve Forest of Assam, India, is home to a diverse range of indigenous communities, including the Ahom, Sutia, Koch, Adivasi, Mishing, Boro, Kachari, and Nepali, who have historically utilised its non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for subsistence. This study investigates the wild edible plants traditionally consumed by these communities residing near the Kakoi Reserve Forest. Employing a semi-structured interview approach, ethnobotanical data was collected between January and September 2018 from knowledgeable residents in villages bordering the forest. The primary objective was to document the traditional knowledge of these communities regarding wild edible plants. The survey identified a remarkable diversity of 86 wild edible plant species within the Kakoi Reserve Forest. Dicots were the dominant group, with 70 species documented. A detailed record was compiled, capturing the various ways these plants contribute to the local diet. This study contributes significantly to our understanding of the role that wild edible plants play in the dietary composition and nutritional security of communities surrounding the Kakoi Reserve Forest. The traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of local communities regarding wild edible plants represents an invaluable bridge between traditional knowledge and scientific research.

@article{hiranmoy2026,
  author  = {Hiranmoy Chetia1*, Rajshekhar Hazarika2, Chandrama Gogoi3, Srusti Dhar Rout4},
  title   = {{Edible Flora: An Assessment from Kakoi Reserve Forest of Lakhimpur District, Assam}},
  journal = {Journal of Bioresearch},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {4},
  number  = {1},
  pages   = {39-49},
  doi     = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12776679},
}