author(s)
AS Gawali and SS Narkhede

abstract
The article deals with the diversity in wild vegetables and nutritional value consumed by people of Konkan region of Maharashtra. The study documented 58 wild vegetables plant species belonging to 27 families. Out of these wild vegetables 7 species belongs to the family Amaranthaceae, 6 Species from Cucurbitaceae, 4 Species from Caesalpiniaceae, 3 species each from Apiaceae, Araceae, Chenopodiaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Fabaceae, and Liliaceae. 2 species each from Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Mimosae, and Polygonaceae. One species each from Aizoaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Basellaceae, Commelinaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Poaceae, Moringaceae, Nyctaginaceae Nymphaeaceae, Oxalidaceae, Portulacaceae, Rutaceae, and Solanaceae. Life forms indicated that herbs were dominating (41%) followed by climbers (40%), trees (15%) and shrubs (4%). Plant parts and composition: - Out of these wild vegetables 47% species was used as leafy vegetables, 22% species stem, 8% species inflorescence and flower, 28% species fruit and 5% species as a whole plant. Present study demonstrated that there is an urgent need for documentation of traditional knowledge related to the intangible cultural heritage concerning wild vegetables are utilized. The utilization and cultivation of these vegetables should be promoted to maintain the dietary needs of the household in Konkan region of Maharashtra. The study can provide a baseline data that may be helpful for prioritization of conservation through sustainable use and management of the resources.