Wayanad, one of the high range districts of the
southernmost state of Kerala is a biodiversity hotspot
region with rich endemic flora and fauna. It is well known
for a wide variety of crops including specially scented rice,
spices, ornamental plants, medicinal plants, subtropical
fruits and vegetables. The district has been the home for
majority of tribal population in Kerala. These tribal groups
consume a large variety of wild leaves endemic to the area
as a regular food supplement. Widely consumed leaves
include those of Alternanthera sessilis, Talinum portula-
cifolium, Boerhaavia diffusa, Cassia tora, Colocasia
esculenta, Achyranthes bidentata, Achyranranthus aspera,
Alternanthera dentata, Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus
viridis, Cyathula prostrata and Solanum nigrum. A com-
parison of the nutrient content of these non-domesticated
leaves with amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor), the most
commonly used leafy vegetable of Kerala has been
attempted. Among all the WLVs studied, C. tora L.
exhibited higher protein, fiber and vitamin C content than
amaranth with significantly low nitrate and oxalate content.
Different macro minerals like calcium, phosphorus,
potassium, magnesium and micro minerals like copper,
zinc, iron and manganese were also found to be higher in
most of these wild leafy vegetables as compared to those of amaranth. Since the wild leaves consumed by the tribal
communities are rich in various nutrients especially the
micro nutrients, attempts should be taken to conserve and
promote these wild leaves for their sustainable utilization
and to achieve nutritional security.