Field investigation of WEPs in the study region documented species which were found well distributed in different life forms in which, trees share the largest proportion with 15 species (41.66%), followed by shrubs with 11 species (30.55%), herbs with 8 species (22.22%), 1 climbers and 1 fern (2.77% each). Of the 36 species documented in the study region, only one species is of Pteridophyta (Diplazium esculentum) and all others are of Angiosperms. With respect to families, Rosaceae shared the largest proportion which, consisted of 7 species. 36 species are observed as fruit bearing, accounting about 50%, followed by leaves with 11.11%, flowers with 8.3%, flower buds, tuber, nut, seed, whole plant, fronds with 2.8% each, and others 13.9% (bark, fungi, nut, root, whole plant). 7 species were preferred for use by local people among the surveyed 36 species in the investigated area, such as Rhododendron arboreum, Myrica esculenta, Berberis asiatica, Rubus ellipticus, Ficus auriculata, Bauhinia variegata, and Rumex hastatus. Garhwal Himalaya is the home of diversity of WEP species occasionally used for food requirements by local populace. However, it can be enriched through suitable screening of unexplained pockets and survey among the concerned population. Focus should be made on appropriate techniques for increasing the source of income of people. Therefore, such wild edible plant species needs attention for multiplication in their own habitat and also in farm lands.

Keywords: WEP, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttrakhand, wild forest resources, traditional knowledge.