Ethnobotanical and taxonomic screening of genus Morus for wild edible fruits used by the inhabitants of Lesser Himalayas-Pakistan

Abstract

The present study was focused on ethnobotanical and taxonomic screening of four wild edible fruit species of family Moraceae including Morus alba L., Morus laevigata Wall., Morus nigra L. and Morus rubra L. used by the local inhabitants of Lesser Himalayas-Pakistan. Questionnaires based on semi-structured interviews and observations were used to collect data about ethnobotanical importance of these plants. Morphological, including organoleptographical characters of leaves, flowers, fruits and leaf epidermal anatomy were investigated. Leaf epidermal anatomy was carried out under light microscope. All four species showed variations in fruit size, shape, color, in leaf lamina and base shape, floral characters, leaf epidermis cells shape, size and type of stomata. Such taxonomic variations are significant in correct identification of plant species.   Key words: Ethnobotancal, taxonomic screening, Morus, Lesser Himalayas.