XVI International Botanical Congess

The purpose of this study is to find out the best utilization of these plants so that a lot of people in areas where these plant species grow can make use of them during starvation times. The study has resulted in the discovery of many species that are eaten raw. Unlike other minor roots and tubers such as dioscorea hirtifolia and Solanestemon rotundifolius which can only be eaten after cooking/boiling, species like Cyperus papyrus, Trapa natans, Nymphaea and Nymphoides spp, etc. can be eaten raw which is an added advantage as no energy is required. Apart from this they can be eaten throughout the year. An edible oil is also extracted from the roots of Nymphaea and Nymphoides rootstocks after crashing it. This oil can be used for preparation of a variety of relishes.