• ISBN13: 9788126911875
• Binding: Hardcover
• Subject: Bio-Science and Agriculture
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishers & Distributors (P) Ltd
• Publisher Imprint: Atlantic
• Publication Date: December 9, 2025
• Pages: 248
• Original Price: INR 1995.0
• Language: Hindi
• Edition: N/A
• Item Weight: 880 grams
• BISAC Subject(s): Science & Nature / Biology, Science & Nature / Botany, and Science & Nature / Environmental Science & Ecosystems

Wild Leafy Vegetables and Flowers: Nature's Potent Dietary Supplements is the culmination of two decades of in-depth research conducted in the village haats and dense forests of Jharkhand. The village haats come alive with vibrant displays of lush green, wild leafy vegetables known as saags, their rich hues and earthy aromas drawing curious eyes and seasoned gatherers alike. These saags are available for purchase on a large scale, fuelled by increasing public demand, and are believed to contribute to the physical and mental well-being of rural and suburban residents. What began as a simple observation grew into a deep scientific inquiry to uncover the hidden potential of these potherbs, capable of nourishing both body and community.

Dr Sudhanshu Kumar is a retired Professor from the University Department of Botany, Ranchi University. He has worked in the fields of Plant Taxonomy and Ethnobotany, having documented around 850 wild plant species of Jharkhand in the form of a Digital Herbarium. Dr Kumar has been awarded three UGC Minor Research Projects and has published extensively on medicinal plants. In 2018, he received the 'Dr S K Jain Medal, awarded by the Society of Ethnobotanists in recognition of his contributions to ethno-medicine, digital herbarium development and wildlife studies.

Dr Bandana Kumari is an Associate Professor in the University Department of Zoology, Ranchi University. She has a deep passion for documenting the indigenous knowledge base of Jharkhand. Dr Kumari has completed two UGC Minor Research Projects on Ethnobotanical and Ethnozoological wild plants and insects of Jharkhand. She has authored numerous articles featured under the "Green and Wild" column in The Telegraph. In addition to her writing, she has a strong background in scientific research.

• Preface……………………………………………………….v
• Acknowledgements…………………………………………………vii
• Abbreviations……………………………………………………….ix
• Introduction……………………………………………………….1
• Chapter – 1 Wild Leafy Plants Used as Green Vegetables………………………………………7
• Chapter – 2 Dried Leaves Used as Potherbs in Off-season and Famine Food…………………153
• Chapter – 3 Potherbs Used and Consumed in Festivals, Rituals, and Special Occasions……161
• Chapter – 4 Potherbs Used for Therapy and Disease Prevention…………………………169
• Chapter – 5 Potherbs Found in Jharkhand but Unknown to Locals, Yet Used Elsewhere………173
• Chapter – 6 Wild Flowers Used as Potherb in Jharkhand…………………………199
• Chapter – 7 Wild Flowers Found in Jharkhand but Not Used as Vegetable Like in Other Regions……...…209
• Chapter – 8 Leafy Vegetables as a Source of Micronutrient Supplementation in Vegetarian Diets…..221
• Bibliography……………………………..225
• Index by Local Name of Plant……………………………..229
• Index by Scientific Name of Plant……………………………..235