Climbers of Rourkela Forest Division, Odisha, India: Food, Medicinal, Ecological and Economical Aspects

Abstract

Sunlight is a scarce resource for plants growing on forest floors, yet climbers could scale trees and bushes to reach the light. Climbers are vital because they help to lower temperature and keep the forest cooler on a hot season. They provide food, shelter and many more to the wildlife and local communities. Still, they are not much explored. Therefore, a survey was carried out in Rourkela Forest Division took place during March – April 2023, and enumerated climbers along with uses. Results revealed that about 53 species of climber belonging to 20 families are available in the study areas. They are used by local communities as food, medicine, source of livelihood and have ecological values. Therefore, authors summarised the diversity of climber and documented it in a scientific manner for future restoration and making plant for value addition in study areas.