Category: Biodiversity

Originating from the Garo Hills of Northeast India, the endangered wild citrus species *Citrus indica* holds significant cultural and medicinal value for local communities, particularly the Garo tribe. This small, sour fruit is utilized for far more than culinary purposes, including traditional remedies and spiritual ceremonies.

While there are an estimated 390,900 plant species worldwide, only a fraction—perhaps 1,000 to 2,000—are considered edible by humans, highlighting a vast difference from assumptions about how many fruits and vegetables are in the balance of nature. The intricate web of natural systems reveals that the true value of wild produce lies not in quantity for human consumption, but in its role for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.