Ganderbal:
“Viburnum Foetens”, a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m ,9ft by 3 m 9ft, is one of the rare fruits found in the forests of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
This red shaped fruit locally known as ‘Kulmach’ is one of the smallest fruits that are found in the forests of Gund, Gagangeer and its adjacent places.
As per the locals, different kinds of edible vegetables grow in the forests of the area but Kalmach is a rare fruit which grows naturally between the months of June and July every year.
This delicious Fruit , Kulmach, is not seen or sold in the markets, however, local people, including children, embark into the forests to collect it during its peak season.
“Kulmach first adopts green color in the month of March and then becomes ready Red Purple. Kulmach is exceptionally healthy with many research-backed benefits”, said a local resident Basif Ahmad.
In addition to this, there are different types of edible vegetables that grow naturally in forests collected by women and shriveled so that they may be eaten in the winter.
Forests have always been a great source of human food since ancient times. Although dependence on forests for food has gone down over the last centuries, in contrast to ancient times, plenty of food is found in forests in the market. Edible wild fruits, vegetables are normally eaten in the rural areas.
According to a local girl, Shubi, they have been eating Kulmach for many years and till date it has not had any bad effect on their health, which clearly shows that it is good for health.
A research Scholar said “Viburnum Foetens” Particularly known or Kulmaach, is an ethanobotanically important Plant species traditionally used as a purgative and also have sedative properties.
Menthol extract from leaf explants was used to determine cytotoxic and antibacterial potential of this potent shrub. It was observed that cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cell lines gradually increases according to concentration.
The fruit can cause a mild stomach upset if ingested.
