Edible and Medicinal Plants (A-B) In a survival situation, plants can provide food and medicine.

Their safe usa e re!uires absolutel" positive identification, #no$in ho$ to prepare them for eatin , and #no$in an" dan erous properties the" mi ht have. %amiliarit" $ith botanical structures of plants and information on $here the" ro$ $ill ma#e them easier to locate and identif". ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Abal &alli onum comosum 'escription( The abal is one of the fe$ shrubb" plants that e)ists in the shad" deserts. This plant ro$s to about *.+ meters, and its branches loo# li#e $isps from a broom. The stiff, reen branches produce an abundance of flo$ers in the earl" sprin months (March, April). ,abitat and 'istribution( This plant is found in desert scrub and $aste in an" climatic -one. It inhabits much of the .orth African desert. It ma" also be found on the desert sands of the Middle East and as far east$ard as the /a0putana desert of $estern India. Edible Parts( This plant1s eneral appearance $ould not indicate its usefulness to the survivor, but $hile this plant is flo$erin in the sprin , its fresh flo$ers can be eaten. This plant is common in the areas $here it is found. An anal"sis of the food value of this plant has sho$n it to be hi h in su ar and nitro enous components. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Acacia Acacia farnesiana 'escription( Acacia is a spreadin , usuall" short tree $ith spines and alternate compound leaves. Its individual leaflets are small. Its flo$ers are ball-shaped, bri ht "ello$, and ver" fra rant. Its bar# is a $hitish- ra" color. Its fruits are dar# bro$n and podli#e. ,abitat and 'istribution( Acacia ro$s in open, sunn" areas. It is found throu hout all tropical re ions. .ote( There are about 233 species of acacia. These plants are especiall" prevalent in Africa, southern Asia, and Australia, but man" species are found in the $armer and drier parts of America. Edible Parts( Its "oun leaves, flo$ers, and pods are edible ra$ or coo#ed. -----------------------------------------------------------------------A ave

A ave species 'escription( These plants have lar e clusters of thic#, flesh" leaves borne close to the round and surroundin a central stal#. The plants flo$er onl" once, then die. The" produce a massive flo$er stal#. ,abitat and 'istribution( A aves prefer dr", open areas. The" are found throu hout &entral America, the &aribbean, and parts of the $estern deserts of the 4nited 5tates and Me)ico. Edible Parts( Its flo$ers and flo$er buds are edible. Boil them before eatin . &A4TI6.( The 0uice of some species causes dermatitis in some individuals. 6ther 4ses( &ut the hu e flo$er stal# and collect the 0uice for drin#in . 5ome species have ver" fibrous leaves. Pound the leaves and remove the fibers for $eavin and ma#in ropes. Most species have thic#, sharp needles at the tips of the leaves. 4se them for se$in or ma#in hac#s. The sap of some species contains a chemical that ma#es the sap suitable for use as a soap. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Almond Prunus am" dalus 'escription( The almond tree, $hich sometimes ro$s to *+.+ meters, loo#s li#e a peach tree. The fresh almond fruit resembles a narled, unripe peach and ro$s in clusters. The stone (the almond itself) is covered $ith a thic#, dr", $ooll" s#in. ,abitat and 'istribution( Almonds are found in the scrub and thorn forests of the tropics, the ever reen scrub forests of temperate areas, and in desert scrub and $aste in all climatic -ones. The almond tree is also found in the semidesert areas of the 6ld 7orld in southern Europe, the eastern Mediterranean, Iran, the Middle East, &hina, Madeira, the A-ores, and the &anar" Islands. Edible Parts( The mature almond fruit splits open len th$ise do$n the side, e)posin the ripe almond nut. 8ou can easil" et the dr" #ernel b" simpl" crac#in open the stone. Almond meats are rich in food value, li#e all nuts. 9ather them in lar e !uantities and shell them for further use as survival food. 8ou could live solel" on almonds for rather lon periods. 7hen "ou boil them, the #ernel1s outer coverin comes off and onl" the $hite meat remains. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Amaranth Amaranthus species 'escription(

These plants, $hich ro$ :3 centimeters to *23 centimeters tall, are abundant $eeds in man" parts of the $orld. All amaranth have alternate simple leaves. The" ma" have some red color present on the stems. The" bear minute, reenish flo$ers in dense clusters at the top of the plants. Their seeds ma" be bro$n or blac# in $eed" species and li ht-colored in domestic species. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for amaranth alon roadsides, in disturbed $aste areas, or as $eeds in crops throu hout the $orld. 5ome amaranth species have been ro$n as a rain crop and a arden ve etable in various parts of the $orld, especiall" in 5outh America. Edible Parts( All parts are edible, but some ma" have sharp spines "ou should remove before eatin . The "oun plants or the ro$in tips of older plants are an e)cellent ve etable. 5impl" boil the "oun plants or eat them ra$. Their seeds are ver" nutritious. 5ha#e the tops of older plants to et the seeds. Eat the seeds ra$, boiled, round into flour, or popped li#e popcorn. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Arctic $illo$ 5ali) arctica 'escription( The arctic $illo$ is a shrub that never e)ceeds more than <3 centimeters in hei ht and ro$s in clumps that form dense mats on the tundra. ,abitat and 'istribution( The arctic $illo$ is common on tundras in .orth America. Europe, and Asia. 8ou can also find it in some mountainous areas in temperate re ions. Edible Parts( 8ou can collect the succulent, tender "oun shoots of the arctic $illo$ in earl" sprin . 5trip off the outer bar# of the ne$ shoots and eat the inner portion ra$. 8ou can also peel and eat ra$ the "oun under round shoots of an" of the various #inds of arctic $illo$. 8oun $illo$ leaves are one of the richest sources of vitamin &, containin = to *3 times more than an oran e. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Arro$root Maranta and 5a ittaria species 'escription( The arro$root is an a!uatic plant $ith arro$-shaped leaves and potatoli#e tubers in the mud. ,abitat and 'istribution( Arro$root is found $orld$ide in temperate -ones and the tropics. It is found in moist to $et habitats. Edible Parts(

The rootstoc# is a rich source of hi h !ualit" starch. Boil the rootstoc# and eat it as a ve etable. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Aspara us Aspara us officinalis 'escription( The sprin ro$th of this plant resembles a cluster of reen fin ers. The mature plant has fernli#e, $isp" folia e and red berries. Its flo$ers are small and reenish in color. 5everal species have sharp, thorn-li#e structures. ,abitat and 'istribution( Aspara us is found $orld$ide in temperate areas. ;oo# for it in fields, old homesites, and fencero$s. Edible Parts( Eat the "oun stems before leaves form. 5team or boil them for *3 to *2 minutes before eatin . /a$ aspara us ma" cause nausea or diarrhea. The flesh" roots are a ood source of starch. 7A/.I.9 'o not eat the fruits of an" since some are to)ic -----------------------------------------------------------------------Bael fruit Ae le marmelos 'escription( This is a tree that ro$s from +.> to >.< meters tall, $ith a dense spin" ro$th. The fruit is 2 to *3 centimeters in diameter, ra" or "ello$ish, and full of seeds. ,abitat and 'istribution( Bael fruit is found in rain forests and semiever reen seasonal forests of the tropics. It ro$s $ild in India and Burma. Edible Parts( The fruit, $hich ripens in 'ecember, is at its best $hen 0ust turnin ripe. The 0uice of the ripe fruit, diluted $ith $ater and mi)ed $ith a small amount of tamarind and su ar or hone", is sour but refreshin . ;i#e other citrus fruits, it is rich in vitamin &. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Bamboo ?arious species includin Bambusa, 'endrocalamus, Ph"llostach"s 'escription( Bamboos are $ood" rasses that ro$ up to *2 meters tall. The leaves are rassli#e and the stems are the familiar bamboo used in furniture and fishin poles. ,abitat and 'istribution(

;oo# for bamboo in $arm, moist re ions in open or 0un le countr", in lo$land, or on mountains. Bamboos are native to the %ar East (Temperate and Tropical -ones) but have bean $idel" planted around the $orld. Edible Parts( The "oun shoots of almost all species are edible ra$ or coo#ed. /a$ shoots have a sli htl" bitter taste that is removed b" boilin . To prepare, remove the tou h protective sheath that is coated $ith ta$n" or red hairs. The seed rain of the flo$erin bamboo is also edible. Boil the seeds li#e rice or pulveri-e them, mi) $ith $ater, and ma#e into ca#es. 6ther 4ses( 4se the mature bamboo to build structures or to ma#e containers, ladles, spoons, and various other coo#in utensils. Also use bamboo to ma#e tools and $eapons. 8ou can ma#e a stron bo$ b" splittin the bamboo and puttin several pieces to ether. &A4TI6.( 9reen bamboo ma" e)plode in a fire. 9reen bamboo has an internal membrane "ou must remove before usin it as a food or $ater container. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Banana and plantain Musa species 'escription( These are treeli#e plants $ith several lar e leaves at the top. Their flo$ers are borne in dense han in clusters. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for bananas and plantains in open fields or mar ins of forests $here the" are ro$n as a crop. The" ro$ in the humid tropics. Edible Parts( Their fruits are edible ra$ or coo#ed. The" ma" be boiled or ba#ed. 8ou can boil their flo$ers and eat them li#e a ve etable. 8ou can coo# and eat the rootstoc#s and leaf sheaths of man" species. The center or @heart@ of the plant is edible "ear-round, coo#ed or ra$. 6ther 4ses( 8ou can use the la"ers of the lo$er third of the plants to cover coals to roast food. 8ou can also use their stumps to et $ater (see &hapter <). 8ou can use their leaves to $rap other foods for coo#in or stora e. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Baobab Adansonia di itata 'escription( The baobab tree ma" ro$ as hi h as *A meters and ma" have a trun# : meters in diameter. The tree has short, stubb" branches and a ra", thic# bar#. Its leaves are compound and their se ments are arran ed li#e the palm of a hand. Its flo$ers, $hich are $hite and several centimeters across, han from the hi her branches. Its fruit is shaped li#e a football, measures up to >2 centimeters lon , and is covered $ith short dense hair. ,abitat and 'istribution(

These trees ro$ in savannas. The" are found in Africa, in parts of Australia, and on the island of Mada ascar. Edible Parts( 8ou can use the "oun leaves as a soup ve etable. The tender root of the "oun baobab tree is edible. The pulp and seeds of the fruit are also edible. 4se one handful of pulp to about one cup of $ater for a refreshin drin#. To obtain flour, roast the seeds, then rind them. 6ther 4ses( 'rin#in a mi)ture of pulp and $ater $ill help cure diarrhea. 6ften the hollo$ trun#s are ood sources of fresh $ater. The bar# can be cut into strips and pounded to obtain a stron fiber for ma#in rope. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Bato#o plum %lacourtia inermis 'escription( This shrub or small tree has dar# reen, alternate, simple leaves. Its fruits are bri ht red and contain si) or more seeds. ,abitat and 'istribution( This plant is a native of the Philippines but is $idel" cultivated for its fruit in other areas. It can be found in clearin s and at the ed es of the tropical rain forests of Africa and Asia. Edible Parts( Eat the fruit ra$ or coo#ed. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Bearberr" or #inni#innic# Arctostaph"los uvaursi 'escription( This plant is a common ever reen shrub $ith reddish, scal" bar# and thic#, leather" leaves > centimeters lon and * centimeter $ide. It has $hite flo$ers and bri ht red fruits. ,abitat and 'istribution( This plant is found in arctic, subarctic, and temperate re ions, most often in sand" or roc#" soil. Edible Parts( Its berries are edible ra$ or coo#ed. 8ou can ma#e a refreshin tea from its "oun leaves. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Beech %a us species 'escription(

Beech trees are lar e (: to +> meters), s"mmetrical forest trees that have smooth, li htra" bar# and dar# reen folia e. The character of its bar#, plus its clusters of pric#l" seedpods, clearl" distin uish the beech tree in the field. ,abitat and 'istribution( This tree is found in the Temperate Bone. It ro$s $ild in the eastern 4nited 5tates, Europe, Asia, and .orth Africa. It is found in moist areas, mainl" in the forests. This tree is common throu hout southeastern Europe and across temperate Asia. Beech relatives are also found in &hile, .e$ 9uinea, and .e$ Bealand. Edible Parts( The mature beechnuts readil" fall out of the hus#li#e seedpods. 8ou can eat these dar# bro$n trian ular nuts b" brea#in the thin shell $ith "our fin ernail and removin the $hite, s$eet #ernel inside. Beechnuts are one of the most delicious of all $ild nuts. The" are a most useful survival food because of the #ernel1s hi h oil content. 8ou can also use the beechnuts as a coffee substitute. /oast them so that the #ernel becomes olden bro$n and !uite hard. Then pulveri-e the #ernel and, after boilin or steepin in hot $ater, "ou have a passable coffee substitute. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Bi na" Antidesma bunius 'escription( Bi na" is a shrub or small tree, C to *+ meters tall, $ith shin", pointed leaves about *2 centimeters lon . Its flo$ers are small, clustered, and reen. It has flesh", dar# red or blac# fruit and a sin le seed. The fruit is about * centimeter in diameter. ,abitat and 'istribution( The plant is found in rain forests and semiever reen seasonal forests in the tropics. It is found in open places and in secondar" forests. It ro$s $ild from the ,imala"as to &e"lon and east$ard throu h Indonesia to northern Australia. ,o$ever, it ma" be found an"$here in the tropics in cultivated forms. Edible Parts( The fruit is edible ra$. 'o not eat an" other parts of the tree. In Africa, the roots are to)ic. 6ther parts of the plant ma" be poisonous. &A4TI6.( Eaten in lar e !uantities, the fruit ma" have a la)ative effect. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Blac#berr", raspberr", and de$berr" /ubus species 'escription( These plants have pric#l" stems (canes) that ro$ up$ard, archin bac# to$ard the round. The" have alternate, usuall" compound leaves. Their fruits ma" be red, blac#, "ello$, or oran e. ,abitat and 'istribution(

These plants ro$ in open, sunn" areas at the mar in of $oods, la#es, streams, and roads throu hout temperate re ions. There is also an arctic raspberr". Edible Parts( The fruits and peeled "oun shoots are edible. %lavor varies reatl". 6ther 4ses( 4se the leaves to ma#e tea. To treat diarrhea, drin# a tea made b" bre$in the dried root bar# of the blac#berr" bush. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Blueberr" and huc#leberr" ?accinium and 9a"lussacia species 'escription( These shrubs var" in si-e from C3 centimeters to C.= meters tall. All have alternate, simple leaves. Their fruits ma" be dar# blue, blac#, or red and have man" small seeds. ,abitat and 'istribution( These plants prefer open, sunn" areas. The" are found throu hout much of the north temperate re ions and at hi her elevations in &entral America. Edible Parts( Their fruits are edible ra$. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Breadfruit Artocarpus incisa 'escription( This tree ma" ro$ up to : meters tall. It has dar# reen, deepl" divided leaves that are =2 centimeters lon and C3 centimeters $ide. Its fruits are lar e, reen, ball-li#e structures up to C3 centimeters across $hen mature. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for this tree at the mar ins of forests and homesites in the humid tropics. It is native to the 5outh Pacific re ion but has been $idel" planted in the 7est Indies and parts of Pol"nesia. Edible Parts( The fruit pulp is edible ra$. The fruit can be sliced, dried, and round into flour for later use. The seeds are edible coo#ed. 6ther 4ses( The thic# sap can serve as lue and caul#in material. 8ou can also use it as birdlime (to entrap small birds b" smearin the sap on t$i s $here the" usuall" perch). -----------------------------------------------------------------------Burdoc# Arctium lappa 'escription(

This plant has $av"-ed ed, arro$-shaped leaves and flo$er heads in burrli#e clusters. It ro$s up to + meters tall, $ith purple or pin# flo$ers and a lar e, flesh" root. ,abitat and 'istribution( Burdoc# is found $orld$ide in the .orth Temperate Bone. ;oo# for it in open $aste areas durin the sprin and summer. Edible Parts( Peel the tender leaf stal#s and eat them ra$ or coo# them li#e reens. The roots are also edible boiled or ba#ed. &A4TI6.( 'o not confuse burdoc# $ith rhubarb that has poisonous leaves. 6ther 4ses( A li!uid made from the roots $ill help to produce s$eatin and increase urination. 'r" the root, simmer it in $ater, strain the li!uid, and then drin# the strained li!uid. 4se the fiber from the dried stal# to $eave corda e. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Burl Palm &or"pha elata 'escription( This tree ma" reach *A meters in hei ht. It has lar e, fan-shaped leaves up to C meters lon and split into about *33 narro$ se ments. It bears flo$ers in hu e dusters at the top of the tree. The tree dies after flo$erin . ,abitat and 'istribution( This tree ro$s in coastal areas of the East Indies. Edible Parts( The trun# contains starch that is edible ra$. The ver" tip of the trun# is also edible ra$ or coo#ed. 8ou can et lar e !uantities of li!uid b" bruisin the flo$erin stal#. The #ernels of the nuts are edible. &A4TI6.( The seed coverin ma" cause dermatitis in some individuals. 6ther 4ses( 8ou can use the leaves as $eavin material. Edible and Medicinal Plants (I-6) Iceland moss &etraria islandica 'escription( This moss ro$s onl" a fe$ inches hi h. Its color ma" be ra", $hite, or even reddish. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for it in open areas. It is found onl" in the arctic. Edible Parts( All parts of the Iceland moss are edible. 'urin the $inter or dr" season, it is dr" and crunch" but softens $hen soa#ed. Boil the moss to remove the bitterness. After boilin , eat b" itself or add to mil# or rains as a thic#enin a ent. 'ried plants store $ell. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Indian potato or Es#imo potato

&la"tonia species 'escription( All &la"tonia species are some$hat flesh" plants onl" a fe$ centimeters tall, $ith sho$" flo$ers about +.2 centimeters across. ,abitat and 'istribution( 5ome species are found in rich forests $here the" are conspicuous before the leaves develop. 7estern species are found throu hout most of the northern 4nited 5tates and in &anada. Edible Parts( The tubers are edible but "ou should boil them before eatin . -----------------------------------------------------------------------Duniper Duniperus species 'escription( Dunipers, sometimes called cedars, are trees or shrubs $ith ver" small, scaleli#e leaves densel" cro$ded around the branches. Each leaf is less than *.+ centimeters lon . All species have a distinct aroma resemblin the $ell-#no$n cedar. The berr"li#e cones are usuall" blue and covered $ith a $hitish $a). ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for 0unipers in open, dr", sunn" areas throu hout .orth America and northern Europe. 5ome species are found in southeastern Europe, across Asia to Dapan, and in the mountains of .orth Africa. Edible Parts( The berries and t$i s are edible. Eat the berries ra$ or roast the seeds to use as a coffee substitute. 4se dried and crushed berries as a seasonin for meat. 9ather "oun t$i s to ma#e a tea. &A4TI6.( Man" plants ma" be called cedars but are not related to 0unipers and ma" be harmful. Al$a"s loo# for the berr"li#e structures, needle leaves, and resinous, fra rant sap to be sure the plant "ou have is a 0uniper. -----------------------------------------------------------------------;otus .elumbo species 'escription( There are t$o species of lotus( one has "ello$ flo$ers and the other pin# flo$ers. The flo$ers are lar e and sho$". The leaves, $hich ma" float on or rise above the surface of the $ater, often reach *.2 meters in radius. The fruit has a distinctive flattened shape and contains up to +3 hard seeds. ,abitat and 'istribution(

The "ello$-flo$ered lotus is native to .orth America. The pin#-flo$ered species, $hich is $idespread in the 6rient, is planted in man" other areas of the $orld. ;otuses are found in !uiet fresh $ater. Edible Parts( All parts of the plant are edible ra$ or coo#ed. The under$ater parts contain lar e !uantities of starch. 'i the flesh" portions from the mud and ba#e or boil them. Boil the "oun leaves and eat them as a ve etable. The seeds have a pleasant flavor and are nutritious. Eat them ra$, or parch and rind them into flour. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Malan a Eanthosoma caracu 'escription( This plant has soft, arro$-shaped leaves, up to <3 centimeters lon . The leaves have no above round stems. ,abitat and 'istribution( This plant ro$s $idel" in the &aribbean re ion. ;oo# for it in open, sunn" fields. Edible Parts( The tubers are rich in starch. &oo# them before eatin to destro" a poison contained in all parts of the plant. 7A/.I.9 Al$a"s coo# before eatin . -----------------------------------------------------------------------Man o Man ifera indica 'escription( This tree ma" reach C3 meters in hei ht. It has alternate, simple, shin", dar# reen leaves. Its flo$ers are small and inconspicuous. Its fruits have a lar e sin le seed. There are man" cultivated varieties of man o. 5ome have red flesh, others "ello$ or oran e, often $ith man" fibers and a #erosene taste. ,abitat and 'istribution( This tree ro$s in $arm, moist re ions. It is native to northern India, Burma, and $estern Mala"sia. It is no$ ro$n throu hout the tropics. Edible Parts( The fruits are a nutritious food source. The unripe fruit can be peeled and its flesh eaten b" shreddin it and eatin it li#e a salad. The ripe fruit can be peeled and eaten ra$. /oasted seed #ernels are edible. &A4TI6.( If "ou are sensitive to poison iv", avoid eatin man oes, as the" cause a severe reaction in sensitive individuals. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Manioc Manihot utillissima

'escription( Manioc is a perennial shrubb" plant, * to C meters tall, $ith 0ointed stems and deep reen, fin erli#e leaves. It has lar e, flesh" rootstoc#s. ,abitat and 'istribution( Manioc is $idespread in all tropical climates, particularl" in moist areas. Althou h cultivated e)tensivel", it ma"be found in abandoned ardens and ro$in $ild in man" areas. Edible Parts( The rootstoc#s are full of starch and hi h in food value. T$o #inds of manioc are #no$n( bitter and s$eet. Both are edible. The bitter t"pe contains poisonous h"droc"anic acid. To prepare manioc, first rind the fresh manioc root into a pulp, then coo# it for at least * hour to remove the bitter poison from the roots. Then flatten the pulp into ca#es and ba#e as bread. Manioc ca#es or flour $ill #eep almost indefinitel" if protected a ainst insects and dampness. 7rap them in banana leaves for protection. &A4TI6.( %or safet", al$a"s coo# the roots of either t"pe. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Marsh mari old &altha palustris 'escription( This plant has rounded, dar# reen leaves arisin from a short stem. It has bri ht "ello$ flo$ers. ,abitat and 'istribution( This plant is found in bo s, la#es, and slo$-movin streams. It is abundant in arctic and subarctic re ions and in much of the eastern re ion of the northern 4nited 5tates. Edible Parts( All parts are edible if boiled. &A4TI6.( As $ith all $ater plants, do not eat this plant ra$. /a$ $ater plants ma" carr" dan erous or anisms that are removed onl" b" coo#in . -----------------------------------------------------------------------Mulberr" Morus species 'escription( This tree has alternate, simple, often lobed leaves $ith rou h surfaces. Its fruits are blue or blac# and man" seeded. ,abitat and 'istribution( Mulberr" trees are found in forests, alon roadsides, and in abandoned fields in Temperate and Tropical Bones of .orth America, 5outh America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Edible Parts(

The fruit is edible ra$ or coo#ed. It can be dried for eatin later. &A4TI6.( 7hen eaten in !uantit", mulberr" fruit acts as a la)ative. 9reen, unripe fruit can be hallucino enic and cause e)treme nausea and cramps. 6ther 4ses( 8ou can shred the inner bar# of the tree and use it to ma#e t$ine or cord. -----------------------------------------------------------------------.ettle 4rtica and ;aportea species 'escription( These plants ro$ several feet hi h. The" have small, inconspicuous flo$ers. %ine, hairli#e bristles cover the stems, leafstal#s, and undersides of leaves. The bristles cause a stin in sensation $hen the" touch the s#in. ,abitat and 'istribution( .ettles prefer moist areas alon streams or at the mar ins of forests. The" are found throu hout .orth America, &entral America, the &aribbean, and northern Europe. Edible Parts( 8oun shoots and leaves are edible. Boilin the plant for *3 to *2 minutes destro"s the stin in element of the bristles. This plant is ver" nutritious. 6ther 4ses( Mature stems have a fibrous la"er that "ou can divide into individual fibers and use to $eave strin or t$ine. -----------------------------------------------------------------------.ipa palm .ipa fruticans 'escription( This palm has a short, mainl" under round trun# and ver" lar e, erect leaves up to < meters tall. The leaves are divided into leaflets. A flo$erin head forms on a short erect stern that rises amon the palm leaves. The fruitin (seed) head is dar# bro$n and ma" be C3 centimeters in diameter. ,abitat and 'istribution( This palm is common on mudd" shores in coastal re ions throu hout eastern Asia. Edible Parts( The "oun flo$er stal# and the seeds provide a ood source of $ater and food. &ut the flo$er stal# and collect the 0uice. The 0uice is rich in su ar. The seeds are hard but edible. 6ther 4ses( The leaves are e)cellent as thatch and coarse $eavin material. -----------------------------------------------------------------------6a# Fuercus species

'escription( 6a# trees have alternate leaves and acorn fruits. There are t$o main roups of oa#s( red and $hite. The red oa# roup has leaves $ith bristles and smooth bar# in the upper part of the tree. /ed oa# acorns ta#e + "ears to mature. The $hite oa# roup has leaves $ithout bristles and a rou h bar# in the upper portion of the tree. 7hite oa# acorns mature in * "ear. ,abitat and 'istribution( 6a# trees are found in man" habitats throu hout .orth America, &entral America, and parts of Europe and Asia. Edible Parts( All parts are edible, but often contain lar e !uantities of bitter substances. 7hite oa# acorns usuall" have a better flavor than red oa# acorns. 9ather and shell the acorns. 5oa# red oa# acorns in $ater for * to + da"s to remove the bitter substance. 8ou can speed up this process b" puttin $ood ashes in the $ater in $hich "ou soa# the acorns. Boil the acorns or rind them into flour and use the flour for ba#in . 8ou can use acorns that "ou ba#ed until ver" dar# as a coffee substitute. &A4TI6.( Tannic acid ives the acorns their bitter taste. Eatin an e)cessive amount of acorns hi h in tannic acid can lead to #idne" failure. Before eatin acorns, leach out this chemical. 6ther 4ses( 6a# $ood is e)cellent for buildin or burnin . 5mall oa#s can be split and cut into lon thin strips (C to < millimeters thic# and *.+ centimeters $ide) used to $eave mats, bas#ets, or frame$or#s for pac#s, sleds, furniture, etc. 6a# bar# soa#ed in $ater produces a tannin solution used to preserve leather. -----------------------------------------------------------------------6rach Atriple) species 'escription( This plant is vineli#e in ro$th and has arro$head-shaped, alternate leaves up to 2 cenitmeters lon . 8oun leaves ma"be silver-colored. Its flo$ers and fruits are small and inconspicuous. ,abitat and 'istribution( 6rach species are entiret" restricted to salt" soils. The" are found alon .orth America1s coasts and on the shores of al#aline la#es inland. The" are also found alon seashores from the Mediterranean countries to inland areas in .orth Africa and east$ard to Tur#e" and central 5iberia. Edible Parts( The entire plant is edible ra$ or boiled Edible and Medicinal Plants (P-5) Palmetto palm 5abal palmetto

'escription( The palmetto palm is a tall, unbranched tree $ith persistent leaf bases on most of the trun#. The leaves are lar e, simple, and palmatel" lobed. Its fruits are dar# blue or blac# $ith a hard seed. ,abitat and 'istribution( The palmetto palm is found throu hout the coastal re ions of the southeastern 4nited 5tates. Edible Parts( The fruits are edible ra$. The hard seeds ma" be round into flour. The heart of the palm is a nutritious food source at an" time. &ut off the top of the tree to obtain the palm heart. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Papa"a or pa$pa$ &arica papa"a 'escription( The papa"a is a small tree *.A to < meters tall, $ith a soft, hollo$ trun#. 7hen cut, the entire plant e)udes a mil#" 0uice. The trun# is rou h and the leaves are cro$ded at the trun#1s ape). The fruit ro$s directl" from the trun#, amon and belo$ the leaves. The fruit is reen before ripenin . 7hen ripe, it turns "ello$ or remains reenish $ith a s!uashli#e appearance. ,abitat and 'istribution( Papa"a is found in rain forests and semiever reen seasonal forests in tropical re ions and in some temperate re ions as $ell. ;oo# for it in moist areas near clearin s and former habitations. It is also found in open, sunn" places in uninhabited 0un le areas. Edible Parts( The ripe fruit is hi h in vitamin &. Eat it ra$ or coc# it li#e s!uash. Place reen fruit in the sun to ma#e it ripen !uic#l". &oo# the "oun papa"a leaves, flo$ers, and stems carefull", chan in the $ater as for taro. &A4TI6.( Be careful not to et the mil#" sap from the unripe fruit into "our e"es. It $ill cause intense pain and temporar"--sometimes even permanent--blindness.6ther 4ses( 4se the mil#" 0uice of the unripe fruit to tenderi-e tou h meat. /ub the 0uice on the meat. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Persimmon 'iosp"ros vir iniana and other species 'escription( These trees have alternate, dar# reen, elliptic leaves $ith entire mar ins. The flo$ers are inconspicuous. The fruits are oran e, have a stic#" consistenc", and have several seeds. ,abitat and 'istribution( The persimmon is a common forest mar in tree. It is $ide spread in Africa, eastern .orth America, and the %ar East. Edible Parts(

The leaves are a ood source of vitamin &. The fruits are edible ra$ or ba#ed. To ma#e tea, dr" the leaves and soa# them in hot $ater. 8ou can eat the roasted seeds. &A4TI6.( 5ome persons are unable to di est persimmon pulp. 4nripe persimmons are hi hl" astrin ent and inedible. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Pincushion cactus Mammilaria species 'escription( Members of this cactus roup are round, short, barrel-shaped, and $ithout leaves. 5harp spines cover the entire plant. ,abitat and 'istribution( These cacti are found throu hout much of the desert re ions of the $estern 4nited 5tates and parts of &entral America. Edible Parts( The" are a ood source of $ater in the desert. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Pine Pinus species 'escription( Pine trees are easil" reco ni-ed b" their needleli#e leaves rouped in bundles. Each bundle ma" contain one to five needles, the number var"in amon species. The tree1s odor and stic#" sap provide a simple $a" to distin uish pines from similar loo#in trees $ith needleli#e leaves. ,abitat and 'istribution( Pines prefer open, sunn" areas. The" are found throu hout .orth America, &entral America, much of the &aribbean re ion, .orth Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and some places in Asia. Edible Parts( The seeds of all species are edible. 8ou can collect the "oun male cones, $hich ro$ onl" in the sprin , as a survival food. Boil or ba#e the "oun cones. The bar# of "oun t$i s is edible. Peel off the bar# of thin t$i s. 8ou can che$ the 0uic" inner bar#G it is rich in su ar and vitamins. Eat the seeds ra$ or coo#ed. 9reen pine needle tea is hi h in vitamin &. 6ther 4ses ( 4se the resin to $aterproof articles. Also use it as lue. &ollect the resin from the tree. If there is not enou h resin on the tree, cut a notch in the bar# so more sap $ill seep out. Put the resin in a container and heat it. The hot resin is "our lue. 4se it as is or add a small amount of ash dust to stren then it. 4se it immediatel". 8ou can use hardened pine resin as an emer enc" dental fillin . ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Plantain, broad and narro$ leaf Planta o species 'escription( The broad leaf plantain has leaves over +.2 centimeters across that ro$ close to the round. The flo$ers are on a spi#e that rises from the middle of the cluster of leaves. The narro$ leaf plantain has leaves up to *+ centimeters lon and +.2 centimeters $ide, covered $ith hairs. The leaves form a rosette. The flo$ers are small and inconspicuous. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for these plants in la$ns and alon roads in the .orth Temperate Bone. This plant is a common $eed throu hout much of the $orld. Edible Parts( The "oun tender leaves are edible ra$. 6lder leaves should be coo#ed. 5eeds are edible ra$ or roasted. 6ther 4ses( To relieve pain from $ounds and sores, $ash and soa# the entire plant for a short time and appl" it to the in0ured area. To treat diarrhea, drin# tea made from +A rams (* ounce) of the plant leaves boiled in 3.2 liter of $ater. The seeds and seed hus#s act as la)atives. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Po#e$eed Ph"tolacca americana 'escription( This plant ma" ro$ as hi h as C meters. Its leaves are elliptic and up to * meter in len th. It produces man" lar e clusters of purple fruits in late sprin . ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for this plant in open, sunn" areas in forest clearin s, in fields, and alon roadsides in eastern .orth America, &entral America, and the &aribbean. Edible Parts( The "oun leaves and stems are edible coo#ed. Boil them t$ice, discardin the $ater from the first boilin . The fruits are edible if coo#ed. &A4TI6.( All parts of this plant are poisonous if eaten ra$. .ever eat the under round portions of the plant as these contain the hi hest concentrations of the poisons. 'o not eat an" plant over +2 centimeters tall or $hen red is sho$in in the plant. 6ther 4ses( 4se the 0uice of fresh berries as a d"e. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Pric#l" pear cactus 6puntia species 'escription( This cactus has flat, padli#e stems that are reen. Man" round, furr" dots that contain sharp-pointed hairs cover these stems. ,abitat and 'istribution(

This cactus is found in arid and semiarid re ions and in dr", sand" areas of $etter re ions throu hout most of the 4nited 5tates and &entral and 5outh America. 5ome species are planted in arid and semiarid re ions of other parts of the $orld. Edible Parts( All parts of the plant are edible. Peel the fruits and eat them fresh or crush them to prepare a refreshin drin#. Avoid the tin", pointed hairs. /oast the seeds and rind them to a flour. &A4TI6.( Avoid an" pric#l" pear cactus li#e plant $ith mil#" sap. 6ther 4ses( The pad is a ood source of $ater. Peel it carefull" to remove all sharp hairs before puttin it in "our mouth. 8ou can also use the pads to promote healin . 5plit them and appl" the pulp to $ounds. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Purslane Portulaca oleracea 'escription( This plant ro$s close to the round. It is seldom more than a fe$ centimeters tall. Its stems and leaves are flesh" and often tin ed $ith red. It has paddleshaped leaves, +.2 centimeter or less lon , clustered at the tips of the stems. Its flo$ers are "ello$ or pin#. Its seeds are tin" and blac#. ,abitat and 'istribution( It ro$s in full sun in cultivated fields, field mar ins, and other $eed" areas throu hout the $orld. Edible Parts( All parts are edible. 7ash and boil the plants for a tast" ve etable or eat them ra$. 4se the seeds as a flour substitute or eat them ra$. -----------------------------------------------------------------------/attan palm &alamus species 'escription( The rattan palm is a stout, robust climber. It has hoo#s on the midrib of its leaves that it uses to remain attached to trees on $hich it ro$s. 5ometimes, mature stems ro$ to :3 meters. It has alternate, compound leaves and a $hitish flo$er. ,abitat and 'istribution( The rattan palm is found from tropical Africa throu h Asia to the East Indies and Australia. It ro$s mainl" in rain forests. Edible Parts( /attan palms hold a considerable amount of starch in their "oun stem tips. 8ou can eat them roasted or ra$. In other #inds, a elatinous pulp, either s$eet or sour, surrounds the seeds. 8ou can suc# out this pulp. The palm heart is also edible ra$ or coo#ed. 6ther 4ses( 8ou can obtain lar e amounts of potable $ater b" cuttin the ends of the lon stems (see &hapter <). The stems can be used to ma#e bas#ets and fish traps.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------/eed Phra mites australis 'escription( This tall, coarse rass ro$s to C.2 meters tall and has ra"- reen leaves about > centimeters $ide. It has lar e masses of bro$n flo$er branches in earl" summer. These rarel" produce rain and become fluff", ra" masses late in the season. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for reed in an" open, $et area, especiall" one that has been disturbed throu h dred in . /eed is found throu hout the temperate re ions of both the .orthern and 5outhern ,emispheres. Edible Parts( All parts of the plant are edible ra$ or coo#ed in an" season. ,arvest the stems as the" emer e from the soil and boil them. 8ou can also harvest them 0ust before the" produce flo$ers, then dr" and beat them into flour. 8ou can also di up and boil the under round stems, but the" are often tou h. 5eeds are edible ra$ or boiled, but the" are rarel" found. -----------------------------------------------------------------------/eindeer moss &ladonia ran iferina 'escription( /eindeer moss is a lo$- ro$in plant onl" a fe$ centimeters tall. It does not flo$er but does produce bri ht red reproductive structures. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for this lichen in open, dr" areas. It is ver" common in much of .orth America. Edible Parts( The entire plant is edible but has a crunch", brittle te)ture. 5oa# the plant in $ater $ith some $ood ashes to remove the bitterness, then dr", crush, and add it to mil# or to other food. -----------------------------------------------------------------------/oc# tripe 4mbilicaria species 'escription( This plant forms lar e patches $ith curlin ed es. The top of the plant is usuall" blac#. The underside is li hter in color. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# on roc#s and boulders for this plant. It is common throu hout .orth America. Edible Parts(

The entire plant is edible. 5crape it off the roc# and $ash it to remove rit. The plant ma" be dr" and crunch"G soa# it in $ater until it becomes soft. /oc# tripes ma" contain lar e !uantities of bitter substancesG soa#in or boilin them in several chan es of $ater $ill remove the bitterness. &A4TI6.( There are some reports of poisonin from roc# tripe, so appl" the 4niversal Edibilit" Test. -----------------------------------------------------------------------/ose apple Eu enia 0ambos 'escription( This tree ro$s C to : meters hi h. It has opposite, simple, dar# reen, shin" leaves. 7hen fresh, it has fluff", "ello$ish- reen flo$ers and red to purple e -shaped fruit. ,abitat and 'istribution( This tree is $idel" planted in all of the tropics. It can also be found in a semi$ild state in thic#ets, $aste places, and secondar" forests. Edible Parts( The entire fruit is edible ra$ or coo#ed. -----------------------------------------------------------------------5a o palm Metro)"lon sa u 'escription( These palms are lo$ trees, rarel" over : meters tall, $ith a stout, spin" trun#. The outer rind is about 2 centimeters thic# and hard as bamboo. The rind encloses a spon " inner pith containin a hi h proportion of starch. It has t"pical palmli#e leaves clustered at the tip. ,abitat and 'istribution( 5a o palm is found in tropical rain forests. It flourishes in damp lo$lands in the Mala" Peninsula, .e$ 9uinea, Indonesia, the Philippines, and ad0acent islands. It is found mainl" in s$amps and alon streams, la#es, and rivers. Edible Parts( These palms, $hen available, are of reat use to the survivor. 6ne trun#, cut 0ust before it flo$ers, $ill "ield enou h sa o to feed a person for * "ear. 6btain sa o starch from nonflo$erin palms. To e)tract the edible sa e, cut a$a" the bar# len th$ise from one half of the trun#, and pound the soft, $hitish inner part (pith) as fine as possible. Hnead the pith in $ater and strain it throu h a coarse cloth into a container. The fine, $hite sa o $ill settle in the container. 6nce the sa o settles, it is read" for use. 5!uee-e off the e)cess $ater and let it dr". &oo# it as panca#es or oatmeal. T$o #ilo rams of sa o is the nutritional e!uivalent of *.2 #ilo rams of rice. The upper part of the trun#1s core does not "ield sa e, but "ou can roast it in lumps over a fire. 8ou can also eat the "oun sa o nuts and the ro$in shoots or palm cabba e. 6ther 4ses( 4se the stems of tall sor hums as thatchin materials.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------5assafras 5assafras albidum 'escription( This shrub or small tree bears different leaves on the same plant. 5ome leaves $ill have one lobe, some t$o lobes, and some no lobes. The flo$ers, $hich appear in earl" sprin , are small and "ello$. The fruits are dar# blue. The plant parts have a characteristics root beer smell. ,abitat and 'istribution( 5assafras ro$s at the mar ins of roads and forests, usuall" in open, sunn" areas. It is a common tree throu hout eastern .orth America. Edible Parts( The "oun t$i s and leaves are edible fresh or dried. 8ou can add dried "oun t$i s and leaves to soups. 'i the under round portion, peel off the bar#, and let it dr". Then boil it in $ater to prepare sassafras tea. 6ther 4ses( 5hred the tender t$i s for use as a toothbrush. -----------------------------------------------------------------------5a)aul ,alo)"lon ammondendron 'escription( The sa)aul is found either as a small tree or as a lar e shrub $ith heav", coarse $ood and spon ", $ater-soa#ed bar#. The branches of the "oun trees are vivid reen and pendulous. The flo$ers are small and "ello$. ,abitat and 'istribution( The sa)aul is found in desert and arid areas. It is found on the arid salt deserts of &entral Asia, particularl" in the Tur#estan re ion and east of the &aspian 5ea. Edible Parts( The thic# bar# acts as a $ater stora e or an. 8ou can et drin#in $ater b" pressin !uantities of the bar#. This plant is an important source of $ater in the arid re ions in $hich it ro$s. -----------------------------------------------------------------------5cre$ pine Pandanus species 'escription( The scre$ pine is a stran e plant on stilts, or prop roots, that support the plant aboveround so that it appears more or less suspended in midair. These plants are either

shrubb" or treeli#e, C to : meters tall, $ith stiff leaves havin sa$li#e ed es. The fruits are lar e, rou hened balls resemblin pineapples, but $ithout the tuft of leaves at the end. ,abitat and 'istribution( The scre$ pine is a tropical plant that ro$s in rain forests and semiever reen seasonal forests. It is found mainl" alon seashores, althou h certain #inds occur inland for some distance, from Mada ascar to southern Asia and the islands of the south$estern Pacific. There are about *A3 t"pes. Edible Parts( Hnoc# the ripe fruit to the round to separate the fruit se ments from the hard outer coverin . &he$ the inner flesh" part. &oo# fruit that is not full" ripe in an earth oven. Before coo#in , $rap the $hole fruit in banana leaves, breadfruit leaves, or an" other suitable thic#, leather" leaves. After coo#in for about + hours, "ou can che$ fruit se ments li#e ripe fruit. 9reen fruit is inedible. -----------------------------------------------------------------------5ea orach Atriple) halimus 'escription( The sea orach is a sparin l" branched herbaceous plant $ith small, ra"-colored leaves up to +.2 centimeters lon . 5ea orach resembles Iamb1s !uarter, a common $eed in most ardens in the 4nited 5tates. It produces its flo$ers in narro$, densel" compacted spi#es at the tips of its branches. ,abitat and 'istribution( The sea orach is found in hi hl" al#aline and salt" areas alon seashores from the Mediterranean countries to inland areas in .orth Africa and east$ard to Tur#e" and central 5iberia. 9enerall", it can be found in tropical scrub and thorn forests, steppes in temperate re ions, and most desert scrub and $aste areas. Edible Parts( Its leaves are edible. In the areas $here it ro$s, it has the health" reputation of bein one of the fe$ native plants that can sustain man in times of $ant. -----------------------------------------------------------------------5heep sorrel /ume) acerosella 'escription( These plants are seldom more than C3 centimeters tall. The" have alternate leaves, often $ith arro$li#e bases, ver" small flo$ers, and fre!uentl" reddish stems. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for these plants in old fields and other disturbed areas in .orth America and Europe. Edible Parts(

The plants are edible ra$ or coo#ed. &A4TI6.( These plants contain o)alic acid that can be dama in if too man" plants are eaten ra$. &oo#in seems to destro" the chemical. -----------------------------------------------------------------------5or hum 5or hum species 'escription( There are man" different #inds of sor hum, all of $hich bear rains in heads at the top of the plants. The rains are bro$n, $hite, red, or blac#. 5or hum is the main food crop in man" parts of the $orld. ,abitat and 'istribution( 5or hum is found $orld$ide, usuall" in $armer climates. All species are found in open, sunn" areas. Edible Parts( The rains are edible at an" sta e of development. 7hen "oun , the rains are mil#" and edible ra$. Boil the older rains. 5or hum is a nutritious food. 6ther 4ses( 4se the stems of tall sor hum as buildin materials. -----------------------------------------------------------------------5patterdoc# or "ello$ $ater lil" .uphar species 'escription( This plant has leaves up to <3 centimeters lon $ith a trian ular notch at the base. The shape of the leaves is some$hat variable. The plant1s "ello$ flo$ers are +.2 centimeter across and develop into bottle-shaped fruits. The fruits are reen $hen ripe. ,abitat and 'istribution( These plants ro$ throu hout most of .orth America. The" are found in !uiet, fresh, shallo$ $ater (never deeper than *.A meters). Edible Parts( All parts of the plant are edible. The fruits contain several dar# bro$n seeds "ou can parch or roast and then rind into flour. The lar e rootstoc# contains starch. 'i it out of the mud, peel off the outside, and boil the flesh. 5ometimes the rootstoc# contains lar e !uantities of a ver" bitter compound. Boilin in several chan es of $ater ma" remove the bitterness. -----------------------------------------------------------------------5terculia 5terculia foetida

'escription( 5terculias are tall trees, risin in some instances to C3 meters. Their leaves are either undivided or palmatel" lobed. Their flo$ers are red or purple. The fruit of all sterculias is similar in aspect, $ith a red, se mented seedpod containin man" edible blac# seeds. ,abitat and 'istribution( There are over *33 species of sterculias distributed throu h all $arm or tropical climates. The" are mainl" forest trees. Edible Parts( The lar e, red pods produce a number of edible seeds. The seeds of all sterculias are edible and have a pleasant taste similar to cocoa. 8ou can eat them li#e nuts, either ra$ or roasted. &A4TI6.( Avoid eatin lar e !uantities. The seeds ma" have a la)ative effect. -----------------------------------------------------------------------5tra$berr" %ra aria species 'escription( 5tra$berr" is a small plant $ith a three-leaved ro$th pattern. It has small, $hite flo$ers usuall" produced durin the sprin . Its fruit is red and flesh". ,abitat and 'istribution( 5tra$berries are found in the .orth Temperate Bone and also in the hi h mountains of the southern 7estern ,emisphere. 5tra$berries prefer open, sunn" areas. The" are commonl" planted. Edible Parts( The fruit is edible fresh, coo#ed, or dried. 5tra$berries are a ood source of vitamin &. 8ou can also eat the plant1s leaves or dr" them and ma#e a tea $ith them. 7A/.I.9 Eat onl" $hite-flo$erin true stra$berries. 6ther similar plants $ithout $hite flo$ers can be poisonous. -----------------------------------------------------------------------5u arcane 5accharum officinarum 'escription( This plant ro$s up to >.2 meters tall. It is a rass and has rassli#e leaves. Its reen or reddish stems are s$ollen $here the leaves ro$. &ultivated su arcane seldom flo$ers. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for su arcane in fields. It ro$s onl" in the tropics (throu hout the $orld). Because it is a crop, it is often found in lar e numbers. Edible Parts( The stem is an e)cellent source of su ar and is ver" nutritious. Peel the outer portion off $ith "our teeth and eat the su arcane ra$. 8ou can also s!uee-e 0uice out of the su arcane.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------5u ar palm Aren a pinnata 'escription( This tree ro$s about *2 meters hi h and has hu e leaves up to < meters lon . .eedleli#e structures stic# out of the bases of the leaves. %lo$ers ro$ belo$ the leaves and form lar e conspicuous dusters from $hich the fruits ro$. ,abitat and 'istribution( This palm is native to the East Indies but has been planted in man" parts off the tropics. It can be found at the mar ins of forests. Edible Parts( The chief use of this palm is for su ar. ,o$ever, its seeds and the tip of its stems are a survival food. Bruise a "oun flo$er stal# $ith a stone or similar ob0ect and collect the 0uice as it comes out. It is an e)cellent source of su ar. Boil the seeds. 4se the tip of the stems as a ve etable. &A4TI6.( The flesh coverin the seeds ma" cause dermatitis. 6ther 4ses( The sha " material at the base of the leaves ma#es an e)cellent rope as it is stron and resists deca". -----------------------------------------------------------------------5$eetsop Annona s!uamosa 'escription( This tree is small, seldom more than < meters tall, and multi-branched. It has alternate, simple, elon ate, dar# reen leaves. Its fruit is reen $hen ripe, round in shape, and covered $ith protrudin bumps on its surface. The fruit1s flesh is $hite and cream". ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for s$eetsop at mar ins of fields, near villa es, and around homesites in tropical re ions. Edible Parts( The fruit flesh is edible ra$. 6ther 4ses( 8ou can use the finel" round seeds as an insecticide. &A4TI6.( The round seeds are e)tremel" dan erous to the e"es. Edible and Medicinal Plants (T-8) Tamarind Tamarindus indica 'escription( The tamarind is a lar e, densel" branched tree, up to +2 meters tall. Its has pinnate leaves (divided li#e a feather) $ith *3 to *2 pairs of leaflets. ,abitat and 'istribution(

The tamarind ro$s in the drier parts of Africa, Asia, and the Philippines. Althou h it is thou ht to be a native of Africa, it has been cultivated in India for so lon that it loo#s li#e a native tree. It is also found in the American tropics, the 7est Indies, &entral America, and tropical 5outh America. Edible Parts( The pulp surroundin the seeds is rich in vitamin & and is an important survival food. 8ou can ma#e a pleasantl" acid drin# b" mi)in the pulp $ith $ater and su ar or hone" and lettin the mi)ture mature for several da"s. 5uc# the pulp to relieve thirst. &oo# the "oun , unripe fruits or seedpods $ith meat. 4se the "oun leaves in soup. 8ou must coo# the seeds. /oast them above a fire or in ashes. Another $a" is to remove the seed coat and soa# the seeds in salted $ater and rated coconut for +> hours, then coo# them. 8ou can peel the tamarind bar# and che$ it. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Taro, coco"am, elephant ears, eddo, dasheen &olocasia and Alocasia species 'escription( All plants in these roups have lar e leaves, sometimes up to *.A meters tall, that ro$ from a ver" short stem. The rootstoc# is thic# and flesh" and filled $ith starch. ,abitat and 'istribution( These plants ro$ in the humid tropics. ;oo# for them in fields and near homesites and villa es. Edible Parts( All parts of the plant are edible $hen boiled or roasted. 7hen boilin , chan e the $ater once to et rid of an" poison. &A4TI6.( If eaten ra$, these plants $ill cause a serious inflammation of the mouth and throat. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Thistle &irsium species 'escription( This plant ma" ro$ as hi h as *.2 meters. Its leaves are lon -pointed, deepl" lobed, and pric#l". ,abitat and 'istribution( Thistles ro$ $orld$ide in dr" $oods and fields. Edible Parts( Peel the stal#s, cut them into short sections, and boil them before eatin . The roots are edible ra$ or coo#ed. &A4TI6.( 5ome thistle species are poisonous. 6ther 4ses( T$ist the tou h fibers of the stems to ma#e a stron t$ine. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ti &ord"line terminalis 'escription( The ti has unbranched stems $ith strapli#e leaves often clustered at the tip of the stem. The leaves var" in color and ma" be reen or reddish. The flo$ers ro$ at the plant1s top in lar e, plumeli#e clusters. The ti ma" ro$ up to >.2 meters tall. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for this plant at the mar ins of forests or near homesites in tropical areas. It is native to the %ar East but is no$ $idel" planted in tropical areas $orld$ide. Edible Parts( The roots and ver" tender "oun leaves are ood survival food. Boil or ba#e the short, stout roots found at the base of the plant. The" are a valuable source of starch. Boil the ver" "oun leaves to eat. 8ou can use the leaves to $rap other food to coo# over coals or to steam. 6ther 4ses( 4se the leaves to cover shelters or to ma#e a rain cloa#. &ut the leaves into liners for shoesG this $or#s especiall" $ell if "ou have a blister. %ashion temporar" sandals from the ti leaves. The terminal leaf, if not completel" unfurled, can be used as a sterile banda e. &ut the leaves into strips, then braid the strips into rope. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Tree fern ?arious enera 'escription( Tree ferns are tall trees $ith lon , slender trun#s that often have a ver" rou h, bar#li#e coverin . ;ar e, lac" leaves uncoil from the top of the trun#. ,abitat and 'istribution( Tree ferns are found in $et, tropical forests. Edible Parts( The "oun leaves and the soft inner portion of the trun# are edible. Boil the "oun leaves and eat as reens. Eat the inner portion of the trun# ra$ or ba#e it. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Tropical almond Terminalia catappa 'escription( This tree ro$s up to : meters tall. Its leaves are ever reen, leather", >2 centimeters lon , *2 centimeters $ide, and ver" shin". It has small, "ello$ish- reen flo$ers. Its fruit is flat, *3 centimeters lon , and not !uite as $ide. The fruit is reen $hen ripe. ,abitat and 'istribution( This tree is usuall" found ro$in near the ocean. It is a common and often abundant tree in the &aribbean and &entral and 5outh America. It is also found in the tropical rain forests of southeastern Asia, northern Australia, and Pol"nesia.

Edible Parts( The seed is a ood source of food. /emove the flesh", reen coverin and eat the seed ra$ or coo#ed. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7alnut Du lans species 'escription( 7alnuts ro$ on ver" lar e trees, often reachin *A meters tall. The divided leaves characteri-e all $alnut spades. The $alnut itself has a thic# outer hus# that must be removed to reach the hard inner shell of the nut. ,abitat and 'istribution( The En lish $alnut, in the $ild state, is found from southeastern Europe across Asia to &hina and is abundant in the ,imala"as. 5everal other species of $alnut are found in &hina and Dapan. The blac# $alnut is common in the eastern 4nited 5tates. Edible Parts( The nut #ernel ripens in the autumn. 8ou et the $alnut meat b" crac#in the shell. 7alnut meats are hi hl" nutritious because of their protein and oil content. 6ther 4ses( 8ou can boil $alnuts and use the 0uice as an antifun al a ent. The hus#s of @ reen@ $alnuts produce a dar# bro$n d"e for clothin or camoufla e. &rush the hus#s of @ reen@ blac# $alnuts and sprin#le them into slu ish $ater or ponds for use as fish poison. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ater chestnut Trapa natans 'escription( The $ater chestnut is an a!uatic plant that roots in the mud and has finel" divided leaves that ro$ under$ater. Its floatin leaves are much lar er and coarsel" toothed. The fruits, borne under$ater, have four sharp spines on them. ,abitat and 'istribution( The $ater chestnut is a fresh$ater plant onl". It is a native of Asia but has spread to man" parts of the $orld in both temperate and tropical areas. Edible Parts( The fruits are edible ra$ and coo#ed. The seeds are also a source of food. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ater lettuce &eratopteris species 'escription(

The leaves of $ater lettuce are much li#e lettuce and are ver" tender and succulent. 6ne of the easiest $a"s of distin uishin $ater lettuce is b" the little plantlets that ro$ from the mar ins of the leaves. These little plantlets ro$ in the shape of a rosette. 7ater lettuce plants often cover lar e areas in the re ions $here the" are found. ,abitat and 'istribution( %ound in the tropics throu hout the 6ld 7orld in both Africa and Asia. Another #ind is found in the .e$ 7orld tropics from %lorida to 5outh America. 7ater lettuce ro$s onl" in ver" $et places and often as a floatin $ater plant. ;oo# for $ater lettuce in still la#es, ponds, and the bac#$aters of rivers. Edible Parts( Eat the fresh leaves li#e lettuce. Be careful not to dip the leaves in the contaminated $ater in $hich the" are ro$in . Eat onl" the leaves that are $ell out of the $ater. &A4TI6.( This plant has carcino enic properties and should onl" be used as a last resort. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ater lil" ."mphaea odorata 'escription( These plants have lar e, trian ular leaves that float on the $ater1s surface, lar e, fra rant flo$ers that are usuall" $hite, or red, and thic#, flesh" rhi-omes that ro$ in the mud. ,abitat and 'istribution( 7ater lilies are found throu hout much of the temperate and subtropical re ions. Edible Parts( The flo$ers, seeds, and rhi-omes are edible ra$ or coo#ed. To prepare rhi-omes for eatin , peel off the cor#" rind. Eat ra$, or slice thinl", allo$ to dr", and then rind into flour. 'r", parch, and rind the seeds into flour. 6ther 4ses( 4se the li!uid resultin from boilin the thic#ened root in $ater as a medicine for diarrhea and as a ar le for sore throats. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ater plantain Alisma planta o-a!uatica 'escription( This plant has small, $hite flo$ers and heart-shaped leaves $ith pointed tips. The leaves are clustered at the base of the plant. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for this plant in fresh $ater and in $et, full sun areas in Temperate and Tropical Bones. Edible Parts( The rootstoc#s are a ood source of starch. Boil or soa# them in $ater to remove the bitter taste. &A4TI6.( To avoid parasites, al$a"s coo# a!uatic plants.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------7ild caper &apparis aph"lla 'escription( This is a thorn" shrub that loses its leaves durin the dr" season. Its stems are ra"- reen and its flo$ers pin#. ,abitat and 'istribution( These shrubs form lar e stands in scrub and thorn forests and in desert scrub and $aste. The" are common throu hout .orth Africa and the Middle East. Edible Parts( The fruit and the buds of "oun shoots are edible ra$. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ild crab apple or $ild apple Malus species 'escription( Most $ild apples loo# enou h li#e domestic apples that the survivor can easil" reco ni-e them. 7ild apple varieties are much smaller than cultivated #indsG the lar est #inds usuall" do not e)ceed 2 to =.2 centimeters in diameter, and most often less. The" have small, alternate, simple leaves and often have thorns. Their flo$ers are $hite or pin# and their fruits reddish or "ello$ish. ,abitat and 'istribution( The" are found in the savanna re ions of the tropics. In temperate areas, $ild apple varieties are found mainl" in forested areas. Most fre!uentl", the" are found on the ed e of $oods or in fields. The" are found throu hout the .orthern ,emisphere. Edible Parts( Prepare $ild apples for eatin in the same manner as cultivated #inds. Eat them fresh, $hen ripe, or coo#ed. 5hould "ou need to store food, cut the apples into thin slices and dr" them. The" are a ood source of vitamins. &A4TI6.( Apple seeds contain c"anide compounds. 'o not eat. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ild desert ourd or coloc"nth &itrullus coloc"nthis 'escription( The $ild desert ourd, a member of the $atermelon famil", produces an +.>- to C- meterlon round-trailin vine. The perfectl" round ourds are as lar e as an oran e. The" are "ello$ $hen ripe. ,abitat and 'istribution(

This creepin plant can be found in an" climatic -one, enerall" in desert scrub and $aste areas. It ro$s abundantl" in the 5ahara, in man" Arab countries, on the southeastern coast of India, and on some of the islands of the Ae ean 5ea. The $ild desert ourd $ill ro$ in the hottest localities. Edible Parts( The seeds inside the ripe ourd are edible after the" are completel" separated from the ver" bitter pulp. /oast or boil the seeds--their #ernels are rich in oil. The flo$ers are edible. The succulent stem tips can be che$ed to obtain $ater. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ild doc# and $ild sorrel /ume) crispus and /ume) acetosella 'escription( 7ild doc# is a stout plant $ith most of its leaves at the base of its stem that is commonl" *2 to C3 centimeters bri . The plants usuall" develop from a stron , flesh", carrotli#e taproot. Its flo$ers are usuall" ver" small, ro$in in reen to purplish plumeli#e clusters. 7ild sorrel similar to the $ild doc# but smaller. Man" of the basal leaves are arro$-shaped but smaller than those of the doc# and contain a sour 0uice. ,abitat and 'istribution( These plants can be found in almost all climatic -ones of the $orld, in areas of hi h as $ell as lo$ rainfall. Man" #inds are found as $eeds in fields, alon roadsides, and in $aste places. Edible Parts( Because of tender nature of the folia e, the sorrel and the doc# are useful plants, especiall" in desert areas. 8ou can eat their succulent leaves fresh or sli htl" coo#ed. To ta#e a$a" the stron taste, chan e the $ater once or t$ice durin coo#in . This latter tip is a useful hint in preparin man" #inds of $ild reens. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ild fi %icus species 'escription( These trees have alternate, simple leaves $ith entire mar ins. 6ften, the leaves are dar# reen and shin". All fi s have a mil#", stic#" 0uice. The fruits var" in si-e dependin on the species, but are usuall" "ello$-bro$n $hen ripe. ,abitat and 'istribution( %i s are plants of the tropics and semitropics. The" ro$ in several different habitats, includin dense forests, mar ins of forests, and around human settlements. Edible Parts( The fruits are edible ra$ or coo#ed. 5ome fi s have little flavor. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

7ild ourd or luffa spon e ;uffa c"lindrica 'escription( The luffa spon e is $idel" distributed and fairl" t"pical of a $ild s!uash. There are several do-en #inds of $ild s!uashes in tropical re ions. ;i#e most s!uashes, the luffa is a vine $ith leaves =.2 to +3 centimeters across havin C lobes. 5ome s!uashes have leaves t$ice this si-e. ;uffa fruits are oblon or c"lindrical, smooth, and man"-seeded. ;uffa flo$ers are bri ht "ello$. The luffa fruit, $hen mature, is bro$n and resembles the cucumber. ,abitat and 'istribution( A member of the s!uash famil", $hich also includes the $atermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumber, the luffa spon e is $idel" cultivated throu hout the Tropical Bone. It ma" be found in a semi$ild state in old clearin s and abandoned ardens in rain forests and semiever reen seasonal forests. Edible Parts( 8ou can boil the "oun reen (half-ripe) fruit and eat them as a ve etable. Addin coconut mil# $ill improve the flavor. After ripenin , the luffa spon e develops an inedible spon eli#e te)ture in the interior of the fruit. 8ou can also eat the tender shoots, flo$ers, and "oun leaves after coo#in them. /oast the mature seeds a little and eat them li#e peanuts. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ild rape vine ?itis species 'escription( The $ild rape vine climbs $ith the aid of tendrils. Most rape vines produce deepl" lobed leaves similar to the cultivated rape. 7ild rapes ro$ in p"ramidal, han in bunches and are blac#-blue to amber, or $hite $hen ripe. ,abitat and 'istribution( 7ild rapes are distributed $orld$ide. 5ome #inds are found in deserts, others in temperate forests, and others in tropical areas. 7ild rapes are commonl" found throu hout the eastern 4nited 5tates as $ell as in the south$estern desert areas. Most #inds are rampant climbers over other ve etation. The best place to loo# for $ild rapes is on the ed es of forested areas. 7ild rapes are also found in Me)ico. In the 6ld 7orld, $ild rapes are found from the Mediterranean re ion east$ard throu h Asia, the East Indies, and to Australia. Africa also has several #inds of $ild rapes. Edible Parts( The ripe rape is the portion eaten. 9rapes are rich in natural su ars and, for this reason, are much sou ht after as a source of ener "- ivin $ild food. .one are poisonous. 6ther 4ses( 8ou can obtain $ater from severed rape vine stems. &ut off the vine at the bottom and place the cut end in a container. Ma#e a slant-$ise cut into the vine about *.A meters upon the han in part. This cut $ill allo$ $ater to flo$ from the bottom end. As $ater

diminishes in volume, ma#e additional cuts further do$n the vine. &A4TI6.( To avoid poisonin , do not eat rapeli#e fruits $ith onl" a sin le seed (moonseed). -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ild onion and arlic Allium species 'escription( Allium cernuum is an e)ample of the man" species of $ild onions and arlics, all easil" reco ni-ed b" their distinctive odor. ,abitat and 'istribution( 7ild onions and arlics are found in open, sunn" areas throu hout the temperate re ions. &ultivated varieties are found an"$here in the $orld. Edible Parts( The bulbs and "oun leaves are edible ra$ or coo#ed. 4se in soup or to flavor meat. &A4TI6.( There are several plants $ith onionli#e bulbs that are e)tremel" poisonous. Be certain that the plant "ou are usin is a true onion or arlic. 'o not eat bulbs $ith no onion smell.6ther 4ses( Eatin lar e !uantities of onions $ill ive "our bod" an odor that $ill help to repel insects. 9arlic 0uice $or#s as an antibiotic on $ounds -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ild pistachio Pistacia species 'escription( 5ome #inds of pistachio trees are ever reen, $hile others lose their leaves durin the dr" season. The leaves alternate on the stem and have either three lar e leaves or a number of leaflets. The fruits or nuts are usuall" hard and dr" at maturit". ,abitat and 'istribution( About seven #inds of $ild pistachio nuts are found in desert, or semidesert areas surroundin the Mediterranean 5ea to Tur#e" and Af hanistan. It is enerall" found in ever reen scrub forests or scrub and thorn forests. Edible Parts( 8ou can eat the oil nut #ernels after parchin them over coals. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ild rice Bi-ania a!uatica 'escription( 7ild rice is a tall rass that avera es * to *.2 meters in hei ht, but ma" reach >.2 meters. Its rain ro$s in ver" loose heads at the top of the plant and is dar# bro$n or blac#ish $hen ripe.

,abitat and 'istribution( 7ild rice ro$s onl" in ver" $et areas in tropical and temperate re ions. Edible Parts( 'urin the sprin and summer, the central portion of the lo$er sterns and root shoots are edible. /emove the tou h coverin before eatin . 'urin the late summer and fail, collect the stra$-covered hus#s. 'r" and parch the hus#s, brea# them, and remove the rice. Boil or roast the rice and then beat it into flour. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ild rose /osa species 'escription( This shrub ro$s <3 centimeters to +.2 meters hi h. It has alternate leaves and sharp pric#les. Its flo$ers ma" be red, pin#, or "ello$. Its fruit, called rose hip, sta"s on the shrub "ear-round. ,abitat and 'istribution( ;oo# for $ild roses in dr" fields and open $oods throu hout the .orthern ,emisphere. Edible Parts( The flo$ers and buds are edible ra$ or boiled. In an emer enc", "ou can peel and eat the "oun shoots. 8ou can boil fresh, "oun leaves in $ater to ma#e a tea. After the flo$er petals fall, eat the rose hipsG the pulp is hi hl" nutritious and an e)cellent source of vitamin &. &rush or rind dried rose hips to ma#e flour. &A4TI6.( Eat onl" the outer portion of the fruit as the seeds of some species are !uite pric#l" and can cause internal distress. -----------------------------------------------------------------------7ood sorrel 6)alis species 'escription( 7ood sorrel resembles shamroc# or four-leaf clover, $ith a bell-shaped pin#, "ello$, or $hite flo$er. ,abitat and 'istribution( 7ood sorrel is found in Temperate Bones $orld$ide, in la$ns, open areas, and sunn" $oods. Edible Parts( &oo# the entire plant. &A4TI6.( Eat onl" small amounts of this plant as it contains a fairl" hi h concentration of o)alic acid that can be harmful. -----------------------------------------------------------------------8am 'ioscorea species

'escription( These plants are vines that creep alon the round. The" have alternate, heart-or arro$shaped leaves. Their rootstoc# ma" be ver" lar e and $ei h man" #ilo rams. ,abitat and 'istribution( True "ams are restricted to tropical re ions $here the" are an important food crop. ;oo# for "ams in fields, clearin s, and abandoned ardens. The" are found in rain forests, semiever reen seasonal forests, and scrub and thorn forests in the tropics. In $arm temperate areas, the" are found in seasonal hard$ood or mi)ed hard$ood-coniferous forests, as $ell as some mountainous areas. Edible Parts( Boil the rootstoc# and eat it as a ve etable. -----------------------------------------------------------------------8am bean Pach"rhi-us erosus 'escription( The "am bean is a climbin plant of the bean famil", $ith alternate, three-parted leaves and a turnipli#e root. The bluish or purplish flo$ers are peali#e in shape. The plants are often so rampant that the" cover the ve etation upon $hich the" are ro$in . ,abitat and 'istribution( The "am bean is native to the American tropics, but it $as carried b" man "ears a o to Asia and the Pacific islands. .o$ it is commonl" cultivated in these places, and is also found ro$in $ild in forested areas. This plant ro$s in $et areas of tropical re ions. Edible Parts( The tubers are about the si-e of a turnip and the" are crisp, s$eet, and 0uic" and have a nutt" flavor. The" are nourishin and at the same time !uench the thirst. Eat them ra$ or boiled. To ma#e flour, slice the ra$ tubers, let them dr" in the sun, and rind into a flour that is hi h in starch and ma" be used to thic#en soup. &A4TI6.( The ra$ seeds are poisonous.I