Why in the News?

The silver cockscomb plant, which is typically thought of as a weed but has been shown to have benefits, is used by the Soliga tribal community.

About Silver cockscomb:

• This plant is a short-lived, reaching a height of 50-60 cm, often considered a weed, displaying simple, spirally arranged leaves with pinkish or silky white flowers.
• In Karnataka's Chamarajanagara district, it is locally known as "anne soppu," while in other regions, it is referred to as "lagos spinach."
• It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, which includes economically significant plants like spinach (Spinacia oleracea), beetroot, and quinoa.
• Scientifically named Celosia argentea, it goes by the names "kurdu" in Marathi and "pannai keerai" in Tamil.
• The plant thrives even on fallow land and in drought-like conditions, displaying resilience and adaptability.
• Notably, its leaves have lower levels of oxalic acid and phytic acid, making it nutritionally beneficial for consumption.

Soliga Tribe:

• They are an indigenous tribe of Karnataka.
• Their settlements are located in the outskirts of Biligiri Rangana Hills and Male Mahadeshwara in the Chamarajnagar district of Karnataka, amidst the surrounding forest areas.
• Notably, they hold the distinction of being the first tribal community residing within a tiger reserve in India to have their forest rights formally acknowledged and recognized by a court of law.