Existence of Vitamin C Fruit Sources in the Kani Tribal Settlements of South TamilNadu

Abstract

Kani tribes are one of the important tribals of the Western Ghats of south India. They are well versed in traditional medicines to treat various ailments. Their food materials are rich in all vital compounds necessary for the day to day life. Their main occupation is agriculture. They cultivated many fruits including citrus plants. A field study was conducted in the Kani trible settlement of Kanyakumari district of TamilNadu and borders of kerala. From them we were able to collect 15 different kinds of plant species cultivated by the Kani tribes which belong to 8 different families contain vitamin C in the fruits. The vitamin C content for the 15 fruits were estimated and among the 15 plants sources, the Bambilimas has the maximum vitamin C content.