The walnut (Jugans spp.) is a softwood tree grown and used worldwide for medicinal purposes, for its timber, and most for its eponymous fruit.[1][2] The walnut species found in Nepal is Juglans regia,[3] which is known locally as okhar.[4]

The okhar tree is native to the mountainous areas of Central Asia, including Nepal.[3][5] It is grown in the country's High Mountains region with an elevation of 1000- 4000 m.[6] Walnut trees can be found across the temperate regions of the country as well.[7]

In Nepal, one of the primary uses of the Okhar tree is the harvesting of its fruit.[8] Although rarely used as a commercial crop, the walnut has been used as a traditional indigenous medicine and as a subsistence food item.[8] In Nepal the nuts and bark have been used to treat skin disorders among other ailments.[9] Aryal, Berg & Ogle, 2009 also reference the religious use of the walnut. Walnuts are one of the uncultivated foods of Nepal that have shown to be profitable, although not widespread for low income individuals.[8] Nepalese law forbids the cutting down of walnut trees and the sale of walnut lumber.[4][10]

References

  1. ^ Taha, N.A., Al-wadaan, M.A. (2011). Utility and importance of walnut, Juglans regia Linn: A review. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 5 (32), 5796-5805.
  2. ^ Molnar, T. J., Zaurov, D. E., Capik, J. M., Eisenman, S. W., Ford, T., Nikolyi, L. V., Funk, C. R. (2011). Persian walnuts (Juglans regia L.) in Central Asia. Northern Nut Growers Association 101st Annual Report, 56-69.
  3. ^ a b FAO. (2004). Inventory of walnut research, germplasm and references. E. Germain (Eds.). Rome: FAO Technical Series 66.
  4. ^ a b Acharya, K. P. (2006). Linking trees on farms with biodiversity conservation in subsistence farming systems in Nepal. Biodiversity and Conservation, 15, 631-646.
  5. ^ Acharya, G. P., Koirala, P. N., Neupane, L., Devkota, S. C. (2009). Livelihood option from minor forest produce: context of non timber forest product and poverty reduction in mid hills of Nepal. Journal of Wetlands Ecology, 2, 55-66.
  6. ^ Devkota, L. N. (1999). Deciduous fruit production in Nepal, In Papademetriou, M. K., Herath, E. M. (Eds.) Deciduous Fruit Production in Asia and the Pacific. Rome: FAO.
  7. ^ Dhakal, L. P., Shrestha, K. R., Shrestha, K. B., Lilleso, J-P. B. (2003). Tree planting zones for the benefits to the small holders in Nepal. World Agroforestry Centre, 1-18.
  8. ^ a b c Aryal, K. P., Berg, A., Ogle, B. (2009). Uncultivated plants and livelihood support—a case study from the Chepang people of Nepal. Journal of Ethnobotany Research & Applications, 7, 409-422.
  9. ^ Dutta, I. C. (2003). A Compendium of Tree Species of Nepal. Mr. & Mrs. R.B. Thakur. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  10. ^ Larsen, H. O., Rayamajhi, S., Chherti, B. B. K., Charlery, L. C., Gautam, N., Khadka, N., Puri, L., Rutt, R. L., Shivakoti, T., Thorsen, R. S., Walelign, S. Z. (2014) The role of environmental incomes in rural Nelalese livelihoods 2005-2012. Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagan (IFRO Documentation), 1-302.
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