Ethnobotany and ethnoconservation of Aegle marmelos ( L . )

The paper highlights the ethnobotany and ethnoconservation of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, generally known as Bael. Of 66 ethnobotanical uses of bael documented, 48 were found to be medicinal and 18 were of other ethnobotanical purposes. The importance of bael in ethnomedicine and for religious purposes is of utmost significance. Almost all parts of bael tree are used in preparing herbal medicine. The most common use of bael is to cure the gastrointestinal disorders. Historically, certain ethnoconservation norms have been set-aside with a view to conserve such an important tree species for its long-term sustainability.