Vol. 9, Special Issue 9, Part Z (2025)

Indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) represent a vital yet underutilized component of agrobiodiversity and food systems, particularly in rural and tribal communities across the globe. This review synthesizes existing knowledge on the taxonomic diversity, nutritional composition, ethnobotanical relevance, agroecological adaptability, and socioeconomic contributions of ILVs, with a special focus on India. The floristic richness spans multiple botanical families, including Amaranthaceae, Malvaceae, and Chenopodiaceae, encompassing genera such as Amaranthus, Corchorus, Basella, and Chenopodium. ILVs are deeply embedded in indigenous knowledge systems and traditional food cultures, valued for their roles in nutrition, medicine, and food security. Nutritionally, they are rich in micronutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamin A precursors, and exhibit significant levels of bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolics. Their adaptability to marginal environments and resilience to abiotic stress highlight their potential for climate-resilient agriculture. Despite their promise, ILVs face challenges such as declining traditional knowledge, low market visibility, and limited research investment. This review emphasizes the need for integrated conservation strategies—both in situ and ex situ—coupled with policy support, community-based initiatives, and value chain development to harness their full potential. Future research should focus on genomic characterization, nutritional optimization, and mainstreaming ILVs into national food systems. Recognizing and promoting ILVs can play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and improved nutritional outcomes.