Corylus jacquemontii Decne: A review on its taxonomy, distribution and cultivation practices

The endemic people, that live in Indian Himalayan region (IHR), are largely dangling on plant resources for their livelihood. There are various economically significant plants out of which wild edible plants are used for oil, spices and other seasonal materials such as jams, pickles, flowers, etc. Corylus jacquemontii, also known as the Himalayan hazelnut, is a species of hazelnut native to the western Himalayas. It is a large deciduous tree species that belongs to the family Betulaceae. The Himalayan/Indian hazelnut is valued chiefly for its nuts which are beneficial for health purposes and are used in many pharmaceutical industries. Due to its high nutritional value, locals harvest fruits completely that results into poor natural regeneration. Despite its limited distribution, C jacquemontii has gained recognition as a potential alternative to the traditional European hazelnut (C avellana) due to its high yield, resistance to pests and diseases and unique flavour profile. Due to its various uses as food, fuel, fodder and medicine, this species is under extensive threat. The birds, wild animals, insects and also local people feed on the seed of this species. The present study aims at providing an in-depth analysis of the species through a review of available literature and field observations. Results indicate that C jacquemontii has a limited distribution range but it plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem as a food source for wildlife and as a source of income for local communities. Additionally, the taxonomic classification of the species is still debated, highlighting the need for further studies to clarify its relationships with other Corylus species. This research paper aims at providing a comprehensive overview of C jacquemontii, including its botanical description, distribution, morphology and cultivation practices.