Wildflowers: A Comprehensive Review of Ecological, Nutraceutical and Socio-Economic Aspects

Wild and edible flowers have long occupied a unique position at the intersection of ecology, culture, nutrition and economy. Early studies emphasized floral diversity, honey origin and landscape aesthetics, while subsequent research expanded into ethnobotany, floriculture, urban sustainability, nutraceutical potential and global trade. This review synthesizes literature from 1989 to 2025 to trace the evolution of the scientific understanding of wild and edible flowers. The compiled studies highlight their ecological importance in pollination and biodiversity conservation, rich phytochemical and nutritional profiles and socio-economic value in floriculture, functional foods, rural livelihoods and cultural identity. Emerging research emphasizes sustainable cultivation, safety, value addition and conservation-based commercialization. Collectively, the literature positions wild and edible flowers as multifunctional biological resources capable of contributing to food security, health, ecological restoration and green economies when managed sustainably.