selvatiche

Selvatiche is the feminine plural form of selvatico in Italian and is used as an adjective to denote things that are wild, natural, or not domesticated. The term derives from Latin silvaticus, meaning “of the forest,” and is closely connected to the idea of life in the wild or in natural habitats.

In language and science, selvatiche describes organisms, foods, or environments that exist outside human cultivation, farming, or confinement. In biology and ecology it refers to wild populations or species living in their natural ecosystems, as opposed to domestic, cultivated, or captive forms. In botany and horticulture, phrases such as piante selvatiche and erbe selvatiche describe plants and herbs that grow spontaneously without intentional cultivation. In zoology, animali selvatici (the masculine plural) and selvatiche (feminine plural) indicate wild animals, as opposed to domesticated ones.

In everyday usage, selvatiche is common in culinary contexts to signal foraged or naturally sourced ingredients, for example funghi selvatici (wild mushrooms), frutti selvatici (wild fruits), and verdure selvatiche (wild greens). The term often carries connotations of authenticity, seasonality, and regional or traditional knowledge about gathering without cultivation.

From an environmental and policy perspective, selvatiche highlights the importance of wild habitats and biodiversity, as well as considerations around sustainable foraging and the conservation of wild populations.

See also: selvatico, foresta, biodiversità, foraggio selvatico.