Ethnobotany and Conservation of Wild Edible Fruits in Sumatra: a Case Study in Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Wild edible fruit (WEF) plant species are species that are not cultivated or domesticated but are available in their natural habitat and are an important food source for indigenous communities. In recent times, WEFs have been threatened by various factors – particularly over-exploitation, land-use changes, and biodiversity loss. The aim of the study, therefore,is to investigate the diversity and ethnobotany of WEF species used by indigenous people in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted in five villages of Pesisir Selatan district,West Sumatra, Indonesia – namely, IV Koto Mudiek, Sungai Nyalo IV Koto Mudiek, Taratak Tempatih IV Koto Mudiek, IV Koto Hilie, and Taluk Tigo Sakato. The plant materials were collected from the study area, while local knowledge was gathered through semi-structured interviews involving 393 respondents that were selected using random sampling. A total of 75WEF plants from 30 botanical families were found in the study area. These plants were used for multiple purposes – including food, medicine, construction materials, agricultural tools,fuel wood, and fodder. Artocarpus integer, Baccaurea polyneura, Pometia pinnata, Baccaurea macrocarpa, Bellucia pentamera, Mangifera foetida, Durio oxleyanus, Mangifera odorata, and Baccaurea racemosa were the most popular species for local people in the study area. Loss of traditional knowledge among generations is a major threat to the availability and existence of these species. Indigenous and local knowledge is essential for the use, management, and conservation of WEF plants.