Plant diversity and its potential in Sumenep, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

It is well known that biological and cultural diversity in Indonesia is quite high, as well as the potential of plants as food, medicine, cosmetics, and dyes. This diversity gives rise to local knowledge in its interaction with the environment and the utilization of plant resources to the daily needs of local communities. The Local knowledge from a fairly diverse community still has much to be revealed. Similarly, Sumenep geographically consists of the mainland (54.79%) and the islands (45.21%) with 126 islands. Several field surveys in Sumenep have been conducted on several islands such as in Sepanjang, Gili Iyang, Poteran, Kangean, and Madura mainland, with interview methods to the majority of Madurese ethnic people. From the data collection so far, approximately 173 potential species of plants for food, medicinal ingredients, cosmetic ingredients, and coloring materials have been recorded. Food materials include Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, Moringa oleifera, Dioscorea alata, and Borassus flabellifer, as well as medicinal ingredients include Azadirachta indica, Curcuma aeruginosa, and Paederia foetida, whereas for natural dye is Ceriops tagal.