Knowledge Of Wild Edible Plants Research Articles

As Proficient as Adults: Distribution of Children’s Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants in an Arid Environment in Madagascar

AbstractIn drylands, where resources are scarce, wild edible plant (WEP) knowledge is crucial to overcome food scarcity. Understanding the distribution pattern of local ecological knowledge (LEK) about WEP and identifying knowledge holders are key steps to assessing the resilience and vulnerability of knowledge systems. However, little is known about how WEP knowledge is distributed across life stages and gender of people living in arid regions. Here, we study the distribution of WEP knowledge within a small-scale society from southwestern Madagascar, a region known for its dry climate and related food crises. We worked with Tanalana male and female children and adults using semi-structured interviews and free listings. Tanalana people display a sophisticated LEK adapted to the extreme environment in which they live, with a distinct distribution pattern regarding theoretical and practical knowledge across life stages and gender. While women and men cited similar WEP, children and adults cited different sets of WEP, suggesting they hold differentiated bodies of theoretical knowledge, however our results suggest similarity in practical knowledge across life-stage and gender. We argue that resource limitation and food scarcity might be so pervasive in the area that extensive sharing of knowledge on WEP could be an adaptation to the extremely dry environment.

Current Scenario of Wild Edible Plants (WEPs), their Importance, Possible Threats, and Conservation: A Mini Review

The knowledge of Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) is as old as human civilization and still, they are playing a supplementary role in global food security. WEPs are an integral part of their traditional food systems and have nutritional and cultural values in their routine livelihood. WEPs are increasingly considered a potential source of a naturally healthy diet. But in many cases, the available WEPs resources are under threat of various kinds like overexploitation, overgrazing, forest fires, agricultural encroachment, etc.; the changing climate also negatively impacts on WEPs. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the conservation of the diversity of WEPs and their sustainable management. The present mini-review is an attempt to present the current scenario of WEPs, their importance, and a potential source of nutrients for future food security, ethnic knowledge associated with them, threats encountered by WEPs, and their possible sustainable management scheme.

Identification of wild edible plants used by the Orang Asli, indigenous peoples of the Malay Peninsula

BackgroundThis research focused on the different varieties of wild edible plants (WEPs) actively utilized by the Orang Asli of Malaysia and their medicinal values. The Orang Asli have been relying on these plants for their sustenance and wellbeing. However, with environmental degradation, many of these wild edibles are slowly becoming sparse, which then has a spillover effect and has resulted in the erasure of knowledge. Therefore, this research paper also aims to highlight the naming system utilized by the Orang Asli, the gender/age gap and the medicinal properties of these wild edible plants.MethodsThis research was conducted to identify the important wild edibles used among the Orang Asli, using both semi-structured and field interviews, as well as ethnobotanical appraisal methods. With the assistance of 24 informants, a total of nine wild edible plants were identified based on their importance as food and medicine for the Orang Asli groups in three different Semai settlements.Results and discussionFrom the results obtained, the wild edibles identified in the study have potential medicinal value and have been used by the Orang Asli for many generations. Also, based on my results, older Orang Asli can potentially serve as a repository of knowledge of wild edible plants within their settlements, as they were more informed than young people. However, there is little remaining knowledge of their medicinal uses in Telimau; elder women retain more knowledge than elder men in Bukit Terang, and the greatest knowledge retention for both young and old is seen in the more remote settlement of Kampung Sat.ConclusionThis research documents the medicinal uses of these wild edibles, and may provide a starting point for further studies on these species and encourage conservation initiatives, in addition to helping safeguard the indigenous knowledge and the distinct cultural identities of the Orang Asli.

Ethnobotanical knowledge of wild food plants in Khenifra, a province in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco

The protection of plant food resources contributes to safeguarding their nutritional value, the culinary heritage as well as the sustainability of the traditional food that uses them. To contribute to the knowledge of wild edible plants (WEPs) used in traditional diet among the population of 7 communes in Khenifra province in a mountainous region of Morocco, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted on 206 local adult respondents, of both sexes, in rural (70%) and urban (30%) areas using a questionnaire and focus groups. Information on sociodemography, knowledge of WEPs and their current and past indigenous food and medicinal uses, culinary knowledge, recipes for their preparation as well as their toxic effects were collected. The results show a great food variety of more than 90 WEPs belonging to 40 families and that the local population still often uses different WEPs on a daily basis as food, in therapy or other uses in the study area. Over 50 traditional recipes were recorded, consumed presently and in the past with recipes consumed during times of food shortage. The study also reports that the local population has ethnobotanical information and knowledge of traditional cooking techniques allowing the safe use of WEPs. Dietary diversity linked to knowledge of biodiversity, traditions and culinary culture to use WEPs is observed in the study population. However, this knowledge is in decline, especially among younger generations, which draws attention to the importance of documenting and safeguarding this wealth.

A Quantitative Study on the Ethnobotanical Knowledge about Wild Edible Plants among the Population of Messiwa.

The preservation of traditional knowledge of wild edible plants (WEPs) is one of the challenges to the sustainability of natural resources. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the traditional knowledge of WEPs in relation to some socio-demographic and economic factors. The survey was conducted among the Messiwapopulationthrough a semi-structured questionnaire. The first part of the questionnaire concerns socio-demographic and economic information, while the second part concerns the plants recognized and used by the informant. The recognition frequency (RF), the use frequency (UF), the general consumption frequency(CF), the recent consumption frequency (RCF), and the correlation between these frequencies were evaluated. A comparison of means was also used to compare informant's knowledge according to their socio-demographic and economic status. The three species;Foeniculum vulgare, Ziziphus lotus, and Malva sylvestris were the most recognized (FR = 1) and the most used (FU = 1). The consumption frequency (CF) and the recent consumption frequency (RCF) for Foeniculum vulgare were 1 and 0.9, respectively. Taraxacum getulum, Calendula arvensis and Cyperus rotundus were the least recognized (FR= 0.16; 0.16; 0.48) and least used (FU = 0.3; 0.3; 0.4) species, respectively. The informants who showed a high level of traditional knowledge on WEPs were housewives, with a low level of schooling and at least 45 years old. Despite the decline in traditional knowledge about wild edible plants, some populations preserve this knowledge, especially among the elderly. Therefore, documentation of this knowledge is necessary through ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal studies.

Nuosu Horticulturalists' Local Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants and Fungi and Socio-Economic Implications in Yunnan, Southwest China

The collection and consumption of wild edible plants (WEPs) and fungi is an important part of the foodways of many populations worldwide. Knowledge of WEPs and fungi is considered a significant component of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), and is greatly impacted by social, economic, political, and cultural contexts and changes. T his study showcases a naturalistic comparison between more traditional villages and villages that were part of a government program to promote walnut production. We document the ethno-species of WEPs and fungi and analyze the corresponding socio-economic implications in an ethnic Nuosu township in the northwest region of Yunnan Province, China. Semi-structured interviews, free lists, household surveys, and cultural consensus analysis were used for data collection and data analysis. We recorded 139 ethno-species of WEPs and fungi, and consensus analysis indicates a good fit of the cultural consensus model with respect to Nuosu people's knowledge on WEPs and fungi. Quantitative analysis shows gender does not have an effect on local knowledge of WEPs and fungi, and different types of villages and travel-time required to collect WEPs and fungi are not correlated with competence scores. However, the correlation between competence scores of WEPs and fungi with gender and travel time show moderate effect-sizes. Age plays an important role in knowledge of WEPs and fungi among Nuosu people in the study township, showing that the older the person, the higher their score. This article illustrates the plight and reality of traditional knowledge about WEPs and fungi of the Nuosu people, revealing a trend that traditional knowledge is gradually changing due to social, economic, and ecological changes.

An Ethnobotanical Field Survey in the Kadınhanı District of Konya in Turkey

The Kadınhanı district (Konya) is located in the Centeral Anatolia of Turkey. The objective of this study was to record the traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used by indigenous people in Kadınhanı, where no ethnobotanical studies have been conducted previously. This study was carried out in Kadınhanı district in April 2009-October 2011 to document the traditional knowledge of wild edible plants. Overall, 153 people who live or have lived in 4 towns, 37 villages and 9 neighborhoods were interviewed. Among the plants in the research area, it was determined that 108 species belonging to 39 families were used for food (75 uses), treatment (56 uses), feed (22 uses), materials (13 uses), ornaments (2 uses), fuel (9 uses) and for various purposes (2 uses) were used.

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used by the people of Lawat, District Neelum, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan

Background: Wild Food Plants (WFPs) are a natural source of food in many rural communities and potential source of local food security. However, over-harvesting and excessive utilization endanger their survival. This study was conducted to document the diversity of wild edible plants along with their customary food uses from Lawat area Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Methods: Data on food uses was collected during 5 years observation (2015-2020) by conducting various surveys using semi-structured and freelisting interviews with 70 local participants and self-observations as well. Novelty was checked by comparing the gathered data with the published literature using Jaccard Index (JI). Use-value (UV) was used to check the relative importance of useful plants. Results: A total of 61 wild food plants belonging to thirty families were collected and identified. The edible parts of all reported species were consumed as fruits, cooked as vegetable and used in herbal tea or eaten raw. Thirty-two species were used as vegetables, followed by 13 species as fruits, 10 species in herbal tea, and 6 as condiments. Herbs were recorded with a major contribution of 72%; trees and shrubs contributed 11% each while 4.91% fern. A number of young parts (aerial part and leaves) of most species are used as vegetable. All reported parts of plants were frequently utilized by residents as food and maximum plants are available in the months of June-August. Most of the recorded WFPs belonged to Rosaceae (9 species), followed by Polygonaceae (8 species), Lamiaceae (5 species), Brassicaceae, and Amaryllidaceae (4 species each). Conclusion: WFPs still play an imperative role in the local food culture and are primary source of food for food insecure families in study area and traditional knowledge attached to them is astonishing in the region. In this study, many wild food plants along with their customary food uses were recorded for the first time in Lawat area with almost 72% of the species followed by 31% at district level and 23% species from Azad Kashmir. Keywords: Wild food plants, Ethnobotany, Indigenous knowledge, Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir

Ethnobotanical uses of wild edible plants of Mucaba municipality, Angola

The forests and savannahs of Mucaba municipality in northern Angola hold enormous potential for plant-based non-timber forest products (NTFPs), including wild food plants (WFPs). Mucaba communities have accumulated a wealth of traditional knowledge on the use of wild edible plants over their long history. However, few studies have highlighted this unique and globally attractive culture. The ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 9 villages in Mucaba Municipality in September and October 2020. A total of 65 local informants were interviewed (35 women and 30 men), and their traditional knowledge of wild edible plants was documented. A total of 46 wild edible plants, belonging to 25 families and 30 genera were documented. These plants are consumed as wild edible vegetables, seasonal fruits, spice substitutes for tea, and forest alcoholic drinks. The traditional knowledge of wild edible plants held by the villagers of Mucaba is rich but is in danger of being lost among the younger generation. Therefore, the diversified cultivation of these local plants would allow their sustainable use and conservation especially of the endangered species in this part of Angola.

Diversity and seasonal availability of wild vegetables from Bhandara region of Maharshtra State, India

This study records plant species used by local people in their diet (curries, vegetables), as medicine, as crops that generate income and as plants of special cultural and religious significance. The study area is restricted to local people, forest guard and vaidu that are connected with forest . They are Mainly depend on plants and plant products for their food requirement. This study reveals traditional knowledge of wild edible plants and their utilization. As different plants are available in different seasons, the name of the plant changes according to the area. This study report is based on survey, field work and interview studies on wild vegetables used by rural people and the Gond tribe of 7 Talukas in Bhandara district, Maharashtra State, India. During August 2020 to October 2022. Total of 84 plant species belonging to 42 families have been recorded as wild vegetables in the study areas, of which herb is ranked first with 45%species, followed by shrub -19%, climber- 19%, and tree -16% . Among the 84 species 40% contribute as vegetables by their leaves, 16% by fruit , 6% by flower, 7% by shoot, 6% by root and tuber, 11% by both leaves-Flower, 5% by seed. 7% by the whole plant. The greatest plant diversity and availability is found between July to September and August to October, while some specific vegetables are year-round. It is evident from the survey that most of the wild plant species are used as vegetable/chutney.

Cultural importance of wild edible plants in three sympatric communities: Agni, Akyé and Gwa in the Department of Alépé (Southeast of Côte d’Ivoire)

Background: Wild plants are plants that are neither cultivated nor domesticated by humans. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level about wild edible plants used in the communities living in the same area. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in ten different villages which are parts of three studied communities. Two sets of surveys were used. The first type was a house-to-house based survey on free lists interviews. The second type of survey was a walk-in-the woods with some key informants identified by the communities. Frequency of quotation, Smith’s index and cultural importance index were used to estimate the knowledge level of the communities. Venn diagram, Jaccard similarity index and the hierarchical clustering were used to compare the distribution of the knowledge in the communities. Whereas the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney test were used to assess the significance of difference in plants used by the communities. Results: Through the studied communities, 43 wild edible plants were collected. Myrianthus arboreus, Dacryodes klaineana, Elaeis guineensis, Piper guineense and Spondias mombin were the most salient. Twenty-two plants are shared by these communities. There is a significant difference concerning wild edible plants shared simultaneously by the three studied communities whereas there is no significant difference about the usage-category. Wild edible plants are used mainly as fruits and vegetables in the studied communities. Conclusion: The three communities have a high knowledge of wild edible plants. Moreover, fruits and vegetables are the most important usage categories. Finally, the interactions between the three communities bring about the sharing of the knowledge. Keywords: Alépé, Côte d’Ivoire, Dacryodes klaineana, fruit, Myrianthus arboreus, quantitative ethnobotany, vegetables

Collection calendar: the diversity and local knowledge of wild edible plants used by Chenthang Sherpa people to treat seasonal food shortages in Tibet, China

BackgroundWild edible plants (WEPs) are non-cultivated and non-domesticated plants used for food. WEPs provided food, nutrition, herbs and other plant products for people in underdeveloped areas, such as the Everest region, to maintain their daily lives. Chenthang Town is the only Sherpa ethnic township in Tibet, China. The core purpose of this research is to investigate, collect and record the WEPs and related local knowledge and functions within the Sherpa community. The ultimate goal is to answer the question of why Sherpa people choose these particular plants.Materials and methodsThe field study was carried out in the six Sherpa communities of Chenthang Township from September 2019 to August 2020. The WEPs and related local knowledge were collected through semistructured interviews and direct observations. The field work was performed with the assistance of local guides. During the field survey, we collected plant specimens based on the principle of one plant with one vernacular name. In this study, we utilised a use report (UR) and cultural importance index (CI) to evaluate the comprehensive utilization value of WEPs in the daily diet of Sherpa people.ResultsWe interviewed 78 people individually who provided us with 1199 use reports. In total, we collected 84 WEPs belonging to 65 genera in 41 families. These species were identified as 78 distinct ethno-species by local people, and the vernacular name of each ethno-species was recorded. Then, these use reports were classified into six use categories. All these plants were native wild plants. In these plants, Arisaema utile, Sorbus cuspidata and Elaeagnus umbellata have been introduced into home gardens by local people. Following the description of the Sherpa people, we articulated a collection calendar for WEPs. The Sherpa collect WEPs throughout nearly the entire year, January and February being the exceptions.ConclusionThe collection calendar of wild edible plants reflects the wisdom of the Sherpa in terms of survival. The Sherpa cleverly survive the food shortage periods by harnessing the phenology of different species. In general, WEPs can provide the Sherpa with seasonal carbohydrates, nutrition, healthcare supplements and other products and services necessary for survival, which is likely why the Sherpa choose these plants.

Ethnobotanical study on wild edible plants used by three trans-boundary ethnic groups in Jiangcheng County, Pu\u2019er, Southwest China

BackgroundDai, Hani, and Yao people, in the trans-boundary region between China, Laos, and Vietnam, have gathered plentiful traditional knowledge about wild edible plants during their long history of understanding and using natural resources. The ecologically rich environment and the multi-ethnic integration provide a valuable foundation and driving force for high biodiversity and cultural diversity in this region. However, little study has uncovered this unique and attractive culture to the world.MethodsWe conducted ethnobotanical survey in 20 villages of Jiangcheng County from 2016 to 2020. Altogether 109 local Dai, Hani, and Yao people were interviewed, and their traditional knowledge about wild edible plants was recorded. Voucher specimens were identified by the authors and deposited in the herbarium of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (HITBC). The use value was used as a quantitative index to evaluate the consumption frequency and relative importance of the wild edible plants. The Jaccard index was calculated to assess the usage similarity of different areas. The relationship of age and recognized wild edible plants by different ethnic people was performed by R.ResultsA total of 211 wild edible plants, belonging to 71 families and 151 genera, were recorded. These plants were consumed as wild edible vegetables, seasonal fruits, salads, spices, sour condiments, tonic soups, tea substitutes, liquor brewing, or dyeing materials. The use value (UV), current cultivation, market availability, and the quantitative traditional knowledge inheritance situation of these wild edible plants among different generations, were analyzed. Based on the data from the threatened species list of China’s higher plants and the IUCN Red List, the food plant list for Asia Elephant, the Subject Database of China Plant, and the calculated UV score, the top 30 most important wild edible plants were selected for further cultivation in some local villages.ConclusionTraditional knowledge of wild edible plants, owned by Dai, Hani, and Yao people in Jiangcheng County, is rich but at risk of being lost among the young generation. Diversified cultivation of wild edible plants by the local communities could be a solution for the sustainable use of natural resources and to conserve the endangered species in this trans-boundary region.

Ethnobotanical Survey on Wild Edible Plants Used by Tribals & Rural People of Arjuni/Mor Taluka, Gondia District, Maharashtra State, India

The study area is inhabited by Gond tribes. Tribals and most of forest dwellers mainly depend on plants and plant product for their food. This study reveals that the ethnic people and forest dwellers have considerable traditional knowledge of wild edible plants and their utilization. This paper report is based on survey, interview and field work studies on wild edible plants used by tribals and rural people of Arjuni/Mor Taluka, Gondia District, Maharashtra State, India during March 2016 - March 2018. A total of 71 plant species belonging to 63 genera and 39 families have been recorded as wild edibles in the study areas, of which trees are ranked first with 36 species, followed by herbs, climbers and shrubs with 22, 7 and 6 species respectively. Among the 71 species, 43.2% contribute as vegetables by their fruit, 22.22 % by leaf, 12.34% by seed or grain, 8.64% by root or tuber, 6.17% by stem, bark or sap, 6.17% by flower and 1.23% by whole plant. It is evident from the survey that most of the species of wild edibles are used as vegetable/chutney(49.33%), followed by raw/ripe fruits(45.33%), pickles(4%), roasted seeds(1.33%).

Traditional Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants of Biga (Çanakkale), Turkey

Biga, located in the southwestern part of the Marmara Region of Turkey, is the largest district of Çanakkale. Wild edible plants and the ways in which they are used in Biga have not previously been documented. This ethnobotanical study of Biga was conducted between June 2011 and September 2014. In this study, we recorded information such as the local names of plants, the manner in which they are used, and the particular parts of the plants used. The cultural importance index was calculated for each taxon. One hundred and sixty-five interviews were conducted in 49 villages. The study revealed that 55 wild edible plant taxa belonging to 41 genera are used in this area. The most frequently used families are Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, Polygonaceae, and Apiaceae. The genera that represented the greatest number of taxa included <em>Rumex</em> (six taxa), <em>Thymus</em>, <em>Eryngium</em>, <em>Mentha</em>, <em>Oenanthe</em>, <em>Papaver</em>, <em>Prunus</em>, <em>Rubus</em>, and <em>Urtica</em> (each containing two taxa). The most culturally important species were <em>Urtica dioica</em>, <em>U. urens</em>, <em>Malva sylvestris</em>, <em>Thymus longicaulis</em> subsp. <em>longicaulis</em> var. <em>subisophyllus</em>, and <em>Cornus mas</em>. Local people consumed plants in the form of vegetables, fruits, beverages like herbal teas, spices, and other products. Edible parts of plants included leaves, aerial parts, young stems, and fruits. The results of our study showed that even in districts located close to cities, the use of wild edible plants still continues.

Knowledge of Native Edible Plants in a Monoculture Plantation-Dominated Landscape

The loss of forests is a factor that could account for the loss of local knowledge about edible plants. In Chile, the replacement of native vegetation by monoculture plantations of exotic trees has been the main cause of forest loss in recent times. We assess whether this loss of forests affects knowledge of wild edible plants by conducting household surveys in coastal rural localities in south-central Chile, subject to different degrees of replacement of forests. Based on the extinction of experience concept, we analyzed changes in knowledge of edible plants, as well as their gathering and use, through interviews comprised of freelisting and open-ended questions. Our results suggest that loss of native vegetation leads to a reduction in knowledge and use of native edible plants by the local population, but that this reduction occurs at a slower pace than land-use change. Individuals exposed to abundant native forest cover in the past have greater knowledge of edible plants today.

Wild edible plants in Ye\u015filli (Mardin-Turkey), a multicultural area

BackgroundThe Yeşilli district (Mardin) is located in the southeastern of Turkey and hosts different cultures. The objective of this study was to record the traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used by indigenous people in Yeşilli, where no ethnobotanical studies have been conducted previously.MethodsAn ethnobotanical study was carried out in Yeşilli district in March 2017–March 2019 to document the traditional knowledge of wild edible plants. The data were collected by interviewing 62 informants. Additionally, the data were analysed based on the cultural importance index (CI) and factor informant consensus (FİC) to determine the cultural significance of wild edible plants and knowledge of wild edible plants among the informants.ResultsWe documented 74 wild edible taxa belonging to 31 families and 57 genera in the present study. The richness of the wild edible taxa was highest for vegetables (46 taxa), followed by medicinal plants (17 taxa) and fruit (14 taxa). The most important families were Asteraceae (ten taxa), Rosaceae (seven taxa) and Fabaceae (six taxa). The most culturally important taxa (based on the CI index) were Ficus carica subsp. carica, Lepidium draba, Anchusa strigosa, Rhus coriaria, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Sinapis alba, Gundelia tournefortii, Notobasis syriaca, Onopordum carduchorum, Malva neglecta, Mentha longifolia, Juglans regia and Urtica dioica. The maximum number of use reports was recorded for vegetables (1011). The factor informant consensus index (Fic) varied between 0.95 and 0.98 for preserved vegetables, beverages and spices and processed fruits have the highest Fic (0.99). We reported for the first time the ethnobotanical usage of 12 taxa as food. We also recorded the use of Allium wendelboanum, an endemic species in the study area.ConclusionThe obtained data were compared with data from other wild edible and ethnobotanical studies conducted in Turkey and particularly those conducted in eastern Turkey. Furthermore, the data were compared with data from studies conducted in the bordering countries of Iraq and Armenia. The present study reflects the cultural diversity of the region, and it is necessary to conduct more studies since it is thought that this diversity will contribute to the economy. This study will enable the traditional use of wild plants as food sources to be passed on to future generations.

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants in Hasankeyf (Batman Province, Turkey)

Hasankeyf is an ancient city located on the shores of the Tigris River in Batman Province, southeast Turkey. The town and some of its surrounding villages will be soon submerged, due to the construction of Ilısu Dam, which will force the residents to move to new settlements. The aim of the present study was to collect and record the traditional knowledge regarding the indigenous wild plants that will be submerged by this flooding. The study was carried out between March 2017 and April 2019. Interviews were conducted with 72 women and 53 men in the town center and 22 rural settlements, with a focus on the five villages that are due to be submerged. Information about a total of 86 wild edible plants belonging to 32 families was recorded. Interviewees reported that these were used as green vegetables (45 taxa), ripe fruits and seeds (25 taxa), seasoning and preservatives (16 taxa), beverages (nine taxa), and children’s snacks (seven taxa). In addition, the data were analyzed on the basis of the cultural importance index to determine the cultural significance of these wild edible plants and the informants’ knowledge about them. Culturally, the most significant species included <em>Mentha longifolia</em>, <em>Polygonum cognatum</em>, <em>Rosa canina</em>, <em>Chenopodium album</em>, <em>Urtica dioica</em>, <em>Amaranthus retroflexus</em>, and <em>Malva neglecta</em>. In addition, the data were compared with relevant data in the ethnobotanical literature of Turkey and its neighboring countries. Several uses mentioned here are documented here for the first time. Our research highlights the importance of wild edible plants in the daily lives of inhabitants and their potential for economic use. The present study also provides information for future archaeobotanical studies in this region.

Ethnobotanical Survey to Perceive the Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants Related to Ecology and Society in Parapram, Kerala

Ethnobotanical Survey to Perceive the Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants Related to Ecology and Society in Parapram, Kerala

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants with special emphasis on medicinal uses in Southern Shan State, Myanmar

BackgroundMyanmar is one of the hotspots of biodiversity and is a rapidly developing country. Performing floristic research in Myanmar is an urgent issue, and ethnobotanical studies of wild edible plants (WEPs) will provide new information on natural plant resources.MethodEthnobotanical data were collected in three villages with different historical backgrounds in Southern Shan State, Myanmar. A total of 19 key informants were interviewed, and specimens were collected in the fields with the participation of key informants in June–July 2015. Group discussions were organized during 2016 and 2017 to reinforce the information on use of WEPs. DNA barcoding was used to facilitate species identification.ResultsA total of 83 species from 44 families of angiosperms were recorded as WEPs. Most of the species were used as wild vegetables (47 species), followed by fruits and nuts (31 species). Eighteen WEPs were consumed as medicinal foods. Differences in use of WEPs between the communities of the villages were observed. The age class of 30–39 years was more familiar with the environments where they could collect WEPs and had more knowledge of WEPs than did the older groups. The use of Elaeocarpus floribundus as an edible oil is a very interesting tradition.ConclusionWEPs play an important role in the livelihood of local communities. The indigenous society has maintained traditional knowledge of the WEPs. Historical background, land use system and surrounding vegetation could have effects on the variation in the traditional uses of WEPs. Increasing awareness of the importance of WEPs will encourage the conservation of traditional knowledge of indigenous populations.