scholarly journals From trend to threat? Assessing the sustainability of wild edible plant foraging by linking local perception to ecological inference

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas J. Giraud ◽  
Anneleen Kool ◽  
Pål Karlsen ◽  
Alexis Annes ◽  
Irene Teixidor-Toneu
Keyword(s):  
Participatory Development ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Ecological Inference ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Edible Plant ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Local Perception ◽  
Personal Consumption ◽  
Conservation Assessments

AbstractWild edible plants as culturally-appropriate sources of nutrition and for food security are now well-recognised. In Europe, the use of wild edible plants is shifting from a subsistence activity to an emerging trend in high-end gastronomy. The environmental impacts of this shift are poorly known. Foraging is increasingly popular for personal consumption and commercially, not least in the Nordic countries where popularity is fuelled by the New Nordic Food movement. Here, we evaluate if this trend entails biodiversity conservation risks in Norway. In collaboration with the Norwegian Association for Mycology and Foraging, we conducted 18 face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders and we published an online questionnaire filled by 219 recreational and professional foragers. We enquired on what species are harvested, by whom and how, where do foragers learn and what are their perspectives on the sustainability of foraging. We combined these data with an assessment of foraging impact based on foraging pressure, ecological traits and conservation assessments. Our results show that 272 different wild edible plants are foraged and that this is mostly sustainable.However, some risks arise from the harvest of threatened plants, the potential spread of invasive species, and the overharvesting of extremely popular or ‘fashionable’ species. Foraging fosters a strong connection with the natural environment and the majority of foragers report to forage as part of a sustainable lifestyle. We suggest that careful encouragement to forage and the participatory development of local guidelines for sustainable foraging in Norway can enhance people-nature relationships while safeguarding foraged plant populations.

scholarly journals Diversity of wild edible plants traditionally used by the Galo tribe of Indian Eastern Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Padma Raj Gajurel ◽  
Tajum Doni
Keyword(s):  
Relative Frequency ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Wild Plants ◽  
Wild Plant ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Arunachal Pradesh ◽  
Plant Resources ◽  
Edible Plant

Wild edible plants are found very useful in the fulfilment of food and nutritional requirements. Because of the availibity and cultural preference, the consumption of these plants among the tribes is high. To find out the diversity, utilisation pattern and sociocultural importance of the wild plants, a study was conducted in the state of Arunachal Pradesh selecting the Galo tribe, and accordingly the wild edible plants consumed are documented here. Data were collected through extensive field surveys and interviews with the community in the selected 12 villages in Upper Subansiri and West Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Overall, 125 wild edible plant species under 99 genera and 54 families are reported. These species are consumed mostly as leafy vegetables, fruits, medicine, spices and condiments and as a substitute to food grains. The Urticaceae with ten species is the most utilised family followed by Asteraceae, Moraceae and Lamiaceae with at least five species in each. Herbs with 47 species were found to be the most dominant growth form followed by trees with 44 species. Based on parts used leaves with 66 species were recorded to be the most used plant parts followed by fruits. The highest edibility index of 50 % was reported in Solanum americanum. The analysis of relative frequency of citation revealed that total 78 species exhibits more than 0.50 relative frequency of citation value with highest value in Pouzolzia hirta (0.95). It has been found that the wild plant resources play a vital role in the socio-economic aspects of the Galo tribe.

Wild Edible Plants of Dhankuta, Eastern Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 100-109
Author(s):  
Saugat Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Hot Spot ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Wild Edible Plant ◽  
Edible Plant ◽  
Vegetation Zone ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Sal Forest ◽  
Whole Plants ◽  
Edible Parts

The Dhankuta district, situated in the Eastern part of the country, is a hot spot for floral diversity. The vegetation zone ranges from sub tropical Sal forest to cool temperate alpine forest. The study of wild edible plant of this area was an attempt to highlight the types of wild edible plants found and their mode of use in local people. Present study records 132 species of wild edible plants belonging to 63 families and 103 genera. Fruits are the most common edible parts of the wild edible plants followed by leaves, young shoot, root or tuber, seeds, flower, whole plants, bark, nectar, nuts, inflorescence and buds.

scholarly journals Wild Edible Plants Used by Endangered & Indigenous Raji Tribe in Western Nepal

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lal B Thapa ◽  
Til Maya Dhakal ◽  
Raghunath Chaudhary
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous People ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Wild Plants ◽  
Traditional Practices ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Wild Edible Plant ◽  
Edible Plant ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
Different Parts

The Rajis are one of the endangered indigenous people distributed in western part of Nepal enriched in their own mother tongue, culture, beliefs and practices. Owing to lack of proper documentation, the traditional knowledge of uses and practices on wild edible plants by such an endangered community is about to extinct. This paper aims to present the traditional practices and use of wild edible plants by Raji people in Nepal. Our study found that a total of 67 wild edible plant species included in 56 genera and 38 families used by Raji people. Out of them 62 species were angiosperms, one species was Gymnosperm and 4 species were Pteridophytes. The results of study show that Rajis have their traditional way to use different parts of wild plants such as seeds, fruits, leaves, shoots, roots and tubers in the forms of vegetables, pickles, juice, and raw or as fruits.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i3.10969 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(3): 243-252   

scholarly journals Study on the Diversity and Use of Wild Edible Plants in Bullen District Northwest Ethiopia

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tariku Berihun ◽  
Eyayu Molla
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Sweet Taste ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Population Pressure ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Edible Plant

This study was designed to document the use and conservation of wild edible plants in Bullen district, northwestern Ethiopia. Data was collected through semistructured interview and focus group discussions. The collected data was analyzed through direct matrix ranking, pairwise ranking, and priority ranking methods. In this study, a total of 77 wild edible plant species were identified. Of these plants, trees account for 35.5% followed by shrubs (31.1%). Fruits were the most harvested parts (59.7%) followed by leaves (12.9%), roots and tubers (3.8%), and rhizomes (2.5%). These plants are consumed either raw (57.1%) and/or cooked (17%); most are collected by women (62.5%) and children (20.8%), but the participation of men is stumpy (4.2%). According to pairwise ranking analysis, fruits of Vitex doniana and the leaves of Portulaca quadrifida are the most preferred plant species because of their sweet taste. However, some of the plants have side effects causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. Although religion and cultural norms and values play an important role in the conservation of wild edible plants, population pressure and its associated impacts contributed much to the disappearance of these plants. Thus, community participation is the suggested solution for the conservation and sustainable use of the wild edible plants in the study area.

scholarly journals Biodiversity-productivity relationship in urban vascular flora: a comparison between wild edible and non-edible plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastián Cordero ◽  
Francisca Galvez ◽  
Gastón O. Carvallo
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Phylogenetic Diversity ◽  
Evolutionary Relationship ◽  
Biomass Productivity ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Edible Plant ◽  
Urban Floras

Background: Wild edible plants are species that are not cultivated but can be consumed as food. These plants may exhibit the highest taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity within urban floras, since they have a longer history of use associated with humans than non-edible plants. Also, because biodiversity is strongly associated with biomass, edible plants plant might show higher productivity (biomass per site) than non-edible plants. Questions: Is taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of wild edible plants higher than non-edibles within urban areas? Is the alpha-biodiversity of wild edible plants positively related to biomass productivity in urban areas? Study sites and years of study: Cities of the coastal Mediterranean-type ecosystem, central Chile, 2015 and 2016. Methods: We characterized the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of urban flora differentiating wild edible and non-edible plants. Then, we assessed whether alpha-diversity of assemblages is related to their biomass productivity. Results: Both taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity were higher for edibles than non-edible plants. For edible plants, biomass was positively related to species richness and negatively with the mean phylogenetic diversity (MPD, a measure of evolutionary relationship among plants within an assemblage). Conclusions: Species richness is a suitable proxy to estimate wild edible plant diversity and their biomass in cities surpassing other proxies, such as phylogenetic diversity. Negative effect of MPD on biomass suggests that only a subgroup of related plants, possibly highly adapted to urban conditions, contribute to edible plant production. The distinction between wild edible and non-edible plants offers a better understanding of the assembly rules and biodiversity-biomass relationship within urban floras.

scholarly journals Traditional knowledge and ways of consumption of wild edible plants by rural communities of Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh (India)

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rinku Jhamta ◽  
Richa Puri ◽  
Manohar Lal Sharma ◽  
Sana Khan ◽  
Harsimran Kaur
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Local People ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Wild Edible Plant ◽  
Fidelity Level ◽  
Edible Plant ◽  
Rural Appraisal

Wild edible plants are used as a source of food by local people where they still rely on natural resources to meet their daily needs. The study was conducted in the rural communities of the Shimla district to document wild edible plants and their edible uses known to local people. The study documented 103 wild edible plant species belonging to 75 genera and 46 families. Rosaceae is the most dominant family with 18 species occupying 17 % of the total use reports. Of the reported plants 43% were used as fruits, 42% as vegetables and remaining have used as juice, gums, spices and condiments. As many as 74 ways of consumption methods shows a Fidelity level (FL) of more than 80%. The use category of vegetables shows highest degree of consensus factor followed by fruit category. Horticultural land expansion is the major threat to the natural habitat of wild edible plants followed by overgrazing. Field visits to various villages in 16 regions of the study area were carried out in different phases from May 2015- September 2018. A total of 102 informants were involved in field investigation and a semi-structured questionnaires and participatory rural appraisal method were used to analyze and study the traditional wild edible plants.

scholarly journals Wild edible plants in Ethiopia: a review on their potential to combat food insecurity

Afrika Focus ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ermias Lulekal ◽  
Zemede Asfaw ◽  
Ensermu Kelbessa ◽  
Patrick Van Damme
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Wild Plant ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Edible Plant ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Edible Species

This work reviews literature on ethnobotanical knowledge of wild edible plants and their potential role in combating food insecurity in Ethiopia. Information on a total of 413 wild edible plants belonging to 224 genera and 77 families was compiled in this review. Shrubs represented 31% of species followed by trees (30%), herbs (29°/o) and climbers (9%). Families Fabaceae (35 species), Tiliaceae (20) and Capparidaceae (19) were found to be represented by the highest number of edible species. About 56% (233) of species have edibility reports from more than one community in Ethiopia. Fruits were reported as the commonly utilized edible part in 51% of species. It was found that studies on wild edible plants of Ethiopia cover only about 5% of the country’s districts which indicates the need for more ethnobotanical research addressing all districts. Although there have been some attempts to conduct nutritional analyses of wild edible plants, available results were found to be insignificant when compared to the wild edible plant wealth of the country. Results also show that wild edible plants of Ethiopia are used as supplementary, seasonal or survival food sources in many cultural groups, and hence play a role in combating food insecurity. The presence of anthropogenic and environmental factors affecting the wild plant wealth of the country calls for immediate action so as to effectively document, produce a development plan and utilize the plants.

scholarly journals An ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Yilmana Densa and Quarit Districts, West Gojjam, Western Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derebe Alemneh
Keyword(s):  
Forest Products ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Wild Food ◽  
Ethnobotanical Study ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Wild Edible Plant ◽  
Edible Plant ◽  
West Gojjam ◽  
Western Ethiopia

Abstract Backgrounds: Globally, wild edible plants are one of the main non-timber forest products and possess up to 96% of the value of forests. They are an essential source of supplementary foods in many parts of Ethiopia. However, they have been highly degraded and lost due to anthropogenic factors. Thus, current study aims at recording and documenting wild edible plants in Yilmana Densa and Quarit Districts, West Gojjam, Western Ethiopia to pave a way for further research and conservation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and market survey were the data collection tools. Preference and direct matrix ranking were used to analyze the data. Results: Thirty two wild edible plant species were reported in the two Districts. Most of the species were herbs while the major (53.1%) edible parts were fruits. Most of the collectors of the wild food were young males. Ficus sur was the most preferred wild edible plant. Conclusion: The districts are still rich sources of wild edible plants. However, there was low potential of conservation. Therefore, there should be extensive awareness rising for wild edible plant conservation.

Wild edible plants of Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, India and their economic potential

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhogaonkar P Y
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Economic Potential ◽  
Wild Edible Plant ◽  
Ethnobotanical Survey ◽  
Edible Plant

The present study deals with the exploration, identification and future potentialities of the wild edible plant species of Gadchiroli district. The ethnobotanical survey of the region resulted in the documentation of 73wild plant species that are consumed by the Gondi, Madia, Kawar and Pardhan. Out of these, 56species belong to 52 genera 32 dicotyledonous families, while 17 species belong to 15 genera are from 9 monocotyledonous families.

Wild Edible Plants Traditionally Collected and Used in Southern Yemen

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ali Al-Fatimi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Wild Plants ◽  
Cultural Tradition ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Ethnobotanical Survey ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Other World

Abstract Background: The local wild edible plants (WFPs) are still used traditionally in the rural communities in Yemen but this traditional knowledge is still undocumented and has been never reported before. Therefore, this study is the first ethnobotanical survey on WFPs conducted in Yemen.Methods: This study is based on two field surveys made between 1988 and1992 and between 2014 and 2016 to document the wild plants used as edible by local indigenous peoples in 15 districts belongs to six governorates, in southern Yemen. Information data were collected by oral face-to-face interviews from 250 informants. Percentage of citation were calculate for each species.Results: A total of 58 plant species belong to 37 genera and 21 families are reported as wild edible plants consumed in southern Yemen. Apocynaceae was the dominant plant family with 18 species followed by Asteraceae (6), and Malvaceae (5). The most widely used edible parts are stem, leaf and fruit with more than 17 species for each. Herbs were reported as the most important sources (31 species), followed by shrubs (16) and trees (9). Most of reported wild edibles (48 species parts) are consumed in raw form; only 12 of them are cooked. Seven wild edible plants were collected in dry season, 16 species throughout the year, and 38 in rainy season. In this study, 58 wild plants were reported for the first time as food in Yemen. Comparing the southern Yemeni findings to those from other world countries, 12 of them are eaten only in southern Yemen, while 46 are consumed in different world countries practically in East Africa. Conclusions: The results data reflects the strong relationship between the local peoples and the wild plants and the valuable knowledge of the uses of wild species as potential sources for traditional food. The use of these wild plants is attributed to food shortage, nutritional values, and local cultural tradition. This study preserves the oral traditional knowledge of the local wild plants used as food and/or nutraceutical sources for human in the future instead their losing at risk of time, immigration and wars.

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