Ethnobotany of wild edible plants in Soro District of Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia

Phytochemical profiles and biological activity of Myrsine africana L.: a comprehensive review

Myrsine africana L. is a member of the Myrsinaceae family, which encompasses more than 1,000 species and 35 genera predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions. This plant is abundant in Africa and Asia, and has been traditionally utilized for its aromatic properties in tea, spices, appetizers, carminatives, and flavoring agents. Despite its wide-ranging applications, a comprehensive review of its phytochemical potential and biological effects has not yet been conducted. This study aims to fill that gap by reviewing the phytochemical composition and biological activities of M. africana. Literature was gathered using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The wide range of uses of M. africana can be attributed to its rich phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, and saponins. Among its significant biological activities, M. africana is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, it shows potential in antispasmodic, antityrosinase, antibacterial, anti-aging, and anticancer applications. Additionally, it is used to treat conditions, such as malaria, helminthosis, wounds, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal complications. Some of the isolated compounds from different parts of M. africana include methylvilangin (11), methylanhydrovilangin (12), 2-hydroxychrysophanol (13), myrsinene (25), myrsigenin (26), myrsininone A (27), myrsininone B (28), and myrsinoside B (30), as well as various other flavonoid compounds. This review aims to systematically explore the phytochemical profiles and associated biological activities of M. africana, highlighting key compounds and their pharmacological implications. By bringing together information, it emphasizes the potential of M. africana in drug discovery and future research.

Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Metema and Quara districts, Northwestern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are vital to enhance food security and generate income. Despite Ethiopia's vast area and cultural diversity, there remains a need for further investigation of WEPs. Therefore, this study aimed to document WEPs, and the indigenous knowledge associated with them in the Metema and Quara districts of north-western Ethiopia.

METHODS

Data on WEPs were collected through semi-structured interviews with 396 informants, guided field walks, focus group discussions, and market surveys. The data were analyzed using preference ranking, priority ranking, direct matrix ranking, and Jaccard's index.

RESULTS

We documented 51 WEPs that were distributed among 26 families and 39 genera. Fabaceae was the most represented family with eight species. Trees accounted for 49% of WEPs and were primarily consumed by their fruits (57%). Local communities usually consume these plants raw as a supplementary food, although some require processing. Of the recorded WEPs, 94.1% had multipurpose uses, in addition to nutrition. The main threats to WEPs availability were agricultural land expansion, fuelwood harvest, and construction use.

CONCLUSIONS

WEPs play a crucial role in enhancing food security, nutrition, and income generation for local communities. However, they are facing increasing threats from human activity. Therefore, sustainable utilization, conservation efforts, and collaboration among stakeholders are necessary for the future use of WEPs. Furthermore, a nutritional composition assessment is recommended for the most promising WEPs.

Harnessing Edible Wild Fruits: Sustainability and Health Aspects

Our health, well-being, and development are intrinsically linked to the preservation of biodiversity. This situation has driven the establishment of numerous treaties, international agreements, and regulatory frameworks that address sustainable food systems from multiple perspectives, including agriculture, food security, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. The objective of this study is to review the potential of wild edible fruits in terms of sustainability and implications for human health. Specifically, this work examines the contribution of these fruits to promoting biodiversity, and their support for sustainable food systems as well as their beneficial role in human health. Additionally, it considers the evolution of relevant international treaties related to the preservation of wild fruits. An in-depth review of international treaties related to the conservation of wild fruits was conducted by consulting information available on official websites of international organizations such as the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), among others. Next, a review of the sustainability and health benefits of edible wild fruits was performed. Results showed that although numerous studies have demonstrated the health benefits of wild edible fruits, there is still a lack of scientific evidence showing that the use of these species could have positive effects not only on human health and well-being but also on the environment and biodiversity. Thus, integrating these fruits into sustainable practices could play a key role in supporting future food security and the well-being of communities.

Consumption of wild edible plants in the Kofale and Heban-Arsi districts, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are neglected and have received little attention despite their significant contributions to the sustenance and livelihoods of rural communities. This study was conducted in the Kofale and Heban-Arsi districts of the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, to document the diversity, to assess the most preferred WEPs, their utilization, and threats they face.

METHODS

The study was conducted in the Kofale and Heban-Arsi districts of the West Arsi Zone of the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Data collection took place from February to September 2022 in Kofale and from November 2022 to April 2023 in Heban-Arsi district. To gather ethnobotanical information, the research employed semi-structured interviews, field observations, focus group discussions, and guided field walks. The interviews involved 290 informants who were selected via snowball sampling and systemic random sampling methods. Preference ranking values, direct matrix rankings, and use values (UVs) of documented species were computed.

RESULTS

A total of 62 WEPs species belonging to 38 families and 56 genera were identified. The Moraceae family includes 7 species, followed by Fabaceae and Rubiaceae (each 4 species), and Lamiaceae (3 species). Shrub was the dominant growth form (32 species), followed by herbs (13 species). The largest number (24 species) of WEPs was collected from grazing lands/fields, followed by forest habitats (17 species). The most widely used edible plant part was fruit (40 species) and leaf (11 species). Most WEPs were collected for consumption from March to May (30 species), and the majority of the species (48, 77.4%) were utilized in their raw state. A large number of WEP (41 species) were consumed only during periods of food shortage, and the remaining (21 species) were used as staple food supplements. Multiple other uses of WEPs in the study area also reported. Fifty-two species mentioned for medicinal use, and the species that had the highest use value was Cordia africana Lam. (0.9). The direct matrix ranking results indicated that agricultural expansion was a principal threat to the WEPs in the study area.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that WEPs are widely used during food shortages in the study area, but many WEP species are under threat due to growing pressure from various anthropogenic factors. Thus, public awareness and community-based management need to be encouraged at all levels to conserve and sustainably use these resources to address food insecurity.

Ethnobotany study on wild edible plants used by the Tujia ethnic group in Laifeng, southwest Hubei, China

BACKGROUND

Wild edible plants hold a significant position in the lives of local residents, serving as a primary food source or supplement. Laifeng County, located in the hinterland of the central mountainous area of China, boasts abundant wild edible plant resources. The Tujia people, residing here for generations, have accumulated a wealth of traditional knowledge in the long-term practice of utilizing wild edible plants. The aim of this study is to document and organize the traditional utilization of wild edible plants by the Tujia ethnic group in Laifeng.

METHODS

An ethnobotanical investigation, comprising semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and participatory observations, was conducted in 26 traditional villages in Laifeng County from May 2023 to June 2024. A total of 252 informants were interviewed, from whom information about wild edible plants, including edible parts, food categories, consumption modes, and multiple uses was collected. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) and the cultural food significance index (CFSI) were calculated to identify the cultural importance of wild edible plants.

RESULTS

A total of 163 species of wild edible plants consumed by the Tujia people in Laifeng, belonging to 64 families and 118 genera and related traditional knowledge were collected, including vegetables (78), fruits (52), wine-soaking plants (12), spices (11), food substitutes (9), tea substitutes (6), nuts (5), coagulants (2), and oil (1). The most frequently used families were Rosaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae, with 23, 10, and 10 species, respectively. The most commonly utilized plant parts were fruits, leaves, and stems. RFC and CFSI analyses identified 14 species of wild edible plants with high cultural importance in the local diet, such as Allium macrostemon, Houttuynia cordata, and Hovenia acerba.

CONCLUSIONS

The Tujia ethnic group in Laifeng demonstrates extensive knowledge in their traditional usage of wild edible plants, offering unique and robust insights into the harvesting, processing, and consumption of these resources. Over time, this practice has become an integral part of the local food culture. These findings contribute to the preservation of the Tujia culture of wild edible plants in Laifeng and the conservation and development of wild edible plant resources.

Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Arsi Robe district of East Arsi Zone, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are usually considered to constitute all plant resources that are neither cultivated nor domesticated but are used as nutritional supplements by local people. WEPs play a vital role in ensuring food and livelihood security for countless families and communities around the world. The objective of the study was to assess and document wild edible plants used by communities in the Arsi Robe district as food.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews, market surveys, and guided field walks were employed as data collection tools. The data were analyzed using preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and Jaccard's similarity index.

RESULTS

The present study revealed various types of wild edible plants consumed by local communities in the Arsi Robe district of the East Arsi Zone. This could be justified by the documentation of 36 different wild edible plants in the study area. These WEPs belong to 31 genera and 25 families. Most of the growth forms of the edible wild plants in the district were shrubs (16, 44.44%) and trees (14, 38.88%). Amaranthus caudatus and Bridelia micrantha are the most preferred WEPs in the study area. The finding of the study also revealed that Lepidotrichilia volkensii and Premna schimperi are among the novel WEPs that had not before been documented as food items in other areas. Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Ficus sycomorus, Cordia africana, and Ficus sur are species with multiple uses. Agricultural expansion, charcoal production, the construction of different materials, making agricultural tools, deforestation, and other factors were the top prioritized threats affecting the abundance and diversity of wild edible plants.

CONCLUSION

Along with the sustainable utilization and conservation of the existing WEPs of the study district, priority should be given to the urgent collection, domestication, and cultivation of multiuse wild edible plant species such as Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Ficus sycomorus, Cordia africana, and Ficus sur in the study area.

Exploring Phytochemical Profile, Pharmaceutical Activities, and Medicinal and Nutritional Value of Wild Edible Plants in Ethiopia

In many parts of the world, wild edible plants (WEPs) constitute an essential component of the global food basket, providing an alternative source of wholesome and nourishing food. Ethiopia is one of countries of the world having largest concentrations of WEPs. In the country, various parts of WEPs, such as fruits, stems, leaves, tubers, roots, or entire plant sections, are frequently consumed and used as food sources for famine relief during seasonal food shortages, as well as for commercial purposes. WEPs have been also used in the country as sources of phytochemicals, traditional medicine, and pharmaceutical applications. Approximately 30%-40% of WEPs and over 413 different kinds of WEPs are commonly consumed by Ethiopians regularly. Most plant families utilized as WEPs are Moraceae, Fabaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, and Tiliaceae. The most widely used plant parts of WEPs were fruits. WEPs can be used as substitutes for traditional plant-based human diets because of their high nutritional value, which includes proteins, vitamins B2 and C, and low moisture content. This review focuses on using edible wild plants for pharmacological purposes, dietary supplements, and alternative medicine. Many obstacles prevent people from consuming WEPs, even when they are easily accessible and available. The use of WEPs must be encouraged by nutrition policies as one of the pillars of food and nutrition security. To increase yield, diversify the revenue streams of small-scale farmers, and protect the diminishing wild edible fruit resources, it is imperative to domesticate and enhance WEPs.

Harvesting nature's bounty: exploring the ethnobotanical landscape of wild edible plants in the Awi Agäw community, Northwestern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Feeding the world's future population while still facing a variety of socioeconomic and climate change scenarios with uncertain outcomes is a key global societal concern that should be addressed in a science-based manner. Ethiopia boasts a great diversity of wild edible plant species (WEPS), but millions of its citizens still suffer from chronic hunger every year. In this context, we here document the use and conservation of WEPS in the Awi Agäw community, Northwestern Ethiopia.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study from October 2021 to June 2022. Ethnobotanical and conservation status data were collected via semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, field walks and market surveys. A total of 374 respondents from three districts (Guangua, Jawi and Ankasha) were purposely selected for the study. Descriptive statistics, including preference rankings, frequencies and direct matrix rankings, were employed for the data analysis.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 39 WEPS plant taxa distributed among 26 families and 32 genera. The Moraceae and Rosaceae had the greatest numbers of plants, with five and three species, respectively. The WEPS are regularly consumed in the study area to alleviate hunger. However, threats such as habitat loss, agricultural expansion, deforestation for firewood and other reasons, and pesticide use threaten WEPS availability.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, community-based conservation interventions need to be encouraged to safeguard WEPS and associated traditional knowledge. Furthermore, nutritional quality analysis is recommended for the selection of promising WEPS candidates.

Wild edible vegetables of ethnic communities of Mizoram (Northeast India): an ethnobotanical study in thrust of marketing potential

BACKGROUND

Assessment of wild edible vegetables (WEVs) from the ethnobotanical approach is a significant key to understanding indigenous knowledge systems. The available literature has revealed a tremendous decline in knowledge of WEVs over the last few decades. The main purpose of this study was to document and analyse the traditional knowledge of WEVs among the two major ethnic groups of Mizoram regarding their use and the diversity associated with the importance of traditional medicines. Secondly, a market survey will be conducted to determine the status of available WEVs.

METHODS

This study conducted an ethnobotanical survey among 72 informants through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires besides direct field observations. The documented data were quantitatively analysed using various ethnobotanical indices, including Informant's consensus factor (ICF), Fidelity level value (Fl), and Direct matrix ranking (DMR). A marketing survey was conducted in the Bara Bazar, Mizoram's most prominent local market. A total of 38 vendor informants were interviewed to observe and collect the price of commonly sold WEVs.

RESULTS

A total of 70 WEVs, distributed in 58 genera under 36 families, were documented and identified. Of these, 33 WEVs were of medicinal importance. Leafy vegetables were documented as the most frequently consumed parts (55.71%). The majority (44.29%) of the plants documented were consumed in fried form. The highest level of agreement among informants for food used categories was observed for plants combined with dry fish (ICF = 1). The Informant's consensus factor (ICF) of disease categories ranges from 0.75 to 1, with the highest being reported for convulsion (ICF = 1), sleep inducer (ICF = 1), and antiseptic (ICF = 1). Picria fel-terrae was the most preferred plant for hypertension treatment (100% FL). Direct matrix ranking (DMR) indicated that Dysoxylum excelsum was highly utilized by the inhabitant for multipurpose species (DMR = 64). Jaccard similarity index (JI) between the two ethnic groups was revealed at 1.26. Forty-seven WEVs were found to be commercialized in the Bara Bazar market, Aizawl, with a price range from 0.1 to 2.4 USD. Ensete superbum was reported as near threatened per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

CONCLUSION

This work highlighted the importance and rich diversity of WEVs in Mizoram, which are presently used among different age groups for food and medicine. Informants have good knowledge of WEVs, which was shared to a great extent among the inhabitants; this legacy of traditional culture must be conserved. This study further suggests a priority setting for conserving multipurpose WEVs in human-inhabited sites, investigating the recorded species' nutritional properties and pharmacological activities.

Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Plants deliver livelihood and food for millions of people in the world. Indeed, wild edible plants support rural communities in developing countries to overcome seasonal unfavorable conditions. In rural areas of Ethiopia, wild edible plants play an indispensable role in fighting food insecurity as emergency or supplementary foods. Hence, this research was aimed at studying the ethnobotanical assessment of wild edible plants in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, western Ethiopia.

METHODS

Ethnobotanical data was collected using a semi-structured interview, field observation, focus group discussions, a market survey, and the ranking of selected plants. Besides, voucher specimens were collected and stored at the National Herbarium of Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and familiarity index were computed for data analysis.

RESULTS

This study has documented 54 wild edible plant species belonging to 33 plant families and 46 genera. Of these, most (38.90%) had tree growth habits. Wild edible plants bear mostly fruits (72.20%) as edible parts. Local people usually consume these plants freshly raw as complementary foods, though some wild edibles require processing. They were mostly harvested in the January (31.48%) and May (27.78%) months, with the least collected in September (7.41%). Most wild edible plants (78.57%) were available in uncontrolled habitats, while others (21.43%) live in farmlands, home gardens, and as live fences. Out of the recorded plants, about 98% had additional uses besides their nutritional values.

CONCLUSION

Wild edible plants assist the livelihoods of the local people in food security, agriculture, energy sources, construction, medicines, ecological services, aesthetics, income generation, and household utensils. Nevertheless, wild edible plants are recently threatened due to various anthropogenic factors in the study area. Thus, they need wise use and in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures from all the concerned bodies for sustainable use in the future.

Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their utilization by the people of Soro District, Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Ethnoveterinary studies are important to maintain the sustainability of livestock health and support people's livelihoods through the provision of food, maintaining livestock health, and other biological resources. This study was carried out in Soro District, southern Ethiopia, to identify, document and analyse plant species with ethnoveterinary uses along with the associated indigenous and local knowledge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Informants were selected using purposive (key informants) and systematic random sampling (general informants) methods. Data on ethnoveterinary plants and their uses were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions with five to seven members in each and participant observation. Informant consensus factor and fidelity level were computed to identify the most common livestock ailment categories and the best plant species with ethnoveterinary use, respectively. Preference ranking methods were used to identify the potentially effective ethnoveterinary medicinal plants for the most frequently reported livestock ailments. The use diversity of multipurpose plants with ethnoveterinary importance was analysed using the analytical methods of ethnobotany including priority ranking, comparisons and important indices. The T-test statistic was used to compare knowledge differences among different social groups.

RESULTS

A total of 132 plant species in 120 genera and 61 families were reported by informants as having ethnoveterinary uses. The plants are said to be used by the local communities in various ways to treat 50 livestock health problems. Higher number of informants (23.77%) cited Momordica foetida for the treatment of 16 livestock ailments. The highest informant consensus value for this species is associated with its use for treating blackleg in cattle; Nicotiana tabacum was cited for the treatment of 15 livestock ailments mainly recommended for the Lumpy Skin Disease/Ailment of bovines; Croton macrostachyus for treatment of 13 livestock ailments including wooden tongue, FMD in bovines; and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum for nine ailments mainly diarrhoea of all livestock types. Achyranthes aspera is claimed to provide the most effective treatment for Aspiration pneumonia (severe coughing in bovines, sheep and goats) alone, while Croton macrostachyus, Ximenia americana, Allium sativum and Juniperus procera were indicated as potential plant species to treat Lumpy Skin Disease in bovines in the order given. The fidelity level analysis showed that Datura stramonium, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia and Asparagus africanus were potential medicinal plant species to treat the respective ailments of rabies, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and evil eye/spirit. Multipurpose plant species including Prunus africanus, Combretum molle and Afrocarpus falcatus have been highly threatened as indicated by direct matrix ranking mainly due to collection of fuel wood, construction materials and making household utensils, and farm implements rather than for other uses.

CONCLUSION

Soro District has rich and diversified livestock herbal medicinal resources, and indigenous knowledge of remedy preparations and applications is transmitted through generation lines. This resource faces anthropogenic threats with deforestation being the leading factor. Consequently, ethnoveterinary medicinal plants continue to decline before adequate and proper scientific documentation and testing are made. There is a dire need for planning and implementation of appropriate in situ and ex situ conservation strategies and to strive towards ensuring the survival and sustainable utilization of such important plant resources of Soro District. This must be supported by further documentation of the associated indigenous knowledge and pharmacological testing of the key promising species including Balanites aegyptiaca (novel species/NS to treat specific ailment), Brugmansia suaveolens (novel species/NS reported first to treat Livestock ailments/LsAs), Euclea divinorum (NS to treat specific ailments), Grevillea robusta (NS), Hagenia abyssinica (NS for the reported specific ailment), Pentanema confertiflorum (NS), Juniperus procera (NS), Maesa lanceolata (NS), Millettia ferruginea (NS for reported specific ailments), Schrebera alata/NS, Securidaca longepedunculata, Spiniluma oxyacantha/NS, Vepris nobilis (novel species reported first to treat LsAs), Zanthoxylum asiaticum /NS and Ximenia americana (NS for specific ailments). This ethnoveterinary study attempted to fill part of the gaps concerning the prevalent livestock health problems and the associated indigenous and local knowledge in the area.

Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used by the local people in Habru District, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Ethiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, which combines richness in plant resources and cultures of human plant use. The people of Habru District of North Wollo Zone (Amhara Region, Ethiopia) have a long history of use of plant resources for various purposes including in traditional herbal remedy preparation and use. However, the district has not been adequately studied for its ethnobotanical resources and the associated knowledge. This study focused on human medicinal plants and their traditional uses in Habru District. The objective of the study was to document and analyze the plant species used by the local communities to treat human ailments along with the associated traditional knowledge and practices.

METHODOLOGY

The study was carried out in Habru District from June 2021 to December 2022. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions (one at the district level and 12 at the kebele/subdistrict level) and market surveys. A total of 388 informants (250 males and 138 females) were selected from all 13 kebeles within Habru District using systematic random sampling, and 42 key informants were purposively selected. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus factor and fidelity level were applied for data analysis.

RESULTS

The results provide insights into the medicinal plant diversity within Habru District, where 134 plant species in 110 genera and 54 families were documented, including 2 endemics, highlighting the district's significance in biodiversity conservation and healthcare delivery. Disease prevalence analysis showed that gastrointestinal and parasitic ailments (ICF = 0.85), febrile diseases (ICF = 0.84), and culture-related conditions exhibit high informant consensus factors. Remedy preparation involves various plant parts, predominantly leaves (47.3%), followed by roots (22.1%), fruits (7.0%), and seeds (5.8%). Freshly harvested plant parts were frequently used (58.2%), while 24.7% involved both dried and fresh parts. Oral application (47.3%) and topical use (31.8%) are the major routes of remedy administration. The marketability of medicinal plants was evident, with 16.4% of the species reported as marketable, including Terminalia brownii Fresen. Myrtus communis L., Ruta chalepensis L., Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata (Wall. & G.Don) Cif., Allium sativum L. and Capsicum annuum L. Multipurpose plants such as Solanum somalense Franchet. (91.3% FL), Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex. Benth. (88.9% FL), and Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. (85.7% FL) exhibited notable healing potentials.

CONCLUSION

The current study underscores the intricate relationship between the local community and medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and health care and acknowledging the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and ecosystem health. The results contribute to the development of sustainable conservation strategies, healthcare practices and the preservation of traditional knowledge, and highlight the interdependence of human societies and their natural environments. Community-based conservation initiatives with active participation of local communities are desirable for the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant species and their habitats. Raising public awareness about the sustainable harvesting and utilization of marketed medicinal plants (e.g., Terminalia brownii Fresen.) that are under threat is also important to ensure their availability for future generations and contribution to socioeconomic development.

Ethnobotanical study of underutilized wild edible plants and threats to their long-term existence in Midakegn District, West Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Ethiopia is endowed with much plant diversity. The insignificant number of studies on wild edible plants with their ethnobotanical perspectives indicated that this plant diversity comprised only hundreds of wild edible plants used to supplement food sources for the local community under different conditions. There still need to be further investigations throughout the country when compared to the total area and cultural diversity of the country. However, they are seriously under pressure due to different natural and human influences. Therefore, the study was conducted to document underutilized wild edible plants along with their associated indigenous knowledge and explore threats to them in Midakegn District.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, a market survey, score ranking, and focused group discussions were employed for data collection. Statistical analysis of ethnobotanical knowledge mean variation between different informant groups was computed by using one-way ANOVA in the IBM SPSS Statics version 24 package.

RESULTS

A total of fifty underutilized wild edible plants belonging to 39 genera and 30 families were collected, recorded, and documented. The families Moraceae (four), Fabaceae, Flacourtaceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, and Tiliaceae (each three) represented the highest number of species. It comprised shrubs (44%), trees (36%), herbs (18%), and epiphytes (2%). Fruits (62.3%) were found to be the most frequently used and mostly taken raw, fresh, or dried. These edible resources were consumed to supplement staple foods (67.3%), whereas 25% were used as emergency foods. The majority of species (96%) had multiple uses in addition to their edibility. A significantly higher (P < 0.05) number of underutilized wild edible plants were cited by males than females, by key informants than generals, elders than youngsters, illiterate than literate, and poorer than other wealth class groups of the community. Priority rankings indicate that agricultural expansion, fuel wood harvest, overgrazing, and selective harvesting are the most threatening factors to underutilized wild edible plants.

CONCLUSIONS

Fifty underutilized wild edible plants, along with their associated indigenous knowledge, were recorded. Local people utilize them for supplementing staple food, as emergency food, to get relief, trust, and chew during drought. But they are mainly threatened by different human activities in the study area.