PJB-2017-672
BOTANICAL SURVEY OF WILD EDIBLE PLANTS FROM THE TRADITIONAL MARKETS IN BAOTING AND LINGSHUI, HAINAN ISLAND, CHINA
DONG-MEI YANG
Abstract
Wild edible plants have potential medicinal functions and keep Li Minority healthy in daily life. Some wild edible plants can be used as herbal medicines. Traditional usage of wild edible plants reflects the dietary habits and the awareness of health care of Li. The aim of the study was to document wild edible plant species used and commercialized, to facilitate the use and development of wild edible plants in Hainan Island. Information was mainly obtained from semi-structured interviews in 17 traditional markets from May 2016 to December 2016. Twenty-six species belonging to 24 genera in 16 families of vascular plants were recognized as wild edible plants, including 6 as both wild edible plants and herbal medicines. Compositae (5 species) was the most prevalent family. 84.62% of the total species were annual and perennial herbs. Over ground parts and whole plants were the most frequently used parts. The common preparation modes for edible plants were plain-frying, quick-boiling, salad, and soup. Heat-clearing, detoxicating, to be used as diuretic and to relieve swollen poison were the common medicinal functions. Weather, the size of population and plant diversity in local areas have close relationship with the species richness of wild edible plants in traditional markets. Geographical difference is not the critical factor for the fluctuation of prices, and there is not a unique relationship between price and time. Further investigation is necessary to record this valuable knowledge before its disappearance.
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