The diversity and value of wild edible plants in Tan Phu forest, Dong Nai province

Abstract

Wild edible plants are essential “green-clean” foods which bring many health benefits to users and create livelihoods for local people. This study aims to determine the diversity of species composition and value of wild edible plants in Tan Phu Forest, Dong Nai province. The results showed that 278 species of 78 families belonging to 5 phyla of vascular plants were recorded. Five groups of life forms were found among the species, with woody plants comprising the largest proportion. Eight use-values were also recorded: the group for vegetables and fruits accounts for a large proportion (41.73-52.52%). Ten parts of the plant were used for food; leaves, fruits, and tops account for the most significant proportion, and most species have only 1 part used (66.19%). Fourteen processing methods to create different dishes, eating raw and cooking soup, were the 2 most common methods, with 1 and 2 predominating (38.13-44.24%). Besides, 80 plant species were also identified with domestic and global conservation value.