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

Publisher: Biomed Central Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101245794 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1746-4269 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17464269 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Ethnobiol Ethnomed Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: [London] : Biomed Central, [2005]-

Ethnobotany* ; Plants, Edible*/classification ; Ethnicity*; China ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adult ; Knowledge ; Aged, 80 and over

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.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)

Ju Y, Zhuo J, Liu B, Long C. Eating from the wild: diversity of wild edible plants used by Tibetans in Shangri-la region, Yunnan. China J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2013;9(1):1–22. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-9-28 . (PMID: 10.1186/1746-4269-9-28)
Heywood VH. Ethnopharmacology, food production, nutrition and biodiversity conservation: towards a sustainable future for indigenous peoples. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;137(1):1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.05.027 . (PMID: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.05.02721645603)
Ceccanti C, Landi M, Benvenuti S, Pardossi A, Guidi L. Mediterranean wild edible plants: weeds or “new functional crops”? Molecules. 2018;23(9):2299. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23092299 . (PMID: 10.3390/molecules2309229930205584)
Misra S, Maikhuri RK, Kala CP, Rao KS, Saxena KG. Wild leafy vegetables: a study of their subsistence dietetic support to the inhabitants of Nanda Devi biosphere reserve. India J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2008;4:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-4-15 . (PMID: 10.1186/1746-4269-4-15)
Cheng Z, Zhang Q, Long C. Research status of ethnobotany (2017–2022). Biodiv Sci. 2022;30(07):98–110. https://doi.org/10.17520/biods.2022372 . (PMID: 10.17520/biods.2022372)
Pironon S, Soto GM. Plant agrodiversity to the rescue. Nat Clim Change. 2021;11(1):6–8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-020-00925-3 . (PMID: 10.1038/s41558-020-00925-3)
Siddique KHM, Li X, Gruber K. Rediscovering Asia’s forgotten crops to fight chronic and hidden hunger. Nat Plants. 2021;7(2):116–22. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-021-00850-z . (PMID: 10.1038/s41477-021-00850-z33594263)
Shrestha PM, Dhillion SS. Diversity and traditional knowledge concerning wild food species in a locally managed forest in Nepal. Agroforest Syst. 2006;66:55–63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-005-6642-4 . (PMID: 10.1007/s10457-005-6642-4)
Cantwell-Jones A, Ball J, Collar D, Diazgranados M, Douglas R, Forest F, Hawkins J, Howes MJR, Ulian T, Vaitla B, Pironon S. Global plant diversity as a reservoir of micronutrients for humanity. Nat Plants. 2022;8(3):225–32. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-022-01100-6 . (PMID: 10.1038/s41477-022-01100-635210559)
Yaipharembi N, Huidrom E, Nongalleima K, Singh HB. An Ethnobotanical study on the dietary use of wild trees as traditional vegetables by three ethnic communities in Manipur. North East India Econ Bot. 2023;77(3):324–39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-023-09582-x . (PMID: 10.1007/s12231-023-09582-x)
Motti R, Bonanomi G, Lanzotti V, Sacchi R. The contribution of wild edible plants to the Mediterranean diet: an ethnobotanical case study along the coast of Campania (Southern Italy). Econ Bot. 2020;74(3):249–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-020-09504-1 . (PMID: 10.1007/s12231-020-09504-1)
Hankiso M, Warkineh B, Asfaw Z, Debella A. Ethnobotany of wild edible plants in Soro District of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2023;19(1):1–23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-023-00588-2 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-023-00588-2)
Kang Y, Łuczaj Ł, Kang J, Zhang S. Wild food plants and wild edible fungi in two valleys of the Qinling Mountains (Shaanxi, Central China). J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2013;9:1–20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-9-26 . (PMID: 10.1186/1746-4269-9-26)
Kang Y, Luczaj L, Kang J, Wang F, Hou J, Guo Q. Wild food plants used by the Tibetans of Gongba Valley (Zhouqu County, Gansu, China). J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2014;10:20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-10-20 . (PMID: 10.1186/1746-4269-10-2024502461)
Guo CA, Ding XY, Addi YW, Zhang Y, Zhang XQ, Zhuang HF, Wang YH. An ethnobotany survey of wild plants used by the Tibetan people of the Yadong River Valley, Tibet, China. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2022;18(1):28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-022-00518-8 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-022-00518-835361213)
Cheng Z, Lu X, Lin F, Naeem A, Long C. Ethnobotanical study on wild edible plants used by Dulong people in Northwestern Yunnan. China J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2022;18(1):1–21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-022-00501-3 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-022-00501-3)
Wang J, Seyler BC, Ticktin T, Zeng Y, Ayu K. An ethnobotanical survey of wild edible plants used by the Yi people of Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province. China J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2020;16(1):1–27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-019-0349-5 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-019-0349-5)
Zhang L, Chai Z, Zhang Y, Geng Y, Wang Y. Ethnobotanical study of traditional edible plants used by the Naxi people during droughts. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2016;12(1):1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-016-0113-z . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-016-0113-z)
Geilebagan S, Zhang YY, Khasbagan HZ. Wild edible plants collected and consumed by the locals in Daqinggou, Inner Mongolia, China. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2020;16(1):1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-020-00411-2 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-020-00411-2)
Xie J, Liu F, Jia X, Zhao Y, Liu X, Luo M, He Y, Liu S, Wu F. Ethnobotanical study of the wild edible and healthy functional plant resources of the Gelao people in Northern Guizhou. China J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2022;18(1):1–26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-022-00572-2 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-022-00572-2)
Cheng Z, Lu X, Hu X, Zhang Q, Ali M, Long C. Dulong people’s traditional knowledge of Caryota obtusa (Arecaceae): a potential starch plant with emphasis on its starch properties and distribution prediction. Econ Bot. 2023;77(1):63–81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-022-09565-4 . (PMID: 10.1007/s12231-022-09565-436811019)
Thakur A, Singh S, Dulta K, Singh N, Ali B, Hafeez A, Vodnar DC, Marc RA. Nutritional evaluation, phytochemical makeup, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of wild plants utilized as food by the Gaddis-a tribal tribe in the Western Himalayas. Front Agron. 2022;4:1010309. https://doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2022.1010309 . (PMID: 10.3389/fagro.2022.1010309)
Wu Z. A discussion on the formation and development trajectory of the Tujia ethnic group. Guizhou Ethn Stud. 1986;1:41–50. https://doi.org/10.13965/j.cnki.gzmzyj10026959.1986.01.009 . (PMID: 10.13965/j.cnki.gzmzyj10026959.1986.01.009)
Chen G, Xu L, Luo W. Study on traditional medicinal plant resource usage of Tujia nationality trough ethnobotanical approaches in the Yongding district of the Zhangjiajie City. J Minzu Univ China (Nat Sci Ed). 2011;20(02):54–8. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-8036.2011.02.012 . (PMID: 10.3969/j.issn.1005-8036.2011.02.012)
Xiong X. Progress and prospect of Tujia people studies since the 21st century——based on CSSCI bibliometrics and subject word prediction. J Yangtze Norm Univ. 2022;38(05):60–9. https://doi.org/10.19933/j.cnki.ISSN1674-3652.2022.05.008 . (PMID: 10.19933/j.cnki.ISSN1674-3652.2022.05.008)
Huang H. Tujia ethnic group. Urumqi: Xinjiang Fine Arts Photography Press; 2010.
Pei S, Huai H. Ethnobotany. Shanghai: Shanghai Science and Technology Press; 2007.
He JW, Gao HT, Liu X, Li Q, Luo J, Yan J, Luo BS. Botanical drugs for bruises used in the Xiangxi Region of China, a place rich in martial culture. Tradit Med Res. 2023;8(11):65. https://doi.org/10.53388/TMR20230507002 . (PMID: 10.53388/TMR20230507002)
He J, Yao P, Li Z, Bu L, Zeng Z, Long C. Investigation and suggestions on sustainable utilization of medicinal plants to dispel wind and eliminate dampness in Xiangxi Region. Guihaia. 2021;41(11):1839–49. https://doi.org/10.11931/guihaia.gxzw202004027 . (PMID: 10.11931/guihaia.gxzw202004027)
Zhou X, Peng F, Xiong Z. Ethnobotanical study of “Shizhu Huanglian” (Coptis chinensis). Hubei Agric Sci. 2012;51(02):221–7. https://doi.org/10.14088/j.cnki.issn0439-8114.2012.02.037 . (PMID: 10.14088/j.cnki.issn0439-8114.2012.02.037)
Yu Z, Liu X, Liu X, Huang Z, Han M, Gong X, Xie X, Yang Q, Jiang X, Wang MS, Tang WY. Ethnobotanical study of Akebia utilized by Tujia in Zhangjiajie. Chin Wild Plant Resour. 2018;37(04):51–3. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1006-9690.2018.04.011 . (PMID: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9690.2018.04.011)
Zhang S, Li H. Investigation on traditional pharmacology of Gesneriaceae plants in Enshi Tujia ethnic group. J Hubei Minzu Univ (Med Ed). 2012;29(04):61.
Wu X. Tucang: ethnobotanical study on edible plants in the mountainous areas of Central China. Shanghai: Fudan University Press; 2010.
Yang W. Investigation of forest germplasm resources in Laifeng County of Enshi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture. Hubei Forest Sci Technol. 2020;49(06):49–54.
Tian C, Hou S, Xia P, Yao Z. Weeds occurrence and their green control in cigar tobacco fields of Laifeng County. Tob Sci Technol. 2022;55(12):25–32. https://doi.org/10.16135/j.issn1002-0861.2022.0067 . (PMID: 10.16135/j.issn1002-0861.2022.0067)
Compilation Committee of Laifeng County Annals. Laifeng County Annals. Beijing: Local records Press; 2014.
Wang Y. Common research methods in ethnobotany. Hangzhou: Zhejiang Education Publishing House; 2017.
Geng Y, Zhang Y, Ranjitkar S, Huai H, Wang Y. Traditional knowledge and its transmission of wild edibles used by the Naxi in Baidi Village, Northwest Yunnan province. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2016;12:1–21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-016-0082-2 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-016-0082-2)
Chai ZZ, Wang C, Wang YH. Field survey on the dye plants used by Dai people in Xishuangbanna. Guihaia. 2017;37(01):56–63. https://doi.org/10.11931/guihaia.gxzw201603027 . (PMID: 10.11931/guihaia.gxzw201603027)
Luo BS, Li F, Ahmed S, Long C. Diversity and use of medicinal plants for soup making in traditional diets of the Hakka in West Fujian. China J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2019;15(1):1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-019-0335-y . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-019-0335-y)
Pieroni A. Evaluation of the cultural significance of wild food botanicals traditionally consumed in Northwestern Tuscany. Italy J Ethnobiol. 2001;21(1):89–104.
Sujarwo W, Caneva G. Using quantitative indices to evaluate the cultural importance of food and nutraceutical plants: comparative data from the Island of Bali (Indonesia). J Cult Herit. 2016;18:342–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2015.06.006 . (PMID: 10.1016/j.culher.2015.06.006)
Ma Y, Luo B, Zhu Q, Ma D, Wen Q, Feng J, Xue D. Changes in traditional ecological knowledge of forage plants in immigrant villages of Ningxia. China J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2019;15(1):1–25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-019-0333-0 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-019-0333-0)
Yaseen G, Ahmad M, Sultana S, Alharrasi AS, Hussain J, Zafar M. Ethnobotany of medicinal plants in the Thar Desert (Sindh) of Pakistan. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;2015(163):43–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.12.053 . (PMID: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.12.053)
Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Liu L, Li C, Zhu S, Liu X. Extraction and antioxidant activity of flavone from Hovenia dulcis peduncle. Food Sci Technol. 2024;49(04):251–60. https://doi.org/10.13684/j.cnki.spkj.2024.04.036 . (PMID: 10.13684/j.cnki.spkj.2024.04.036)
Zhou X, Chen J, Fang J, Wang W. Research progress on antibacterial effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata. ChinTradit Herb Drugs. 2017;48(22):4819–25. https://doi.org/10.7501/j.issn.0253-2670.2017.22.034 . (PMID: 10.7501/j.issn.0253-2670.2017.22.034)
Jiang N, Guo Q, Zhu C, Pan M, Zhou Y, Liu S, Peng X. Investigation and analysis of wild edible plant resources in Gaowangjie national natural reserve of Hu’nan Province. Forest By-Prod Spec Ch. 2020;03:66. https://doi.org/10.13268/j.cnki.fbsic.2020.03.030 . (PMID: 10.13268/j.cnki.fbsic.2020.03.030)
Fang Q, Cheng Z, Zhang R, Luo B, Long C. Wild edible plants of the Yao people in Jianghua, China: plant-associated traditional knowledge and practice vital for food security and ecosystem service. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2024;20(1):80. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-024-00724-6 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-024-00724-639198831)
Liu S, Huang X, Bin Z, Yu B, Lu Z, Hu R, Long C. Wild edible plants and their cultural significance among the Zhuang ethnic group in Fangchenggang, Guangxi, China. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2023;19(1):52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-023-00623-2 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-023-00623-237940945)
Cámara-Leret R, Bascompte J. Language extinction triggers the loss of unique medicinal knowledge. P Natl Acad Sci USA. 2021;118(24):e2103683118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2103683118 . (PMID: 10.1073/pnas.2103683118)
Zhang Q, Cheng Z, Fan Y, Zhang D, Wang M, Zhang J, Sommano S, Wu X, Long C. Ethnobotanical study on edible flowers in Xishuangbanna, China. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2023;19(1):43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-023-00608-1 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-023-00608-137777741)
Wu X. “Ethnic foods” and regional identity: the Hezha Restaurants in Enshi. Food Foodways. 2004;12(4):225–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/07409710490518546 . (PMID: 10.1080/07409710490518546)
Yao W, Liu P. On the features of the diet culture of Tujia minority in the western part of Hubei Province. J Hubei Minzu Univ (Philos Social Sci). 2007;3:11–5. https://doi.org/10.13501/j.cnki.42-1328/c.2007.03.038 . (PMID: 10.13501/j.cnki.42-1328/c.2007.03.038)
Luo J, Li Q, He JW, Yan J, Zhang S, Chang X, Wu T. Local knowledge of homegarden plants in Miao ethnic communities in Laershan region, Xiangxi area, China. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2024;20(1):37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-024-00676-x . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-024-00676-x38500123)
Jeambey Z, Johns T, Talhouk S, Batal M. Perceived health and medicinal properties of six species of wild edible plants in North-East Lebanon. Public Health Nutr. 2009;12(10):1902–11. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980009004832 . (PMID: 10.1017/S136898000900483219232151)
Etkin NL. Medicinal cuisines: diet and ethopharmacology. Int J Pharmacogn. 1996;34(5):313–26. https://doi.org/10.1076/phbi.34.5.313.13246 . (PMID: 10.1076/phbi.34.5.313.13246)
Zhang L, Zhang Y, Pei S, Geng Y, Wang C, Wang Y. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal dietary plants used by the Naxi people in Lijiang Area, Northwest Yunnan. China J Ethnobiol Rthnomed. 2015;11:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-015-0030-6 . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-015-0030-6)
Luo B, Tong Y, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Qin Y, Hu R. Ethnobotanical insights into the traditional food plants of the Baiku Yao community: a study of cultural significance, utilization, and conservation. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2024;20(1):52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-024-00691-y . (PMID: 10.1186/s13002-024-00691-y38755671)
Pinela J, Carvalho AM, Ferreira ICFR. Wild edible plants: nutritional and toxicological characteristics, retrieval strategies and importance for today’s society. Food Chem Toxicol. 2017;110:165–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.10.020 . (PMID: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.10.02029042290)
Kristanc L, Kreft S. European medicinal and edible plants associated with subacute and chronic toxicity part I: plants with carcinogenic, teratogenic and endocrine-disrupting effects. Food Chem Toxicol. 2016;92:150–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2016.04.007 . (PMID: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.04.00727090581)
Zhu Q, Qiao J, Han D, Xiao J, Xu J, Wang W. Labor force outflow and influencing factors in specialized villages of Henan Province. Prog Geog. 2024;43(3):573–86. https://doi.org/10.18306/dlkxjz.2024.03.012 . (PMID: 10.18306/dlkxjz.2024.03.012)
Tardío J, Pardo-de-Santayana M, Morales R. Ethnobotanical review of wild edible plants in Spain. Bot J Linn Soc. 2006;152(1):27–71. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8339.2006.00549.x . (PMID: 10.1111/j.1095-8339.2006.00549.x)
Dong Z, Lei X, Zhou R, Fu X, Liu Y, He Y, Hua X, Cao B, Wang Z, Li J. Component analysis and quality evaluation on nutrients in 40 Elaeagnus fruits. Non Wood Forest Res. 2019;37(01):107–16. https://doi.org/10.14067/j.cnki.1003-8981.2019.01.016 . (PMID: 10.14067/j.cnki.1003-8981.2019.01.016)
He Y, Zhu G, Fan X. Comparative analysis on nut qualities of four Castanea henryi cultivars. Hubei Forest Sci Technol. 2022;51(05):18–22.
Qiu J, Liu F, Liang G, Zhu L, Ran H, Liu Y, Wu M. Correlation analysis of nutritional components and climatic factors of wild Pyracantha fortuneana fruit in Guizhou Province. Biotic Resour. 2023;45(06):592–9. https://doi.org/10.14188/j.ajsh.2023.06.009 . (PMID: 10.14188/j.ajsh.2023.06.009)
Li M, Jia N, Lenzen M, Malik A, Wei L, Jin Y, Raubenheimer D. Global food-miles account for nearly 20% of total food-systems emissions. Nat Food. 2022;3(6):445–53. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-022-00531-w . (PMID: 10.1038/s43016-022-00531-w37118044)
Xiao Y, Li C, Xu Y. Study on ethnobotany of homegarden plants of Dai Nationality in Xishuangbanna. J Plant Resour Environ. 2021;30(02):59–67. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-7895.2021.02.08 . (PMID: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7895.2021.02.08)

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Laifeng; Traditional knowledge; Tujia ethnic group; Wild edible plants

Date Created: 20241007 Date Completed: 20241008 Latest Revision: 20241008

20241009

10.1186/s13002-024-00735-3

39375778