Showing papers in "Economic Botany in 1998"

Medicinal plant ecology, knowledge and conservation in Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract: This study documents the abundance, distribution and knowledge of medicinal plant species in a Ransa Dayak village and adjoining forest in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Over 250 medicinal plant species from 165 genera and 75 families are utilized by the local healer. Late successional, primary and river bench forests contained the highest diversity of locally-utilized medicinal species and the greatest number of species restricted to a single forest type for which alternative species or remedies were unavailable. Epiphytes and trees restricted to primary forests are particularly important sources for plants used to treat unusual ailments. A 100% survey of village residents 15 years of age and older (N = 32) revealed that people older than 25 years of age, and older females in particular, possessed greater knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses than younger people and males. All residents, except the male healer, were more knowledgeable about medicinal plants found in early successional forests than those of primary forests. Commercial logging and the loss of traditional knowledge through acculturation pose twin challenges to the persistence of traditional medicinal plant use in this Ransa village and throughout much of Kalimantan.

Distinguishing rice ( Oryza sativa poaceae) from wild Oryza species through phytolith analysis, II Finalized method

Abstract: Asian rice is an important grain, not only in its homeland but in many areas of the world. Preliminary studies suggested that phytolith analysis, the identification of opaline silica bodies, provided a reliable way of identifying rice, especially in situations where preservation of charred botanical remains was poor. Results of this follow-up study, which incorporates all Asian wild Oryza species and a diverse array of traditional Oryza sativa cultivars, confirm that rice can be identified with a high level of certainty by the size and qualitative features of a distincitve phytolith, the double-peaked glume cell.

Search for the wild ancestor of buckwheat. III. The wild ancestor of cultivated common buckwheat, and of tatary buckwheat

Abstract: By surveying wild Fagopyrum species and their distribution in southern China and the Himalayan hills, I arrived at the conclusion that the newly discovered subspecies F. esculentum ssp. ancestralis Ohnishi is the wild ancestor of cultivated common buckwheat, while previously known wild tatary buckwheat,F. tataricum ssp. potanini Batalin is the wild ancestor of tatary buckwheat. Their original birthplace is revealed to be northwestern corner of Yunnan province for common buckwheat judging from the distribution of wild ancestor, and to be the northwest part of Sichuan province for tatary buckwheat judging from allozyme variability in wild tatary buckwheat. F. cymosum is not the ancestor of cultivated buckwheat; it is only distantly related to cultivated buckwheat, in morphology, isozymes and cpDNA. Several genetic, ecological and taxonomic categories which should be taken into consideration in examining the origin of buckwheat were discussed. Key Words: Fagopyrum esculentum ssp. ancestralis; Fagopyrum tataricum ssp. potanini; southern China theory of origin of buckwheat.

The trade in medicinal and aromatic plants from central Nepal to Northern India

Abstract: This paper describes the collection and trade of dry medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) from Gorkha District in central Nepal to Delhi in northern India. It is based on two years’ field work in Nepal and India. Substantial amounts of MAPs are available and accessible in the northern and middle parts of the district; currently 35 species are traded and further 13 species traded elsewhere are found in the district. Approximately 3700 individuals are engaged in commercial MAP collection; in the northern and middle parts of the district 25–100% of households in a given village participate in the collection. The average daily income is competitive with other income generating activities and commercial MAP collection constitutes from 15–35% of poor households ’ annual income (households with less than 300 US$ annual income). Commercial MAP collection is generally not important in the southern part of the district. Almost all species are harvested in the wild. The harvested and dried MAPs move southward from the forests and alpine pastures in Nepal to the main Indian markets on the Gangetic plain. Marketing margin analysis of the six main products traded shows that collectors’ net margins average 46.6% of the Delhi wholesale price; the overall average net margin for traders is only 3.0% and for Terai wholesalers 31.5%. The main potentials and pitfalls in connection to improving the trade for the collectors are briefly discussed. There are indications that the commercial MAP collection in central Nepal is not unsustainable.

Use and trading of wild edible herbs in the central lowveld savanna region, South Africa

Abstract: The use, processing, trading, cultivation and nurturing of wild edible herbs was recorded across a rainfall gradient in the Mpumalanga lowveld. Nine villages, in three transects across the prevailing west-east rainfall gradient, were sampled by means of 20 households per village. All households made use of wild edible herbs to some extent, with households in the wettest region using the greatest diversity. The duration of availability of selected species was increased through drying, storing and processing for later consumption. Such activities were more common in the drier regions relative to the wetter villages. Approximately 38% of the respondents cultivated or nurtured wild edible herbs within their homestead or arable fields, whereas more than 77% grew exotic commercial vegetables. One quarter of respondents traded in edible herbs, largely in the winter months. Very few obtained a significant income in this way, but even casual trading provided vital supplementary income for low-income households.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi with edible fruiting bodies 2.Boletus edulis

Abstract: Boletus edulis sensu lato (penny bun mushroom, cep, cepe de Bordeaux, porcino, Steinpilz) is a complex of at least five species (or sub-species) of mycorrhizal fungi which grow primarily with hosts in Fagaceae, Pinaceae, and Betulaceae. They occur in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere and have been accidentally introduced into South Africa and New Zealand. The fruiting bodies have a very strong flavor and are widely used both commercially and domestically, particularly in Europe and North America. The vegetation, climate, and soils where B. edulis grows and methods that have been used in unsuccessful attempts to cultivate it are described.

Tradition, uses and Biodiversity of rocket (Eruca Sativa, Brassicaceae) in Israel

Abstract: Eruca sativa (rocket) is a native plant of Israel, documented in the old literature. A survey was conducted of the old literature of ancient Israel, including Jewish, Classical and Islamic sources up to the Middle ages. It was found that rocket was used as a garden crop and spice. It was also known as a medicinal plant and was used as an aphrodisiac, for eye infections, and for digestive and kidney problems. It is important to note that special attention was given in the old times to biodiversity within the rocket species. In the light of its high erucic acid content, native accessions were collected and evaluated as a potential future source of industrial oil. Ten accessions ofEruca sativa were cultivated in Bet-Dagan experimental farm during the 1995/96 growing season. Physiological as well as chemical parameters were recorded. Erucic acid (C 22:1) and eicosenoic acid (C 20:1) contents varied from 33 to 45% and from 7.3% to 9.8%, respectively. Special attention was given to the expressed biodiversity among the accessions and its relation to their origins.

Vegetation of Jordan

Abstract: Chardin, John. 1811. Voyages du Chevalier Chardin en Perse et autres lieux de l'Orient. Paris. 10 vol., 3:295-6. [Ibid. 1927. Travels in Persia. London. p. 140. Collin, M. E. 1890. La matiere medicale de la Perse. Journale de Pharmacie et de Chimie p. 102-108. Curzon, G. N. 1892. Persia and the Persian question. London. 2 vol., 2:502. Gmelin, S. G. 1774. Reise dutch das nordliche Persien. Page 288 in vol. 4 of Reise durch Russland. St. Petersburg. Haussknecht , A. 1870. Ueber manna-sorten des orients. Archly der Pharmazie 192:244-251. Malcolm, J. 1815. The history of Persia. London. 2 vol., 2:562n. Meyerhof, M. 1947. The earliest mention of a manniparous insect. Isis 37:31-36. Mounsey, A. H. 1872. A journey through Caucasus and the interior of Persia. London. pp. 190-191. Niebuhr, Karsten. 1792. Travels through Arabia and other countries in the East, 1761-1764 (translated by R. Heron). Edinburgh and Dublin. 2 vol., 2:360. Otter , Jean. 1748. Voyage en Turquie et en Perse. Paris. 2 vol., 1:197. Polak, J. E. 1865. Persien, das land und seine bewohner. Leipzig. 2 vol., 2:287. Schlimmer, J. 1874. Terminologie medico pharmaceutique et anthropologique Francaise-Persane Theheran [Tehran]. 2:358. Sykes, P. M. 1906. A fifth journey in Persia. Geographical Journal 28:425-453. Wills, C. J. 1883. In the land of the lion and sun, or modern Persia. London. p. 158.

Indigenous resource rights and conservation of the monkey-puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana, Araucariaceae): a case study from southern Chile.

Abstract: This article outlines the ethnobotanical and economic importance of the monkey-puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana,), a long-lived conifer endemic to the temperate forests of Chile and Argentina. It also assesses the connection between indigenous resource rights and environmental conservation by examining the history of the tree’s use in Ralco Lepoy, an indigenous community of 800 inhabitants located in the Andes of southern Chile. Primary data were collected through interviews and field observations. Secondary data were collected through archival research in national and provincial capitals. Self-determination and territorial rights are important factors in the indigenous interest in and commitment to the conservation of the monkey-puzzle tree. A complementary approach to indigenous land rights and environmental protection may be an appropriate strategy to decentralize conservation efforts and ensure local participation in developing sustainable resource management plans.

Chemical composition, nutritional evaluation, and economic prospects of Spondias purpurea (Anacardiaceae)

Abstract: The fruits of “ovo” (Spondias purpurea L) had the highest caloric density of the fruits compared, 74 kcal/100 g edible portion versus 39 to 58 kcal/100 g for peach, apricot, plum, mango, and cherry. This higher caloric density is due principally to ovo's higher concentration of total carbohydrates (19.1%); fructose, glucose, and sucrose together account for 65% of the soluble matter. Unlike the other fruits, ovo retains a fair amount of starch in the mesocarp. It is a moderate source of potassium (250 mgl 100 g edible portion) and an excellent source of vitamin C (49 mg/l00 g edible portion). Analysis of volatile flavor compounds showed 2-hexenal to be the main flavor compound present. Although there is a local market for ovo in Ecuador, large scale exportation of the fresh fruit currently lacks the necessary infrastructure to prolong shelf life, while the current production of ovo is insufficient for large scale industrial processing of the fruit. In the near future, the best alternative to maximize the income of the small holders producing ovo is for them to concentrate on producing “value added products” such as jams, ice creams, alcoholic beverages, and vinegars.

Extraction of non-timber forest products in the forests of Biligiri Rangan Hills, India. 6. fuelwood pressure and management options

Abstract: Fuelwood is a predominant source of domestic energy for the Soliga, an aboriginal tribe, and non-Soliga people inhabiting the core and the fringe of the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, India. Approximately 7000 Soliga and 66000 non-Soliga people depend on the 540 km2 sanctuary for fuelwood. The demand for fuelwood is estimated to be 134.7 t d-1 or 49165 t y-1 against production of 66024 t y-1 for the entire sanctuary. Consumption patterns vary with the season and the altitude. The pressure for fuelwood is far greater on the fringe (85.8%) than in the core (14.2%). The fuelwood supply emanates from an activity zone of 20.1% of the total forest area which produces only 27% of the total demand. Furthermore, only selected species are preferred for fuel use, indicating that only a certain percentage of total productivity is available for extraction. Thus, the demandsupply gap is far greater than it actually appears. A wide gap between demand and supply demonstrates that the BRT forests cannot cater to the fuelwood needs sustainably with the prevailing patterns of extraction. Probable consequences of fuelwood extraction on biodiversity are discussed, and management options to meet energy requirement and to conserve biodiversity are explored.

Genetic diversity of Pistachio (Pistacia vera, Anacardiaceae) Germplasm based on Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers

Abstract: We used Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to examine patterns of relatedness among 29 pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) cultivars and accessions. These included 13 cultivars that we had previously described, and an additional 16 items from the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository/Davis comprising cultivars and land races originating further east of the cultivars described previously, and material from wild P. vera stands in or near the putative center of origin for pistachio in South Central Asia. The results show high levels of polymorphism in the species emphasizing the importance of preservation of the remaining wild stands of P. vera. Analyses support the concept that cultivars in use west of the Zagros-Caucasus ranges likely originate from a limited germplasm base. The newly examined cultivated material shows greater genetic diversity, consistent with the hypothesis that pistachio cultivation originated in or near South Central Asia. Results also indicate that for at least two cases, material identified differently in two collections are the same clones, thus illustrating the value of molecular marker techniques in describing and maintaining germplasm collections for clonally propagated species.

Extraction of non-timber forest products in the forests of Biligiri Rangan Hills, India. 4. Impact on floristic diversity and population structure in a thorn scrub forest.

Abstract: Impact of extraction of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) was analyzed in a thorn scrub forest in Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) wildlife sanctuary, India. Six species are most commonly extracted from BRT scrub for subsistence and income generation by an aboriginal tribe, the Soliga. Although the forest has been provided protection from indiscriminate felling since 1978 under a wildlife sanctuary cover, changes in vegetation structure are still occurring as a consequence of anthropogenic pressure in the form of extraction of fuelwood and other NTFPs. The results indicate that large woody species are being replaced by small woody species. The population structure also is becoming increasingly skewed to the smaller size classes due to extraction-bound mortality of the individuals, particularly those>7 cm dbh and above. The data suggest that the scrub community itself may be a manifestation of long persisting anthropogenic pressure in the form of extraction of a variety of forest products, and it currently represents a downward transition from a deciduous forest to a shrub thicket.

Productivity and sustainability of a vegetable ivory palm (Phytelephas aequatorialis, arecaceae) under three management regimes in Northwestern Ecuador

Abstract: This study examines the productivity, sustainability, and management of tagua nuts from the palm Phytelephas aequatorialis under three management regimes in northwestern Ecuador. Tagua nuts are used internationally as an ivory substitute and the palm fronds are used locally as roof thatch. Plots were established in a control site and in three local management regimes: pure tagua groves; stands with tagua and cacao in an agroforestry system; and tagua groves where the undergrowth is cleared and old fronds removed. Data were collected for one year and local extractors were interviewed about their tagua management. Palm demography indicates heavy management with few subadult individuals and many more adult females than males. Productivity analyses do not demonstrate the influence of any one environmental variable on leaf or infructescence productivity. The pure tagua grove is the management regime most conducive to tagua sustainability. The sustainability results are underscored by the extractive methodology, where local extractors maximize tagua collected while minimizing collection time. These results are incorporated into management recommendations to foster tagua extraction while ensuring its sustainability and future use.

Extraction of non-timber forest products in the forests of Biligiri Rangan Hills, India. 5. Influence of dispersal mode on species response to anthropogenic pressures

Abstract: We examined the response of forest tree species with different dispersal modes to anthropogenic pressure in a dry deciduous forest of South India. The species and their populations were sampled in two forest stands, one in proximity to a Soliga settlement (greater disturbance) and the other distant to the settlement (lower disturbance). Our results suggest that the populations of animal dispersed species than those of wind or passively dispersed species are more vulnerable to human disturbance. In fact wind dispersed species seem to be facilitated by human disturbances. The proximal site had a higher representation of understory plants and seedling belonging to wind dispersed species than that of animal dispersed species. We discuss the results in the context of the role of dispersal mode in shaping species response, and vegetation composition of forest to anthropogenic pressures.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi with edible fruiting bodies 3.Tuber magnatum, tuberaceae

Abstract: The Italian white truffle(Tuber magnatum Pico) forms mycorrhizal relationships, with the roots of, for example, poplars, willows, oaks, aspen, alder and hazelnut in Northern Italy and in small areas of Southern France, Switzerland and Yugoslavia. Its fruiting bodies, which are harvested in autumn and early winter, have a strong aroma and taste and are much sought-after by chefs and gourmets. Because they do not preserve well, good quality Italian white truffle is unavailable for much of the year. The vegetation, climate and soils where T. magnatum grows in Italy are described and compared with those found in similar areas in New Zealand. Market information and methods for cultivatingT. magnatum are also presented.

Uses of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens, Arecaceae) in Florida

Abstract: Saw palmetto [Serenoa repens (Bartr.) Small] is the most common native palm in the U.S. and, possibly, the most useful. Cattle and wildlife, especially black bears and white-tailed deer, consume the fruits. The flowers are a favorite nectar source for honey bees, and the sprawling, shrubby palm provides excellent cover for birds, reptiles, and small animals. Saw palmetto's edible fruits were a staple in the diet of Florida's pre-contact inhabitants. Vegetative parts of the plant supply fiber, wax, and roof thatch. Current interest in saw palmetto stems from its use in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. An estimated 6 800 000 kg of the fruit are shipped to Europe each year. Preliminary data suggest that the economic value of saw palmetto harvesting may exceed that of cattle grazing, the common use of much saw palmetto habitat.

Vegetative, reproductive, and physiological Adaptations to aridity of pitayo (Stenocereus queretaroensis, Cactaceae)

Abstract: Pitayos fStenocereus spp.) are columnar cacti that produce attractive edible fruits under both wild and cultivated conditions. Until recently the study of pitayos has been relatively neglected even though they have been a crucial staple for the inhabitants of subtropical semiarid lands of Mexico since ancient times and this century have become an important fruit crop there. The main objective of this review is to relate seasonal aspects of vegetative and reproductive growth, CO2 uptake, and carbohydrate resources to abiotic components of the environment. Flower and fruit production occur during the dry season in the late winter and spring, roots grow during the summer wet season, and stem elongation commences in the autumn at the beginning of the dry season. Vegetative growth thus does not coincide with reproductive growth, as it does for other fruit crops in temperate and tropical regions. The time offset of vegetative and reproductive activities reduces competitive sink effects, regulating assimilate partitioning to different organs, which may allow Stenocereus queretaroensis to adapt to water-limited environments. Reserve carbohydrates (starch, mucilage) accumulate in the early summer just after reproductive growth and in the early winter just after stem extension. Reducing sugars increase during the middle of the summer before stem elongation begins. The low rates of growth and of photosynthesis for S. queretaroensis are associated with low tissue levels of nitrogen, chlorophyll, and some micronutrients (Fe, Mn). Low levels of gibberellic acid may also contribute to its low growth rate. It does not respond morphologically to irrigation during the dry period, indicating a low plasticity for growth. Although S. queretaroensis is cultivated, its physiological and phenological activities closely resemble those of wild CAM species and other wild perennial plants, reflecting its rather recent domestication and the fact that selections were based mainly on fruit quality and adaptation to aridity rather than biomass productivity.

Promoting the Conservation and Use of Underutilized and Neglected Crops. 8. Chayote.Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw

Abstract: p. 372 Desmoncus orthacanos, c o m m o n n a m e is \" j u n c o neg ro . \" p. 373 in Clus iaceae , correc t n a m e s are: Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess . Tr iana & Planch. ; and Rheedia edulis (Seem.) . Diospyros digyna Jacq./GIM3495/Zapote negro, Zapo te p r i e to /M,C/Tree /Ed ib le fruits ( S e p J a n ) [correct sequence is L1,N,I . (2, 16, 17, 21, 22)] C o m m o n n a m e for Sloanea medusula Schum. & Pit t ier is \" E r i z o . \" p. 374 Virola guatemalensis, spec imen n u m b e r is GIM2450 . Erythrina folkersii spec imen n u m b e r is GIM3172 . Piper auritum, is a shrub or tree and leaves are used as a spice.

Usefulness and Economic potential of the Rare Plants of the United States: A statistical Survey

Abstract: The economic usefulness and potential of endangered and rare plants in the United States was surveyed to assess some of the potential impacts of plant extinction on the world’s largest economy. We analyzed relationships between an existing comprehensive database of U.S. rare plants, and a new database that synthesizes available information on worldwide plant uses and U.S. crop values. While few rare plants are directly useful, nearly 80% of the U.S. plant genera with rare taxa contain at least one useful species. Moreover, two-thirds of the 2949 U.S. rare and endangered taxa are congeneric with cultivated species. Examples of this close relationship between rare plants and their economically significant congenerics were translated into dollar values. For instance, the annual U.S. wholesale farm value of food crop congenerics of rare plants is $9 billion. Since many crops require periodic genetic infusions from close relatives to combat threats from climatic change and disease, or to supply features such as improved nutritional value, we conclude that the threats to the rare wild plants of the U.S. also constitute threats to the future of many contemporary crops.

The delphic bee: bees and toxic honeys as pointers to psychoactive and other medicinal plants

Abstract: Herein a brief review, with 49 references, of the history and phytochemistry of toxic honeys, in which bees have sequestered plant secondary compounds naturally occurring in plant nectars (floral and extrafloral). It is hypothesized that such toxic honeys could have served as pointers to psychoactive and other medicinal plants for human beings exploring novel ecosystems, causing such plants to stand out, even against a background of extreme biodiversity. After reviewing various ethnomedicinal uses of toxic honeys, the author suggests that pre-Columbian Yucatecan Mayans intentionally produced a psychoactive honey from the shamanic inebriant Turbina corymbosa as a visionary substrate for manufacture of their ritual metheglin, balche.

Phenology, breeding system and fruit development of argan [Argania spinosa, Sapotaceae] cultivated in Israel

Abstract: Argan (Argania spinosa) is an evergreen tree native to southwestern Morocco appreciated for its edible, high nutritional oil, extracted from the kernels of the drupe-like fruit. Aspects of its reproductive biology were studied with the aim to domesticate the tree as an oil crop. Flowering offertigated trees cultivated in the Negev Highlands of Israel was confined to the spring months. The flowers were protogynous. Results of different pollination treatments showed that a pollen vector was necessary for pollination and that fruit set was significantly higher in cross and open pollination (7–9%) than in self pollination (0.5%). The lower fruit set obtained in self pollination was related to postzygotic discrimination. Pollen transfer by wind was restricted to short distances. Flies, mainly of the family Calliphoridae, visited the flowers and were found to be covered with argan pollen. Fruits ripened nine months after anthesis, exhibiting bisigmoidal growth curve.

Tapping oleoresin From Dipterocarpus alatus (Dipterocarpaceae) in a Lao village

Abstract: Dipterocarpus alatus (Dipterocarpaceae) is native to the mainland of Southeast Asia, where its oleoresin is used by indigenous people for illumination and for waterproofing baskets and boats. In modern society it is used for paint, varnish and lacquer and the essential oil is used as a fixative in perfumes. This species is also important for its timber. Tapping, marketing and economic importance of this non-timber forest product in a Laotian village, is described here. Annual production of oleoresin per tapped tree is between 22.5 and 31.0 l and the price received by the tappers is US $0.30/1. The product represents a main source of cash income to many villagers and the recent approach by businessmen could indicate an increased demand. There are good possibilities to enhance revenues for the tappers by adding value to the product at the source.