Morphological and ethnobotanical characterization of "Kroala" (Corchorus olitorius L.) cultivars, a traditional leafy vegetable consumed in the central regions of Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Corchorus olitorius, is a plant of the Malvaceae family, known as "kroala" in Côte d'Ivoire. This plant is recognized as rich in bioactive and nutritive substances. It also has pharmacological properties. In order to identify and valorize the cultivars of Corchorus olitorius, a cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey based on a snowball sampling was carried out in the different central regions of Côte d'Ivoire in order to inventory the cultivars of Corchorus olitorius as well as the ethnobotanical uses. A total of 17 localities were surveyed and 428 people were interviewed. The study revealed that three (3) cultivars of Corchorus olitorius var olitorius and two (2) cultivars of Corchorus olitorius var incisifolius were identified. These cultivars are used occasionally only for food consumption. Only 17.3% of the respondents claimed that kroala leaves would treat certain diseases such as anemia, typhoid fever, constipation and malaria. A better knowledge of the biochemical and phytochemical properties of these cultivars will contribute to a better valorization of this plant both through food and health of the populations.