The Role of Plant Diversity in Local Community of Gili Iyang Island, Sumenep, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is known as an archipelago with more than 17,000 islands, one of which is Gili Iyang Island. The island is located in the eastern part of Madura island, including in the region of Sumenep regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. Gili Iyang Island is reported as one of the highest oxygen sites in the world with tourism potency such as various caves with its natural beauty. The research was aimed to discover the plant diversity and local wisdom of the community. Data was collected through direct observation, open ended interview with 20 informants in two villages. The results showed that no less than 94 species utilized as food, medicines and other purposes. The plant species used for food such as taal (Borassus flabellifer L.), bukkol (Zizyphusjujuba Mill.), bille (Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa.) and bintaos (Wrightia pubescens R.Br.). The latter species is still rare to consume as food, while medicinal materials are landhek (Barleria pronitis L), membhe (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and tanggeri (Sida rhombifolia L.).