Ethnobotanical uses of wild edible plants of Mucaba municipality, Angola

Abstract

The forests and savannahs of Mucaba municipality in northern Angola hold enormous potential for plant-based non-timber forest products (NTFPs), including wild food plants (WFPs). Mucaba communities have accumulated a wealth of traditional knowledge on the use of wild edible plants over their long history. However, few studies have highlighted this unique and globally attractive culture. The ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 9 villages in Mucaba Municipality in September and October 2020. A total of 65 local informants were interviewed (35 women and 30 men), and their traditional knowledge of wild edible plants was documented. A total of 46 wild edible plants, belonging to 25 families and 30 genera were documented. These plants are consumed as wild edible vegetables, seasonal fruits, spice substitutes for tea, and forest alcoholic drinks. The traditional knowledge of wild edible plants held by the villagers of Mucaba is rich but is in danger of being lost among the younger generation. Therefore, the diversified cultivation of these local plants would allow their sustainable use and conservation especially of the endangered species in this part of Angola.