Ethnobotanical survey of less-known indigenous edible tree Diospyros mespiliformis (Ebenaceae) in Benin, West Africa

African ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) is a priority indigenous fruit tree that has several uses but its use pattern and conservation are little documented across various ethnic groups in Benin. These surveys carried out in 2018 aimed at provide a critical appraisal of the existing knowledge on the ethno-botanical value of these resources among 317 registered informants. Data on socio demographic characteristics and uses of these plant resources was collected based on oral interview using Kobo Collect tool and a well-structured questionnaire from 11 ethnic groups. Quantitative analysis techniques including Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), Hierarchical Clustering (HCPC) and beta-regression (beta-reg)) were performed to evaluaterelative usefulness of different tree organs and the extent to which quantitative indexes give similar results. Results revealed three clusters with diverse uses of D. mespiliformis. The main uses categories of African ebony were food-fodder, medicinal, construction and magico-religious. The results showed also significant difference in use between ethnic groups, generations and socio-professional categories (P < 0.05). However, gender, religion and educational background of informants were not a determinant of local knowledge (P > 0.05). In addition, diseases treated with D. mespiliformis werefever, dressing wound, malaria and infertility. Our findings suggest that local availability of D. mespiliformis should prioritize the fruit and the wood which are the most valued parts of the plant. In order to fully explore the plant’s potential, this resource needs development of integrated cultivation approach, safety evaluation and detailed ethno-pharmacological studies because it is not excluded that interesting medicinal properties setting in light by research permit to finalize new drug. Keywords: Quantitative ethno-botany, Medicinal plant, edible tree, Diospyros mespiliformis, Benin ID: 3477093

Bibliographic Details

Main Author:	Gnonlonfin, L., Ouinsavi, C., Olawale, E.
Format:	Article biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	FAO ; 2022
Online Access:	https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/CC1750EN http://www.fao.org/3/cc1750en/cc1750en.pdf
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