INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE ABOUT WILD EDIBLE PLANTS OF THE CIL PEOPLE IN DAM RONG 4 COMMUNE, LAM DONG PROVINCE

Abstract

Through a transect survey and semi-structured interviews with knowledgeable and experienced individuals about edible plants, this study documented the unique knowledge of the Cil ethnic group regarding WEPS in Dam Rong 4 commune, Lam Dong province. A total of 67 species, belonging to 58 genera, of 39 families, were recorded, with Moraceae, Solanum and Melastoma being used with the highest frequency. WEPS species were mainly distributed along stream banks and swamps; as well as in mixed broadleaf and coniferous forests, bamboo; evergreen broadleaf forests; vacant land and agricultural land. The fruit is the most used part (43.28%), leaves (29.85%), shoots (19.40%),... these parts were collected mainly by the picking (gathering) method (83.58%), they were processed to remove tannins and poison substances by three methods: soaking in water, boiling and wilting. Nine different processing methods, including raw (52.24%), stir-fried (40.30%) and making soup (35.82%), dominated the other techniques. Typical and popular soup, stir-fried, and raw dishes were also introduced in this paper. These findings not only demonstrate the importance of edible plants in providing daily food but also emphasise the need to preserve traditional ecological knowledge for future generations and provide information for the formulation of integrated WEPS conservation policies and indigenous knowledge of the Cil people.