Study of indigenous knowledge for the purpose of conservation and development of Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus K.Komatsu, S.Zhu & S.Q.Cai in Lai Chau province

Abstract

This study aims to collect indigenous knowledge on the Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus K.Komatsu, S.Zhu & S.Q.Cai plant including its identification characteristics, seasonal growth stages, habitat, processing and use as well as its applications. The results of interviews with indigenous people show that: (1) The identification characteristics of Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus are of plants to 1 m in height with a typical mature height of 50 cm, broad leaved
with 5 leaves per petiole. Leaf edge is serrated, leaf surface has hairy in the Phong Tho district but hairless in Sin Ho district. Leaf length were from 10 cm in lenght (Sin Ho) to 15 cm in lenght (Phong Tho). The stem are green with green flower buds, emerging as white. Fruit are green turning red when ripe; (2) The seasonal growth cycle of the Panax species sees shoots and leaves in February - May, flowering in April - August peaking in June, with fruit formation June - September ripening in October; (3) The ideal habitat was
found to include natural forest, degraded forest, agricultural land alongside plantings of Amomum aromaticum Roxb., as well as household gardens.
Suitable top soil was described to be black or yellow in colour, located in humid full and/or part shade (canopy cover > 50%) and the best height of tree for planting 10 - 20 cm; (4) With regard to the processing and use of the species, most people sell the plant fresh without preliminary processing, only some people dried the plant by hanging it in the chimney over the kitchen fire for storage and later use, interviewees identified the medicinal value for; skin injuries, as a tonic for people with general weakness or thin stature, abdominal pain, postpartum women, and some other diseases.