A comprehensive checklist of the wild edible plants of Guinea-Bissau, West Africa

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Wild edible plants (WEP) are among the most important non-timber forest products, contributing both to local food security and to the generation of income for families. The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive dataset of WEP in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, including species identification, characterization of uses, bioecology, and local common names, as well as an associated image dataset documenting the species and their edible parts. Data were collected through extensive fieldwork across the country, complemented by bibliographic and herbarium research. Additionally, countryside and urban markets were visited to identify and characterize WEP currently traded. A total of 114 WEP were recorded in the flora of Guinea-Bissau, belonging to 45 families and 89 genera; of these, 110 are native species and four are introduced and naturalized. Fruits were the most commonly consumed plant part, followed by leaves and underground organs, with most consumed in natura. About 40 WEP are sold in the markets, several of which have high socioeconomic importance both as food and as sources of income. This dataset enhances knowledge of WEP in Guinea-Bissau and supports the promotion of sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystems in West Africa.

This publication has 17 references indexed in Scilit: