The uses of fig (Ficus) by five ethnic minority communities in Southern Shan State, Myanmar

Abstract

Background: Most regions of Myanmar fall within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and are threatened of biodiversity loss. Development of a comprehensive framework for sustainable development is crucial. Figs are ecological keystone species within these regions and are also important for their traditional spiritual, food and health uses, which often have accompanying conservation practices. These may offer clues to help guide the development of national policies for sustainable development. In this study we showcase the rich ethnobotanical knowledge as well as the variety of collection and conservation practices of figs among five ethnic groups in Southern Shan State.Methods: We performed both key informant and semi-structured interviews with 114 informants from five ethnic groups. Their uses for figs were categorized according to local practices and recipes. Informants were asked about trends in conservation status over the past 10 years and any conservation related customs and practices. Data were analyzed quantitatively with common quantitative ethnobotany indices, the use report (UR) and use value (UV). Results: Informants reported the uses of eight fig species (Ficus auricularta，F. concinna, F. geniculata，F. hispida, F. racemosa, F. religiosa，F. semicordata, and F. virens). F. geniculata and F. virens were most useful (UR = 228) and were used by all five ethnic groups, corresponding to a high use value (UV = 2). Treatments for 16 diseases were reported from seven species. Household consumption, economic, and sacred uses were accompanied by sustainable practices of harvest and protection. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation were practiced especially for highly demanded species (F. geniculata and F. virens), and the sacred fig F. religiosa.Conclusion: Findings suggest that figs are useful for food (all informants) and medicine (13.16% of the informants) in the study area. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation practices help to maintain sustainable utilization of locally important figs. This is an early contribution to the traditional knowledge of edible figs. Although similar uses have been reported in neighboring countries for seven of the fig species, the ethnobotanical use of F. concinna is novel.

The influence of Opuntia ficus‐indica on human livelihoods in Southern Africa

“…Indeed, O. ficus‐indica has the potential to support livelihoods around the world (el Kharrassi et al, 2016; Nefzaoui & Ben Salem, 2002; Saenz, 2000; Sáenz, 2002; Yahia & Sáenz, 2011). The use of wild fruits is a common phenomenon around the world, as observed by Mon et al (2020). The lack of knowledge about the status of O. ficus‐indica as an alien plant is recognized in the literature (Shackleton & Shackleton, 2016).…”

Brief survey on phytochemicals to prevent COVID-19

“…The many uses of medicinal plants need have led to encounter and overexploitation. An account of the multipurpose uses of ethno-medicinal plants in turn to be threaten for overharvesting in several countries including India [ 97 ]. Frequent forest fires and early harvests jeopardise existing populations of medicinal plants.…”