Wild Edible Plants of Andalusia: Traditional Uses and Potential of Eating Wild in a Highly Diverse Region

Abstract

A review of ethnobotanical sources focused on traditionally-used wild food plants in Andalusia (southern Spain), one of the most biodiverse regions in Europe, is carried out. With 21 original sources plus some previously unpublished data, the dataset shows a high diversity of these traditional resources, reaching 336 species or c. 7% of the total wild flora. Cultural aspects related to the use of some species are discussed and data are compared with similar works. The results are discussed through the lens of conservation and bromatology. For 24% of the edible plants, informants also mentioned a medicinal use (achieved by consuming the same part of the plant). In addition, a list of 166 potentially edible species is provided based on a review of data from other Spanish territories.

Long-Term Monitoring of the Traditional Knowledge of Plant Species Used for Culinary Purposes in the Valencia Region, South-Eastern Spain

“…The review of the scientific literature confirms that there are such ethnobotanical studies in nearly every country in Europe and many countries outside of it [ 42 , 43 ]. In respect to plant species of interest, in a large-scale study of a geographically adjacent region, the 10 species ( Foeniculum vulgare , Rubus ulmifolius , Scolymus hispanicus , Silene vulgaris , Asparagus acutifolius , Chamaerops humilis , Portulaca oleracea , Mentha sp., Salvia rosmarinus, and Silybum marianum ) with the highest reported uses coinciding with species analyzed in the present study, are typical of Mediterranean environments and form part of the ethnobotanical cultural legacy of the region [ 12 ]. Moreover, in similar studies, raw or cooked vegetable parts are the most frequently used, whereas their use in liqueurs, curds or spices are less common [ 26 , 44 ].…”

“…Nevertheless, in recent years, the desire for a more natural diet has increased the sales of WEPs in local marketplaces. At the same time, trial gardens for the farming and manufacture of wild plants have been recognized on a regional basis in order to fill the gap in the supermarket [ 12 , 31 ]. Based on the characteristics of both wild and cultivated plants, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities are the most commonly observed for these species.…”

Wild species from the family Apiaceae, traditionally used as food in some Mediterranean countries

“…About 2300 different plants and fungi are collected from the nature as food in the Mediterranean region, many of these being umbellifers [11]. The Apiaceae family, consists of about 3780 species in 434 genera, most of which are native to the Mediterranean region and south-western Asia.…”

Nutritional Composition and Phytochemical Evaluation of Some Selected Wild Edible Plants in Tach Gaint District, Northwestern Ethiopia

“…In many developing nations, millions of people lack access to enough food to meet their daily needs, and many others are deficient in one or more micronutrients. Plants are crucial to human survival and are the basis of life on Earth [ 1 ]. Wild floras are home to a wide array of helpful plants that have long served as a valuable source of needs.…”