Comparing Apples and Pears

The Hidden Diversity of Central African Bush Mangoes (Irvingiaceae)

Datos Bibliográficos

ID8919366
AutoresSandrine Galloi (0000-0002-4354-7685, Leiden University, autor de correspondencia), Tinde R Van Andel (0000-0002-4951-1894, Leiden University), Tinde Van Andel, Thomas Heger (Leiden University), Bonaventure Sonké (0000-0002-4310-3603, Université de Yaoundé I), Amanda G Henry (0000-0002-2923-4199, Leiden University)
Año2020
Volumen74
Número2
Páginas178-194
Fecha de publicación2020-06-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaEconomic Botany (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0013-0001 • E-ISSN: 1874-9364
EditorialSpringer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1007/s12231-020-09497-x
OpenAlexW3040818324
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas6
Referencias citadas32

Comparing Apples and Pears: The Hidden Diversity of Central African Bush Mangoes (Irvingiaceae) . The fruits of Irvingiaceae trees, commonly known as “bush mangoes” or “mangues sauvages,” are crucial foods for Central African human populations, as well as local wildlife. Irvingiaceae oil-rich kernels play an important role in local diet, well-being, and livelihood. When collected for sale, they enter the international market of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), which represents a considerable source of income for central African countries. Despite the importance of bush mangoes, there is a general lack of precision in the literature on the exact species of Irvingiaceae present in local diets and NTFP markets. Few botanical studies include local names and uses of the different Irvingiaceae species, while ethnographical and social studies rarely corroborate their identifications by collecting vouchers. In this study, we combined ethnographic research and botanical collection to verify which Irvingiaceae species were consumed and collected for trade by the Baka, a group of forager-horticulturalists in southeastern Cameroon. We provide evidence of the floristic diversity hidden behind the term “bush mangoes”, as well as the knowledge and uses of Irvingiaceae fruits by the Baka. We discuss the importance of eight Irvingiaceae species for Baka livelihood as well as the potential threats regarding the future of these valuable trees

Agriculture · Agroforestry · Archaeology · Biodiversity · Biology · Bushmeat · Diversity (politics · Ethnobotany · Geography · Livelihood · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Wildlife · Wildlife trade · African Botany and Ecology Studies · Agriculture and Rural Development Research · Anthropology · Cocoa and Sweet Potato Agronomy · Ecology