Dulong People’s Traditional Knowledge of Caryota obtusa (Arecaceae): a Potential Starch Plant with Emphasis on Its Starch Properties and Distribution Prediction
Authors
Zhuo Cheng
Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas, (Minzu University of China), National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing, 100081 China
Xiaoping Lu
Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas, (Minzu University of China), National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing, 100081 China
Xian Hu
Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas, (Minzu University of China), National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing, 100081 China
Qing Zhang
Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas, (Minzu University of China), National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing, 100081 China
Maroof Ali
Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, 666303 China
Chunlin Long
Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas, (Minzu University of China), National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing, 100081 China
Keywords:
Key Words: Dulong people, Traditional knowledge, Caryota obtusa, Ethnobotany
Abstract
The greatest global challenge is to ensure that all people have access to adequate and nutritious food. Wild edible plants, particularly those that provide substitutes for staple foods, can play a key role in enhancing food security and maintaining a balanced diet in rural communities. We used ethnobotanical methods to investigate traditional knowledge on Caryota obtusa, a substitute staple food plant of the Dulong people in Northwest Yunnan, China. The chemical composition, morphological properties, functional, and pasting properties of C. obtusa starch were evaluated. We used MaxEnt modeling to predict the potential geographical distribution of C. obtusa in Asia. Results revealed that C. obtusa is a vital starch species with cultural significance in the Dulong community. There are large areas suitable for C. obtusa in southern China, northern Myanmar, southwestern India, eastern Vietnam, and other places. As a potential starch crop, C. obtusa could substantially contribute to local food security and bring economic benefit. In the future, it is necessary to study the breeding and cultivation of C. obtusa, as well as the processing and development of starch, to solve long-term and hidden hunger in rural areas.
Key Words: Dulong people, Traditional knowledge, Caryota obtusa, Ethnobotany
Author Biographies
Zhuo Cheng, Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas, (Minzu University of China), National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing, 100081 China
Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Ministry of Education, (Minzu University of China), Beijing, 100081 China
Xiaoping Lu, Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas, (Minzu University of China), National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing, 100081 China
Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Ministry of Education, (Minzu University of China), Beijing, 100081 China
Qing Zhang, Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas, (Minzu University of China), National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing, 100081 China
Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Ministry of Education, (Minzu University of China), Beijing, 100081 China
Chunlin Long, Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environment in Minority Areas, (Minzu University of China), National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Beijing, 100081 China
Institute of National Security Studies, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081 China
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