Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Neglected food plants
In urban areas and in the countryside, many wild species are valued in traditional cuisine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Different ethnic groups have different ways to incorporate these plants in their diets.
Physalis peruviana at the Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden (2021) by ako ntiboneraOriginal Source: Fondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Physalis peruviana
The fruits of Physalis peruviana, (Mbuma in Lingala and Swahili) are much appreciated and the leaves are used to make an herbal tea that helps combat certain cardiovascular diseases such as gout. They are widespread in urban markets when in season.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Dioscorea
Among the neglected food plants are various varieties of wild yams (Dioscoreaceae) despite being the main food of the indigenous Pygmy peoples and a recipe par excellence for diabetics and women.
Valorization of plants by womenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Talinum triangulare
Some wild plants are neglected in traditional cuisine both in rural areas and in the towns of Kivu Montagneux. The Talinum triangulare (Matako ya bibi in Swahili) for exemple is very tasty and nutritious and could replace spinach.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree, Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Capsicum frutescens
Picking wild plants such as wild peppers is activity reserved to women in Kivu's rural areas. Village women have used the fruits, and leaves as condiments and vegetables for decades, especially in times of famine and drought.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Amaranthus viridis
Wild amaranth is available all year-round in a variety of locations. In Bushi (South Kivu), it has been given the name Ntendebuka for its continuous availability throughout the year around towns. It is often collected and sold by women.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Solanum nigrum (Milunda en Mashi)
Solanum nigrum is one of the bitter wild vegetables widely distributed in many habitats and sold in markets in urban areas. In the forest, this herb can acquire a larger size and becomes more bitter.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Solanum nigrum
This plant is much sought after and sold on the market in the form of vegetables in large quantities because of its medicinal virtues against certain diseases such as diabetes.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Ensete ventricosum (wild banana)
Fruits and seeds of the wild banana tree are an important source of nutrition for the Pygmies in the Kivu Montagneux, while other parts of the plant are used as medicine. In the past, dry seeds were used as currency.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
The ripe fruits are a source of food, and the seeds are used to ferment traditional drinks in Kivu.
La patate douce pendant la cuisson avec une couverture par la feuille de bananierFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Ipomoea batatas
Beans are a food staple for the majority of ethnic groups' food habits. The bean is associated with sweet potatoes, either grilled or boiled. The cooking of sweet potato is rich in knowledge in traditional cuisine in Kivu.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Furthermore, sweet potato leaves are eaten as a traditional vegetable among different ethnic groups.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean)
The main food crop in mountainous Kivu among the agricultural population, the bean is the most widespread and popular food in traditional cuisine. It is grown almost everywhere in all the provinces, but it is Kivu where it has adapted better.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Myrianthus holstii
Many forest species such as Myrianthus holstii are veritable food factories for both local populations and animals around the protected areas of Kivu Montagneux.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Wild passionflower, delicious fruit
Many delicious wild fruits are available in the mountain forests, but the limited access to the classified forests makes it necessary to grow them in the home gardens.
Pteridium aquilinum, une plante alimentaire sauvage à multiples usages traditionnels au Kivu (2021) by Chakupewa MarieOriginal Source: Fondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Promoting local knowledge for biodiversity
While more than 80% of Congolese depend on the forest for their survival, traditional knowledge about its biodiversity is rapidly disappearing. Many useful species for food are not yet valued.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
The overexploitation of natural resources is a threat to ecosystems. At the Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden, young people develop sustainable and innovative strategies to conserve and promote knowledge about various neglected and endangered native species.
Marie Chakupewa, Akonkwa Ntibonera, Anicet Bahidika, Pasteur Mirindi, Bijou Kitumaini
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