Ethnobotanical Study On Clusiaceae Plants

The plants of Clusiaceae (Guttiferae) can provide edible fruits, drinks, herbal medicines, dyes, oil-bearing seeds and hard wood, which is considered as significant economic purposes by indigenous peoples in China. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted throughout Yunnan and Guangxi provinces to investigate and document the Clusiaceae plants traditionally used by local people. After literature study,26 villages were selected to carry out the field investigations. Information was collected using direct observation, semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires and participatory rural appraisal (PRA). The major results are as follows:1. In total, information about 29 specimens in Clusiaceae were collected. They mainly belong to Garcinia and Hypericum.2. Most of the useful values are in aspects of medicine, food and ornamentals. They provide basic mineral substances and vitamins that body health need, especially for those who live in remote areas. Besides, more than half of these species are with other values.3. We try to demonstrate that recognizing traditional medicine knowledge is consistent with composition and effect analysis use modern method. Provide a reliable basis for the study of chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of the further development of plants in Clusiaceae. At the same time, this research also plays a very important role in developing new drugs and chemical products.4. Biodiversity and local cultural diversity have positive correlation. Because of the utilization of resources, the germplasm resources can be saved and developed better.5. Clusiaceae plants grow mainly in tropical region, Southeast Asian countries also have various ways of using them. We compared and analysed the different way of using by different countries’people, and summary its main value.Based on field investigation of and literature study on family Clusiaceae in China, this paper dealt with the multiple uses in terms of aesthetic purposes, natural distribution, status of resources, and ethnobotany of species with potential values. Therefore, we could draw some inspiration in promoting traditional medicine application and ethnobotanical conversation in Clusiaceae. In summary, the results will provide a feasible strategy to future utilize the resources of Clusiaceae.