Diversity and traditional knowledge of wild edible plants in the karst ecosystems of Paranggupito, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Rarasti KA, Astuti AR, Putra CDH, Damayanti K, Amar, Saensouk S, Setyawan AD. 2025. Diversity and traditional knowledge of wild edible plants in the karst ecosystems of Paranggupito, Central Java, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 74-84. Although often considered ecologically marginal due to rocky terrain and limited water availability, karst ecosystems harbor rich traditional knowledge. Communities in such environments frequently rely on Wild Edible Plants (WEP) to support daily subsistence and health. This study documents the diversity and traditional knowledge of WEP in three villages—Songbledeg, Paranggupito, and Gunturharjo—in the karst region of Paranggupito, Central Java, Indonesia. Using semi-structured interviews with 135 informants and participatory field observation, we identified 44 WEP species belonging to 30 botanical families. Each species was classified by part used, preparation method, and habitat. Ethnobotanical indices, including Use Value (UV) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), were calculated. Leafy vegetables dominated the list, with Amaranthus hybridus, Musa paradisiaca, and Alpinia galanga showing the highest Use Values (UV), reflecting their broad use and cultural importance. High ICF values for processed food and medicinal categories indicate strong cultural agreement. Species were found across home gardens, rice fields, forest edges, and karst slopes, reflecting deep ecological knowledge. Sociodemographic analysis revealed that women and elders, as key knowledge holders, play a crucial role in preserving this knowledge. The findings underscore the importance of WEP for food security, cultural resilience, and biocultural conservation in vulnerable agroecosystems. Policy integration and youth engagement are essential to sustain this knowledge in the face of modernization and environmental change.