Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants gathered and sold by Jbala society in the Tingitan Peninsula (Northwest Morocco)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Wild edible plants (WEPs) are a vital supplementary food source for many rural populations worldwide. In the rural communities of northwest Morocco, the consumption and trade of these plants play a crucial role in both the local diet and as a source of income, particularly for women. This ethnobotanical study aimed to identify and document the WEPs consumed and sold in local markets, with a focus on women vendors. METHODS: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted across thirteen local markets in northwest Morocco, involving semi-structured interviews with 728 women vendors. Data were collected on the plant species used, preparation methods, collection habitats, and seasonal availability, as well as their culinary and trade applications. Quantitative indices, including Frequency of Relative Citations (FRCs), Use Reports (UR), and the Cultural Importance Diversity Index (CUDI), were calculated to assess species importance and cultural relevance. RESULTS: The study recorded 55 market-traded WEP species (43 genera, 23 families), with Asteraceae being the most dominant (followed by Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, and Malvaceae). Seasonal availability peaked in spring (43.8%) and winter (37.5%), with most species gathered from cultivated or ruderal areas (39%), forests (23%), and other natural habitats (38%). Leaves (45%) and stems (39%) were the most utilized parts, while fruits accounted for 10%. Primary uses included vegetables (39 species), fruits (10 species), flavoring agents (8 species), and raw consumption (8 species). CONCLUSIONS: Wild edible plants significantly contribute to food security and local livelihoods in northwest Morocco. Women vendors act as key custodians of traditional ecological knowledge, and local markets serve as hubs for the preservation and transmission of these cultural practices. Supporting these systems can contribute to biodiversity conservation and food sovereignty.