INDIGENOUS SEMI-TEMPERATE VEGETABLES OF CORDILLERA, PHILIPPINES

The Cordillera region in Philippines is home to a diversity of endemic and indigenous plant species, which has captured the interest of environmentalists, researchers and other enthusiasts.
Initial survey and documentation of the diversity of the indigenous semi-temperate vegetables in the various municipalities in Benguet and Mountain Province and including Baguio City were undertaken through a participatory approach with the local communities.
Forty-seven plants species belonging to 21 families were reported to be eaten as vegetables, utilizing mostly the tops or young shoots.
Few made use of the fruits and flowers for food.
Of the 21 families, a greater number, (19.15%), belonged to Asteraceae, followed by Solanaceae (10.64%), Amaranthaceae (8.51%), Brassicaceae (6.38%) and Passifloraceae (6.38%). Four plants species which are seemingly endemic are yet to be identified.
Other than use as food, 51% of the indigenous vegetables surveyed have medicinal values as well.
The results of this research are documented in a handbook entitled “Indigenous Semi-Temperate Vegetables of Cordillera”.

I International Conference on Indigenous Vegetables and Legumes. Prospectus for Fighting Poverty, Hunger and Malnutrition

L.G. Lirio, L.O. Ayyokad, J.N. Paing

Ethnobotany, sustainable, conservation, propagation, biodiversity

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2007.752.95