Plant diversity in agroforestry system and its traditional use by three different ethnics in Central Sulawesi Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract This paper discusses the result of the study on plant diversity in the Agroforestry system and its traditional uses by the three different ethnicities in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The basic data of traditional plants used by each of the ethnic groups in the research site wer collected through an in-depth interview initiated by an informed consent using a questionnaire containing open-ended questions—fifty (50) respondents from each of the ethnic groups representing different jobs. The result showed that the highest number of plant species was found in research site B, bu the highest number of individual plants was noted in research site A. The highest Important Value Index (IVI) of tree, poles, sapling a,nd seedling level of plant species differed among the three research sites. When viewed from the perspective of traditional plant use, the highest ICS of plants utilized by the three ethnics was “coconut” (Cocos Nucifera L). The number ofthe utiliplantslant was different among the three ethnics. Tao Taa Wana people have utilized about 43 plant species, 27 of which were used for medicines, 20 for foods, 2 for natural dying, 18 for fuels, 6 for building materials, 5 for ritraditionaluonal ceremonies. In research site B (Singkoyo), 52 plant spe es have been extensively used by Javanese people for a wide range of culturally related activities, 28 species were used as medicine, 32 for food, 17 for fuel, 7 for building materials, and 10 for ornaments. Unlikely, in site C (Mentawa, 39 plant species were used traditionally by Balinese people; 18 of which were used for medicines, 18 for food, and 13 for ritual ceremonies).